Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked turkey legs are a mouthwatering delight that combines tender meat with a rich, smoky flavor. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will impress family and friends. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, these smoked turkey legs are easy to prepare and deliver unforgettable taste in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large turkey legs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in olive oil until a paste forms.
- Generously rub the marinade over each turkey leg, ensuring some gets under the skin. Let rest while you preheat your smoker.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add the wood chips as directed.
- Place turkey legs in the smoker and smoke for 4-5 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For crispy skin, finish on a hot grill or under the broiler for 5-10 minutes.
- Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey leg (227g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Brining turkey legs overnight in a simple mixture of water, salt, and sugar can enhance moisture. Experiment with different wood chips for varied flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.