How to Cook Turkey Legs in the Crock Pot
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey legs, the crock pot is the perfect tool. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
1. Start by seasoning the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices such as garlic powder or paprika.
2. Place the seasoned turkey legs in the crock pot and add enough chicken or turkey broth to cover the bottom of the pot. This will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
3. Cook the turkey legs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey legs and the temperature of your crock pot.
4. After the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the turkey legs with a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Once the turkey legs are cooked, you can serve them as is or broil them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
Why do Turkey Legs Take Longer to Cook?
Turkey legs take longer to cook than other parts of the turkey because they are larger and have more muscle. The drumstick and thigh muscles are used for walking, which means they have more connective tissue and collagen. This collagen needs to be broken down through slow cooking to make the meat tender and juicy.
How Long do You Cook Ready to Eat Turkey Legs?
If you have pre-cooked or ready-to-eat turkey legs, you just need to heat them through. Place the turkey legs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Do Turkey Legs Cook Slower than Breast?
Yes, turkey legs do cook slower than the turkey breast. As mentioned earlier, the leg muscles contain more connective tissue, which takes longer to break down and tenderize. Additionally, the dark meat in turkey legs contains more fat, which can also affect the cooking time. It’s important to cook turkey legs to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
How Long Does it Take to Heat up a Turkey in a Crock Pot?
Heating up a whole turkey in a crock pot can take several hours, depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature setting of the crock pot. As a general guideline, it can take around 4-6 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat to fully heat up a whole turkey in a crock pot. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Summary
Cooking turkey legs in the crock pot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful meat. The larger size and higher collagen content of turkey legs make them take longer to cook compared to other parts of the turkey. Pre-cooked turkey legs can be heated in the oven, while raw turkey legs should be slow-cooked in the crock pot until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Heating up a whole turkey in a crock pot can take several hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.
