Braised Turkey Legs
Tender braised turkey legs simmered with aromatic herbs and lemon, creating a flavorful, versatile dish perfect for sandwiches, salads, hash, or chowder enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, bring all ingredients to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/4 hours or until legs are tender, turning the legs occasionally.
- Cool. Remove meat from bones and cut into pieces.
- Strain the broth.
- Use the meat and broth in sandwiches, salads, hash, creamed turkey, or chowder.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the turkey legs overnight in the broth ingredients before cooking. If you don't have whole cloves, ground cloves can work in a pinch, but use less. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried ones, keeping in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount. You can also use chicken legs if turkey is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised turkey legs with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The tender meat can be used in sandwiches, such as in Kathy'S Sunset Turkey Salad, or tossed into a hearty chowder. Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turkey and broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the turkey and broth on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the meat and broth in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Turkey Legs contains roughly 414 calories, with 26g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like turkey thighs or even a whole turkey leg quarter. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require more or less time to become tender.
What can I do with the strained broth?
The strained broth is a flavorful base for soups or sauces. You can also use it as a cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa, or incorporate it into stews for added depth of flavor.
Is it necessary to strain the broth?
Straining the broth is not mandatory, but it helps achieve a smoother texture and removes any solid bits from the herbs and onion. If you prefer a rustic broth, feel free to skip this step.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).