Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
American · Main course · 195 min total
These smoked turkey legs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a hearty main course.
15
min prep
180
min cook
4
servings
450
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 4 turkey legs (about 1 pound each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse turkey legs and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to form a paste.
- Rub the paste all over the turkey legs, covering evenly. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using wood chips like hickory or applewood.
- Place turkey legs directly on smoker grates. Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- For crispier skin, increase smoker temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last 15 minutes.
- Remove from smoker, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes before using to produce more smoke.
- Leftover smoked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
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