Smoked turkey legs are a mouthwatering delicacy that you can now easily recreate in the comfort of your own home. This simple and flavorful recipe will have you hooked from the first bite. The smoky flavor of the meat combined with the crispy skin is an irresistible combination that is sure to make these smoked turkey legs a family favorite!

About this Turkey Leg Recipe

When the craving for smoked turkey legs strikes, there’s no better place to indulge than your own kitchen. Our recipe offers a range of flavors, from traditional salt and pepper to the tantalizing sweetness of maple syrup. Each bite captivates your senses and leaves you wanting more.

Keys to Perfectly Smoked Turkey Leg

To ensure tender and succulent meat, brining the turkey legs is a must-do. This process locks in moisture and infuses the flavors deep into the meat. You can choose to add spices or even beer to the brine for an extra kick.

The salt used for curing not only enhances the taste but also ensures a residue-free experience. Say goodbye to pesky bits stuck between your teeth! Once the meat has marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill or smoker.

How to Choose the Perfect Turkey Leg for this Recipe

When selecting the turkey legs for this recipe, opt for high-quality cuts that boast plenty of fat and skin. This ensures that the meat remains juicy and flavorful as it smokes at a low temperature. For a personal touch, you can customize the flavor by adding your favorite spices or sauces to the rub.

Smoked Turkey Leg Brine

Our recipe also offers a delightful brine that can be used to make a delicious, moist turkey breast or ham. Simply triple the amounts of sauce and spices if you plan on smoking the whole bird. The brine consists of boiling water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Let the turkey legs soak in the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged, before refrigerating.

Dry Rub for Extra Flavor

If you want to take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level, our dry rub is the secret ingredient you need. Before smoking the turkey legs, coat them in a mixture of spices such as garlic powder and paprika. This will add an extra layer of flavor to every bite.

How to Smoke Turkey Legs: The Workflow

Now that your turkey legs are ready for the smoker, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you have a dedicated smoker, a charcoal grill, or even an oven broiler, this recipe can be adapted to suit your equipment.

Preheat your smoker or grill and soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and place the chips in the smoker or on top of a mound of coals in the grill. If using an oven, place the wood chips on a foil-lined baking sheet and prop open the door to allow smoke to escape.

Once the smoker or grill is preheated, position the turkey legs on the cool side or away from the wood chips in the oven. Close the lid or door and let them smoke until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically takes around 2 hours.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

When the turkey legs are perfectly cooked, remove them from the smoker or grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving. These succulent legs pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the turkey legs in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until they are warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftover smoked turkey for up to 1 month.

Variations and FAQ

Experimenting with different flavors is part of the joy of cooking. Consider brining the turkey legs before smoking for added moisture and flavor. You can also play around with different spices and sauces to create a unique taste.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our smoked turkey leg recipe:

  • How do you cook turkey legs that are already smoked?
  • How long do you smoke turkey legs at 225 degrees Fahrenheit?
  • How do you keep smoked turkey legs moist?
  • How long should smoked turkey legs cook?
  • How do you get smoked turkey legs to fall off the bone?
  • Should I wrap turkey legs in foil when smoking?
  • What is the best wood for smoking turkey legs?
  • Can I smoke frozen turkey legs?
  • What to serve with smoked turkey legs?
  • Should I season my turkey legs before smoking?
  • Can you buy a smoked turkey leg?
  • How much does a smoked turkey leg cost?

Conclusion: Chefwaynes-bigmamou Share the Juiciest Secrets

Smoked turkey legs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed year-round. By following our simple recipe, you can achieve tender and flavorful results. The Chefwaynes-bigmamou brand invites you to share in the joy of cooking and indulge in the irresistible taste of smoked turkey legs. So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and savor every juicy bite!

Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003

This post was last modified on 12/24/2023 6:30 pm