Deviled Turkey Drumsticks
Tender turkey drumsticks coated with a flavorful blend of spices and simmered in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shake the mixture of flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a paper bag.
- Add the turkey legs to the bag and coat thoroughly.
- Brown the coated turkey legs in shortening in a skillet until browned on all sides.
- Remove turkey legs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion until translucent.
- Combine catsup, brown sugar, butter, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, cayenne, and water in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with onions and bring to a boil.
- Return turkey legs to the skillet, reduce heat, and simmer until cooked through and tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the flour mixture. If you don't have shortening, you can use vegetable oil or butter for browning. Adjust the heat during simmering to ensure the turkey cooks evenly and remains juicy. For a zesty kick, use a spicy mustard instead of regular mustard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the deviled turkey drumsticks with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with the 24-Hour Seven Layer Salad for a festive gathering. For additional flavor, drizzle some of the sauce over the sides. A crusty bread can also complement this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the turkey drumsticks cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, covering to steam until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Turkey Drumsticks contains roughly 296 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2510mg per serving (109% 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 chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?
Yes, chicken drumsticks or thighs can be substituted for turkey. Just be mindful that chicken may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked through and tender.
What can I serve with deviled turkey drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Christmas Festive Cookies for dessert.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in a saucepan before adding the turkey legs to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
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).