Crock-Pot Barbecue Turkey Legs
Tender and flavorful barbecue turkey legs cooked slowly in a crock-pot, infused with smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, this dish offers juicy meat with a rich sauce that easily adapts to small or large servings. A comforting, hands-off recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the turkey legs with salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey legs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine molasses, vinegar, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, hickory smoke salt, and minced onion.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the turkey legs.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours.
- Serve the turkey legs, slicing the meat if they are large, with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion to the sauce mixture. If you don't have hickory smoke salt, regular salt can be used, but add a few drops of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can also substitute turkey legs with chicken drumsticks or thighs for a similar dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken may cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey legs with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a comforting meal. They also pair well with baked beans or a fresh green salad. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the turkey for added flavor. For a fun twist, consider serving these turkey legs with Dogs In A Blanket as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the turkey legs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, basting with sauce to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Barbecue Turkey Legs contains roughly 153 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen turkey legs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey legs. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking, as this ensures even cooking. If you forget to thaw them, you may need to extend the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a little water or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. This will help maintain the flavor while ensuring it coats the turkey legs nicely.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also serve the cooked turkey legs with a spicy barbecue sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).