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Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce
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Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce offers a comforting, hands-off meal with tender, juicy turkey legs infused with smoky, tangy barbecue flavors. Perfect for busy families or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers rich, fall-off-the-bone meat that satisfies cravings effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds fresh or thawed turkey legs
  • 1 to 2 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey Legs: Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better browning and flavor absorption.
  2. Sear the Turkey Legs (Optional but Recommended): Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each turkey leg on all sides until golden; this step locks in juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor, but you can skip this to save time.
  3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the turkey legs on top, then pour the BBQ sauce generously over them, making sure each piece is well coated.
  4. Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the broth or water around the turkey legs (not directly on top to keep the coating intact). Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over everything.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the turkey legs are fork-tender and juicy.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, you can spoon additional BBQ sauce from the bottom over the turkey legs for extra flavor, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed turkey legs for even cooking and better taste.
  • Searing is optional but adds extra flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; allow heat and sauce to circulate freely.
  • Choose a quality BBQ sauce as it defines the recipe’s flavor.
  • Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat pulls easily from the bone.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey legs, BBQ turkey legs, easy turkey recipe, gluten free turkey, slow cooked BBQ, tender turkey legs

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/slow-cooker-turkey-legs-with-bbq-sauce/