Slow Cooker Turkey Legs Recipe with Step-by-Step Video

Slow cooker turkey legs is an easy recipe that yields well-seasoned, tender meat. Cooking turkey legs low and slow in a crockpot breaks down connective tissue and produces juicy, flavorful results. Instructions for making these turkey legs in an Instant Pot are also included. Try this simple alternative to a whole bird this holiday season or any night you want a hands-off, satisfying meal.

Ingredients For Crockpot Turkey Legs

This simple slow cooker recipe requires just a few ingredients:

• Turkey legs (see quantity in recipe below)
• Seasoning — a rotisserie-style homemade blend is included in the recipe box, but use your favorite seasoning if you prefer
• Oil — for rubbing the legs before cooking

How To Make Turkey Legs In The Slow Cooker

Prepare the turkey legs

1. Combine the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Brush each turkey leg with oil, then rub the seasoning mixture onto the meat evenly and generously.

Slow cooker method

1. Place the seasoned turkey legs in the bottom of the slow cooker. It’s fine if they overlap slightly, but avoid stacking them tightly.
2. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or on LOW for 6–8 hours, until the meat is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Instant Pot method

1. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pressure cooker and place the prepared turkey legs on a trivet or directly above the water.
2. Close the lid and seal the valve. Cook at high pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release before finishing with a quick release. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Optional but recommended for both methods: Use tongs to transfer the hot turkey legs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes to crisp the skin.

What Are Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are the lower portion of the bird from thigh to knee, similar in shape to chicken drumsticks. They are dark meat, which means they are naturally flavorful and especially well-suited to low-and-slow cooking methods that tenderize tougher cuts. Turkey legs are often served at holiday meals, but they make a practical, affordable option year-round—especially for smaller households who don’t want to cook a whole turkey.

Why You Should Cook Turkey Legs In The Crock-Pot

Slow cookers and pressure cookers are ideal for turkey legs because the long, gentle heat breaks down connective tissue and renders dark meat tender and juicy. For small households, turkey legs are a convenient alternative to a whole bird or breast, and they work well whether you want a set-it-and-forget-it slow-cooked meal or a faster Instant Pot option.

Turkey Soups

• Leftover Turkey Soup

• Turkey Corn Chowder

• Turkey Mashed Potato Soup

• Cajun Turkey & Sausage Soup

Homemade Seasoning

The recipe uses a rotisserie-style homemade seasoning that’s enough for up to about 4 pounds of turkey legs. For larger quantities, increase the seasoning proportionally. Alternatively, substitute your preferred seasoning blend.

Broil The Skin

After slow cooking or pressure cooking, broiling the turkey legs briefly crisps the skin and adds texture. Remove the hot legs with tongs, place them on a baking sheet, and broil for about 3–5 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. The meat will be very tender and may fall apart when handled—this is normal and delicious.

FAQs & Tips

• You may need to adjust the turkey legs slightly to fit in your slow cooker; overlapping is fine but avoid stacking them tightly.
• Always use tongs when removing hot turkey legs from the cooker.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• This recipe was tested in a standard 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Turkey Recipes

• Turkey Breast

• Turkey Tenderloin

• Whole Turkey

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin

• Smothered Turkey Wings

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