How to Cook Smoked Turkey Drumsticks: Achieve Smoky Perfection

Cooking smoked turkey drumsticks can be a delightful experience, especially during the holidays when turkey legs are in high demand. These popular cuts of meat are perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. To find the best way to prep and cook them, I tested 4 ways to reheat store bought smoked turkey legs. This blog post will cover and evaluate these methods: oven baked, air fried, smoked, and grilled. Each method has its unique advantages, and I’ll explore some frequently asked questions to help you choose the right one.

Why Smoked Turkey Drumsticks Recipe Works

This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a big family meal, a backyard cookout, or even Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. The smoked turkey legs are a crowd-pleaser and an excellent alternative to a whole turkey. The recipe is pretty hands-off once you brine, dry rub, and set up the turkey legs for smoking. Plus, if your family fights over the last turkey leg every time you cook one, no one misses out. Pair it with some smoked ham for an extra special holiday meal.

How to Cook Smoked Turkey Drumsticks

Methods to Cook Smoked Turkey Drumsticks

For my favorite go-to recipe, I often share my smoked turkey legs method. Instead of frying a whole bird in the backyard, this easy recipe involves giant turkey legs that stay moist and delicious thanks to a sweet and salty overnight brine. The smoker ensures the meat is never dry. This recipe shares similarities with the Disney turkey leg recipe but adds a spicy seasoning rub and a hot honey glaze for extra flavor. Whether you choose to oven bake, air fry, or grill, following the instructions included will make the process easy and hands-on. These methods ensure your smoked turkey drumsticks are ultra flavorful and ready to impress your guests.

Why are smoked turkey legs so popular?

Smoked turkey legs have surged in popularity because they are easier to prepare than an entire turkey and are tastier if you’re a fan of dark meat. They make for an easy grab-and-go meal and are often flaunted at theme parks like Disney, as well as at fairs and Renaissance festivals. Who wouldn’t love smoked meat on a stick? These slow-smoked turkey legs are as big as your forearm and are always ready to be devoured like a caveman. As a personal fan, I can assure you that they are a delightful treat.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE MY SMOKED TURKEY LEGS RECIPE

While I realize it’s more traditional to cook a whole turkey for the holidays, this smoked turkey leg recipe may just change your ways. Who needs a slice of dry turkey breast buried under the mash and gravy anyway? The uniform size of the turkey legs ensures that all the dark meat cooks evenly and perfectly.

To get started, coat the turkey leg with olive oil and season it with a bbq rub or homemade chicken rub. Whether you bake it in the oven at 350°F for 35 minutes, use an air fryer at 375°F for 20 minutes, grill it on medium heat, or smoke it at 225°F for two hours, the goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the turkey leg remains juicy and flavorful. For added moisture, consider placing a pan with chicken broth underneath while baking.

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Where can you buy pre-smoked turkey legs?

Pre-smoked turkey legs are readily available at most grocery stores, especially around the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can find them at Walmart for about $7 each, as well as at Costco, Kroger’s, and Publix. These major food chains make it easy to order from a variety of online retailers and have them shipped right to your front door. This convenience ensures you can enjoy delicious smoked turkey legs anytime you want.

How much do turkey legs weigh?

Most turkey legs range in weight between 1.5-2.5 pounds. They are 3-4 times the size of a traditional chicken leg drumstick. This makes them perfect for those who want a hearty and satisfying meal. When you cook these smoked turkey drumsticks, you’ll appreciate their generous portion, which is ideal for any festive occasion or family gathering.

Tips to make the best recipe

When cooking smoked turkey drumsticks, there are several tips to make sure your recipe turns out perfect. First, don’t cook the turkey legs on high heat. Avoid turning up the heat to cook faster; instead, be patient because the muscles and tendons need 3 to 4 hours for the collagen to melt, resulting in beautifully moist, tender meat. Otherwise, you’ll end up with tough turkey legs.

My #1 tip is to use a meat thermometer. Always check the internal temperature during the cooking process. Once the meat reaches 165F, it’s ready to enjoy. For those who love perfectly crispy skin, I recommend broiling the turkey for 1-2 minutes at the end. This will give you that delightful crispy skin that many people enjoy.

Lastly, make sure to completely submerge the turkey legs in the brining liquid. This ensures even brining and a consistent texture and flavor throughout the meat. Simply dip the legs entirely in the liquid for the best results.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS AND REHEAT

Once the turkey legs are cool, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic or tinfoil. They will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, the easiest way is to place them in aluminum foil over a grill and gently warm them up on the grill grates.

Should you season pre-cooked turkey legs?

Even though pre-cooked turkey legs can be high in sodium, they might still lack flavor. To enhance the taste, I recommend using a bbq rub or poultry seasoning that is low in sodium. This way, the turkey won’t be too salty, but will still have that delicious bbq flavor we all love. Personally, I use a smoked chicken rub and just reduce the salt by half. You can also use an all-purpose bbq rub of your choice to get the perfect seasoning.

How to cook store-bought smoked turkey legs

Store-bought smoked turkey legs are already pre-cooked, so we are just warming them back up to the right temperature. The method you choose makes a big difference. Avoid using the microwave because it will dry out the turkey and make the skin rubbery. Instead, opt for a slow and steady reheating process to keep the meat juicy and tender.

How long does it take to reheat turkey legs?

When you cook smoked turkey drumsticks, the time it takes to preheat the turkey legs depends on the size of each leg and how hot you are cooking them. It’s important to treat them like any other protein and use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Never rely on time alone; trust your experience and always check the temperature to avoid any heartache from undercooked meat.

Oven Baked

Start by removing the turkey leg from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. There is no need to wash the turkey leg, but you can rinse it in cold water if you prefer. These turkey legs can sometimes taste bland, so I like to season them lightly with an all-purpose low sodium bbq rub or poultry seasoning.

Next, place the turkey leg on a wire cooking rack atop a baking sheet and cook at 350°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F. This usually takes about 35 minutes. Even though the turkey legs are already pre-cooked and safe to eat, ensuring they reach 165°F makes them thoroughly cooked and hot.

To keep the turkey leg moist, place a foil pan with some chicken broth underneath. As the broth warms and creates steam, it will help prevent the turkey from drying out. The result of this method is a baked turkey leg that is smoky in flavor and warm throughout.

Air Fried

To air fry smoked turkey drumsticks, first remove the turkey leg from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Coat the leg in olive oil and lightly season with bbq or poultry seasoning. Make sure you have an air fryer that’s large enough to hold the turkey leg. Cook the turkey at 375°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

During the cooking process, flip the leg a few times to ensure it is evenly cooked. The result is a tender and hot turkey leg with crispy skin in about 20 minutes. This is one of my favorite methods for achieving a delicious and well-cooked turkey leg.

Smoked

Even though turkey legs come pre-smoked, smoking them again really enhances the smoke flavor. Start by seasoning the turkey with an all-purpose bbq rub and set your smoker to 225°F. Smoke the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to use my pellet smoker with apple wood pellets for a mild, sweet flavor. Fruit woods like apple and cherry are great choices for a delicate smoke, while hickory or mesquite offer a stronger flavor.

Towards the end of the cook, I usually brush on some bbq sauce and raise the temperature to 275°F to let the sauce tack up on the meat before removing it from the smoker. This method creates a flavor profile similar to what you might find at Disney World or a state fair. The result is a delicious, smoky turkey leg that’s sure to impress.

Grilled

Grilling turkey legs can bring out a delicious and flavorful char on the meat, giving it a wonderful texture. Start by coating the turkey legs in olive oil and season them with a bbq rub. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the legs on the grate. Cook the legs, flipping them back and forth a few times to ensure even cooking.

Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F. This method of grilling not only ensures that the turkey is fully cooked, but also imparts a unique smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. The result is a perfectly grilled turkey leg that’s both juicy and tender, making it a favorite at any barbecue.

What sides go with Turkey legs? 

Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Escabeche Vegetable Salad

Whipped Ricotta Dip With Lemon

Equipment Needed

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Experience crispiness like never before; my air fryer turkey drumsticks turned out irresistibly delicious!

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My oven baked turkey drumsticks were beautifully golden and tender, an absolute hit at family dinners!

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The searing grill locked in all the juicy flavors, making my turkey drumsticks incredibly tasty and succulent!

Ingredients

To make smoked turkey drumsticks, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.

🍗 Start with a store bought, pre smoked turkey leg. This saves time and ensures you get that rich, smoky flavor.

🥄 You’ll also need a tablespoon of olive oil to coat the turkey leg, which helps the seasoning stick.

🌶️ For the seasoning, use an all purpose bbq rub or a homemade chicken dry rub.

🥣 If you prefer a bit of extra moisture, you can add a cup of chicken broth as an optional ingredient.

Preparation

🍖 Coat the turkey legs evenly with the olive oil and then generously apply the bbq rub. This will create a flavorful crust as the turkey cooks.

🍲 If you’re using the oven, you can add the chicken broth to the baking dish to keep the meat moist.

🍯 For a more intense flavor, you can also brush on some bbq sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cooking Methods

🔥 Whether you’re grilling, air frying, or smoking, the key is to maintain a consistent temperature and cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

✅ This ensures that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. The result is a juicy, flavorful turkey leg that’s perfect for any occasion.

INSTRUCTIONS

🍗 Start by preparing your store bought, pre smoked turkey leg.

🥄 Coat the turkey leg with a tablespoon of olive oil to ensure the seasoning sticks well.

🌶️ Season it generously with your choice of all purpose bbq rub or a homemade chicken dry rub. This step is crucial for achieving a flavorful crust.

🍽️ For oven baking:

🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F.

🍗 Place the seasoned turkey leg in a baking dish, and for added moisture, you can add a cup of chicken broth underneath the turkey.

⏲️ Bake for about 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method helps to keep the turkey moist and tender.

🍟 If you prefer using an air fryer:

🔥 Set it to 375°F and cook the turkey leg for 20 minutes.

🌡️ Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.

🍖 For those who love grilling:

🔥 Grill the turkey leg on medium heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

🍖 Lastly, for smoking:

🔥 Set your smoker to 225°F and smoke the turkey leg for two hours until the internal temperature is 145°F.

🔥 Increase the temperature to 275°F, brush with bbq sauce, and continue cooking until it reaches 165°F.

FAQS

Are Smoked Turkey Drumsticks Already Cooked?

Yes, turkey legs are often pre cooked and safe to eat, but taking them to 165°F ensures they are cooked through and hot. To keep the turkey leg moist, place a foil pan underneath with some chicken broth. As the chicken broth warms and starts to create steam, it will help the turkey from drying out.

How to Cook a Pre-Smoked Turkey?

To cook a pre-smoked turkey, we recommend using a rack in your roasting pan. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan and cover the smoked turkey with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes per pound, or until your meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

How Long Do You Cook Smoked Turkey Legs on the Stove Top?

To cook pre-smoked turkey legs on the stove, the cooking time will vary based on the size of the turkey legs and the heat intensity of your stove. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes per side on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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