Slow Cooker Turkey Legs

If you have never made Slow Cooker Turkey Legs, I hope this recipe convinces you to give them a shot. Most of us associate turkey with Thanksgiving but it’s a protein that can be enjoyed anytime. Turkey legs are a great cut that has a lot of flavor. The key is to know how to keep the meat from drying out.

The slow cooker is magical when it comes to turkey. As long as you add some moisture to the pot, the turkey legs remain succulent and juicy. The flavor reminds me of chicken thighs, another great poultry cut. My kids even like the turkey and that can feel like a miracle sometimes!

If you like slow cooker recipes, you will love Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Crock Pot Hot Wings.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Turkey Legs Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Turkey legs are very inexpensive making this a great meal idea on a tight budget.
• Versatile recipe: You can change the seasonings to whatever you like!
• Weeknight favorite: Set it and forget it so you can spend less time in the kitchen after a long day.

Ingredients

This turkey leg recipe calls for minimal ingredients. It’s easy to make them anytime you want!

• Turkey legs: This recipe calls for about 6 turkey drumsticks. You can adjust this according to the size of your slow cooker. There’s no need to trim any fat or skin because that’s going to add even more flavor to the turkey as it cooks.
• Olive oil: I like to use olive oil to brush the turkey legs before they cook. It helps them get a little color. Use any kind of cooking oil that you like or have on hand. 
• Seasonings: I chose, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can use chili powder, cayenne pepper, or whatever you prefer.
• Water: The water is important because it helps the turkey cook and adds moisture.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• BBQ turkey legs: Smother the turkey legs in your favorite BBQ sauce for a rich and flavorful twist.
• Lemon and herb turkey legs: Add lemon juice and zest along with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil for a refreshing spin.
• Cajun turkey legs: Rub the turkey legs with your favorite cajun seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
• Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the seasoning mixture for a bit of heat.

How to Make Turkey Legs in the Slow Cooker

Here are the instructions on how to cook turkey legs in the slow cooker.

Step 1: Grease the slow cooker. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

⭐️ Hint: If you want extra brown and crispy skin, place the turkey legs on a sheet pan and put them under the broiler for a few minutes. This step is optional!

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Air Fryer Turkey Legs or our delicious The Best Oven Roasted Turkey recipes for another great way to make a great dinner!

Storage Directions 

• Refrigeration: Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Store the turkey legs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Place them altogether or freeze them in individual portions. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating them.
• Reheating: I like to reheat them in a 350-degree F oven for 8-10 minutes or warmed through. The turkey can become a little dry if reheated in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• This turkey drumstick recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Use them to make Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Stuffing Muffins and Leftover Turkey Dinner Muffins.
• Try some Thanksgiving-inspired sides like Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce and Classic Green Beans Casserole.
• Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes and Skillet Roasted Broccoli are some of my favorite side dishes and they would pair wonderfully with turkey legs.

Recipe Tips

• Temp the thickest part: When checking the doneness of the turkey legs with a thermometer, insert it into the thickest part and try to avoid touching the bone for accuracy.
• Let them rest: Allow the cooked turkey legs to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute preventing the meat from becoming dry.
• Use them for meal prep: Try this turkey drumstick recipe by cooking a batch ahead of time and enjoying them throughout the week!

Recipe FAQs

More Delicious Turkey Dishes 

Do you like turkey recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.