Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey legs, look no further than your slow cooker. Slow cooking turkey legs results in tender, flavorful meat that falls right off the bone.
One of the best slow cooker turkey leg recipes involves marinating the legs in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs and spices. This marinade not only infuses the meat with amazing flavor, but also helps to keep it juicy and moist as it cooks.
Once the turkey legs have marinated for a few hours, simply place them in the slow cooker along with some carrots, onions, and potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Set the cooker on low and let it do all the work for you. In a few hours, you’ll have perfectly cooked turkey legs that are ready to be enjoyed.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just want a hearty meal for yourself, this slow cooker turkey leg recipe is sure to be a hit. The tender meat, enhanced with a flavorful marinade, is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So give it a try and savor every juicy, flavorful bite!
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 8 hours
A slow cooker turkey leg recipe requires a minimal amount of prep time and a long cooking time to ensure tender, flavorful meat. With just 10 minutes of preparation, you can have a delicious turkey leg dish ready to cook for 8 hours.
During the 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients and seasonings. This may include fresh or frozen turkey legs, spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, as well as any additional herbs or sauces you want to use. Once you have everything together, you can begin seasoning and preparing the turkey legs for the slow cooker.
After the quick prep, the slow cooker does all the work. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for a total of 8 hours. This lengthy cooking time allows the turkey legs to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in meat that falls off the bone and is full of flavor. The low heat setting ensures that the meat stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
While the turkey legs are cooking, you have the freedom to attend to other tasks or enjoy your day. The slow cooker will take care of everything, leaving you with tender, juicy turkey legs that are packed with delicious flavors. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or hosting a gathering, this slow cooker turkey leg recipe is a convenient and flavorful option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooking the Turkey Legs
If you’re looking for a delicious and tender way to cook turkey legs, slow cooking is the perfect method. Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of slow cooking turkey legs to perfection.
Step 1: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need turkey legs, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and chicken broth. Make sure the turkey legs are thawed before cooking.
- Pat dry the turkey legs with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to create a dry rub.
- Rub the dry rub all over the turkey legs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey legs on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side to enhance the flavor.
- Transfer the browned turkey legs to a slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker until the turkey legs are partially submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the turkey legs are tender.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
- Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Enjoy your deliciously slow-cooked turkey legs!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Slow cooker turkey legs can be a delicious and convenient option for a satisfying meal. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure that your turkey legs turn out perfectly tender and flavorful. Here are some ideas to help you achieve the best results:
1. Choose the Right Cooking Time and Temperature
Slow cooking requires patience, but it’s important to find the right balance between time and temperature. Most slow cooker turkey leg recipes suggest cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the turkey legs to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
2. Season and Marinate the Turkey Legs
Before placing the turkey legs in the slow cooker, make sure to season them with your desired herbs, spices, and marinades. This will help infuse the flavors into the meat as it cooks. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or get creative with your favorite herbs and spices.
3. Brown the Turkey Legs Beforehand
If you have time, consider browning the turkey legs in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. This extra step can help enhance the flavor and appearance of the finished dish. Simply heat some oil in a skillet, add the turkey legs, and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust.
4. Add Liquid and Vegetables
In order to prevent the turkey legs from drying out, it’s important to add some liquid to the slow cooker. This can be chicken broth, apple cider, wine, or a combination of these. Additionally, you can add some chopped vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery to enhance the flavors and provide a delicious side dish.
5. Baste and Rotate the Legs
During the cooking process, it’s a good idea to baste the turkey legs with the cooking liquid every once in a while. This will help keep them moist and flavorful. You can also rotate the legs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve the perfect slow cooker turkey legs that are tender, flavorful, and juicy. Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create your own unique and delicious version. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
When serving a delicious slow cooker turkey leg recipe, it’s important to have the perfect side dishes to complement the flavors of the tender meat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a family meal, here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
1. Roasted Vegetables:
Pairs well with the savory flavors of slow-cooked turkey legs. Consider roasting Brussels sprouts, carrots, and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes:
The creamy texture of mashed potatoes goes hand-in-hand with the tender turkey meat. Serve them with a dollop of butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
3. Cranberry Sauce:
The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the richness of the turkey. Whether store-bought or homemade, this classic condiment adds a touch of sweetness to each bite.
4. Green Salad:
A light and refreshing green salad provides a nice contrast to the hearty flavors of the turkey leg. Use a mix of fresh lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
5. Cornbread:
For a Southern twist, serve cornbread alongside the slow cooker turkey legs. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a delightful accompaniment to the tender meat.
6. Gravy:
No turkey meal is complete without a generous amount of gravy. Whether made from scratch or using a store-bought mix, drizzle it over the turkey legs and side dishes for a burst of flavor.
Remember to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the turkey leg recipe and enhance your overall dining experience. These suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that will impress your guests or make for a memorable family dinner.
Variations and Creative Twists on the Slow Cooker Turkey Leg Recipe
While the classic slow cooker turkey leg recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations and creative twists that you can try to add some extra flavor and excitement to your dish. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Asian-inspired: Add some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the slow cooker for an Asian twist on the traditional turkey leg recipe. Serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Herb-infused: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, to infuse extra flavor into your turkey legs. You can also try rubbing the legs with a mixture of dry herbs and olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Barbecue-style: Coat the turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sauce and let them cook in the slow cooker until they are tender and smoky. Serve them with coleslaw and baked beans for a classic barbecue feast.
- Fruity twist: Add some sweetness to your turkey legs by cooking them with sliced apples, pears, or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. The fruit will help keep the meat moist and add a unique flavor to the dish.
- Spicy kick: If you like your food to have a little heat, try adding some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the slow cooker. Let the turkey legs soak up the spicy flavors as they cook, and serve them with a cooling side dish, like a cucumber salad or a yogurt dip.
With these variations and creative twists, you can transform a simple slow cooker turkey leg recipe into an exciting and flavorful meal. Whether you prefer Asian-inspired flavors, herb-infused aromas, barbecue vibes, fruity sweetness, or a spicy kick, there are endless possibilities to explore. Let your imagination run wild, experiment with different ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results!
10 Best Slow Cooker Turkey Leg Recipe
The King's Turkey Legs
Features
| Size | 4 Pounds (4 Legs) |
- Fully Cooked and ready to Heat & Eat
- Hickory smoked for 12 hours
- Fall off the bone good!
- 4 Giant Turkey Legs in each order
- Premium Grade Turkey
Farm Pac Kitchens Smoked Turkey Legs, 6 pc, 18oz each
Features
| Size | 6 Count (Pack of 1) |
Farm Pac Kitchens Giant Turkey Legs, 12 pieces
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 12 Count (Pack of 1) |
26 Quart Electric Roaster Oven, Turkey Roaster with Viewing Lid, Large Stainless Steel Roaster Oven Silver
Features
| Part Number | ZER002SL-11-HM |
| Model | ZER002SL-11-HM |
| Color | Silver |
| Size | 26 quart |
- 【Making a Great Meal Easily】26qt electric turkey roaster fits a 30 pounds turkey,1450W and full-range temperature control(150º to 450ºF), our electric roaster takes less time to cook than a oven. Perfect for the holidays, parties, or anytime you're feeding a large crowd.
- 【Multi-Function Roaster Oven】Not only for BROWN, JUICY,CRISPY roasted turkey.This roaster oven can also be used for bakes, slow cooks, roasts, rotisserie, crock pot. Beefs, ham, soup, pasta and potatoes and so on! It also has the function of defrosting food, makes you start cooking faster.
- 【Convenient Design】Stainless steel roaster is equipped with a removeable liftable rack, help you put the turkey in and out of the oven easily, and ensures that the crispy skin of the turkey will not be damaged after cooking. Roaster pan, lid and rack are dishwasher safe, enjoy easy kitchen life.
- 【Roaaster Oven with Viewing Lid】No more tedious, time-consuming hand-basting, a specially-designed lid does the basting for you by continually recirculating moisture. Your turkey will cook perfectly tender and moist with the Self-Basting feature. And unique visible deign reduce the need to open the lid during cooking.
- 【Contact Us】Before using for the first time, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CLEARLY. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us, we will get back to you within 24 hours.
FAQ
How can I add a twist to the slow cooker turkey leg recipe?
There are several creative ways to add a twist to the slow cooker turkey leg recipe. One option is to marinate the turkey legs in a mixture of your favourite herbs, spices, and marinade ingredients before cooking them in the slow cooker. This can add extra flavour and depth to the meat. Another idea is to baste the turkey legs with a unique glaze or sauce during the cooking process, such as a maple-mustard glaze or a spicy barbecue sauce. Additionally, you can experiment with different cooking liquids, such as using beer or apple cider instead of broth, to infuse the turkey legs with different flavours.
Can I make a slow cooker turkey leg recipe with Asian-inspired flavours?
Yes, you can definitely make a slow cooker turkey leg recipe with Asian-inspired flavours. One option is to marinate the turkey legs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before cooking them in the slow cooker. You can also add Asian spices and herbs like star anise, cinnamon, and Chinese five-spice powder for extra flavour. Serve the cooked turkey legs with a side of steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or sesame noodles for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Can I make a slow cooker turkey leg recipe with a Mediterranean twist?
Absolutely! You can add a Mediterranean twist to your slow cooker turkey leg recipe by marinating the turkey legs in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. You can also stuff the turkey legs with a mixture of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for added Mediterranean flavours. Serve the cooked turkey legs with a side of roasted vegetables, Greek salad, and tzatziki sauce for a delicious Mediterranean-style meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the slow cooker turkey leg recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the succulent flavors of turkey leg, with the added bonus of a hands-off cooking experience. However, the variations and creative twists discussed in this article expand on the traditional recipe, offering new and exciting ways to elevate the dish. Whether it’s adding unique spices, experimenting with different cooking liquids, or incorporating interesting ingredients, these variations are sure to delight any turkey lover. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new with your slow cooker turkey leg recipe – there’s a whole world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored!
