How to Cook Juicy Turkey Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to enjoy delicious and juicy turkey meat. The low and slow cooking method helps break down the collagen in the dark meat, resulting in very tender and succulent drumsticks. Best of all, you just need to quickly sear the drumsticks to get that nice browned flavor, then let the slow cooker do the rest of the work. In about 5-6 hours, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone turkey drumsticks ready to enjoy.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Turkey Drumsticks

There are several advantages to using a slow cooker for cooking turkey drumsticks:

• Requires minimal prep and easy cleanup. Simply sear the drumsticks, add to the slow cooker, and let it cook unattended.

• Drumsticks turn out very moist and tender. The lengthy cooking time allows the meat to become fall-apart tender.

• Adds lots of flavor. The drumsticks cook in their own juices along with aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs.

• Helps save time. The hands-off cooking method frees up your time for other tasks.

• Allows you to safely cook turkey drumsticks The lengthy cook time ensures the meat reaches a safe internal temperature

Tips for Cooking Turkey Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker

Follow these tips to ensure your turkey drumsticks turn out perfectly cooked in the slow cooker

• Choose the right size drumsticks. Opt for drumsticks around 1 pound each, which will fit comfortably in a 6-quart slow cooker.

• Sear the drumsticks first. Browning the drumsticks on all sides adds flavor. Use a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Use aromatics. Mince garlic, onion, herbs like rosemary or thyme to add to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer, being careful not to stack them.

• Add liquid. Use chicken broth, turkey stock or water. The drumsticks will release juices as they cook.

• Allow resting time. Once cooked, let the drumsticks rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Cook Turkey Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker

Follow this simple method for cooking drumsticks until fall-apart tender:

Ingredients:

• 4 turkey drumsticks (about 1 pound each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock

Directions:

1. Pat the drumsticks dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Place the onion, garlic, thyme and rosemary into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken broth.
4. Nestle the browned drumsticks into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the meat is very tender.
6. Transfer the drumsticks to a platter. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

The drumsticks will be fall-off-the-bone tender after the lengthy cooking time. Serve them with your choice of side dishes for a delicious and hearty meal. Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf pair especially well with slow cooker turkey drumsticks. Leftovers can be used to make turkey soup or sandwiches.

Flavor Variations

The basic slow cooker turkey drumstick recipe adapts well to different flavor additions:

• Italian herb seasoning – Use a blend of oregano, basil, parsley for Mediterranean flavor.

• Barbecue sauce – Brush drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Citrus – Add orange juice and zest or lemon juice for brightness.

• Chipotle chiles – Use chopped chipotles in adobo sauce for smoky spiciness.

• Beer – Pour in a can of beer such as a brown ale instead of broth.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond side dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffing, here are some delicious ways to serve up slow cooker turkey drumsticks:

• Pile drumsticks over a green salad for an easy protein-packed meal.

• Stuff drumsticks into sandwiches or wraps along with veggies and cheese.

• Top nachos or baked potatoes with shredded turkey drumstick meat.

• Add chopped drumstick meat to soups, stews or chilis.

• Make turkey pot pie using shredded turkey and veggies in gravy.

Helpful Q&A

Here are answers to some common questions on cooking turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker:

How long does it take to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker?

Cooking time can vary from 5-8 hours on LOW depending on the size of the drumsticks. Plan for roughly 6 hours for 1 pound drumsticks to become very tender.

Should the drumsticks be covered in liquid?

The drumsticks do not need to be fully submerged. Use 1-2 cups of broth to keep the bottom covered. The meat will release juices as it cooks.

Can I cook from frozen?

It’s best to thaw drumsticks first in the refrigerator before slow cooking. Starting from frozen will increase the cook time.

Can I speed up the cook time?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for roughly 3-4 hours but watch closely to avoid overcooking the meat. Check for doneness early.

How do I know when they are done?

The meat should be very tender and pulling away from the bone. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Make Delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Drumsticks

Cooking turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker results in flavorful, fall-apart tender meat with little hands-on effort. The simple cooking method lets you enjoy turkey drumsticks anytime without heating up the kitchen. Vary the seasonings to give your drumsticks an extra flavor boost. Serve the succulent drumsticks with your choice of savory sides or use the meat in hearty soups, sandwiches and more.