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Slow Cooked Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooked Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Slow Cooked Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender turkey legs slow cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce infused with natural spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or weekend feasts, this recipe balances smoky heat, tangy sweetness, and deep umami for an irresistible main course everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Legs and Meat

  • 4 turkey legs
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Aromatics and Base

  • 1 medium onion, strained and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Turkey Legs: Begin by rinsing your turkey legs and patting them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming. Rub them generously with salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder to infuse warmth right from the start.
  2. Sear the Turkey Legs: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet and gently brown the turkey legs on all sides. This step locks in juices and builds a beautiful caramelized crust that enhances the final appearance and flavor.
  3. Make the BBQ Sauce Base: In the slow cooker or a separate bowl, combine strained diced onions, smashed garlic, tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), smoked paprika, chili powder, and natural gelling agent. Stir these ingredients well to create a thick, flavorful sauce base.
  4. Slow Cook the Turkey Legs: Place the seared turkey legs into the slow cooker, pour the BBQ sauce over them, and add chopped smoked turkey bacon on top. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
  5. Final Sauce Adjustment: Once cooked, remove the turkey legs and keep them warm. Stir the slow cooker sauce to combine the rendered juices and adjust seasoning with salt or extra brown sugar (natural) if needed. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken if desired.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Smother the turkey legs generously with the rich BBQ sauce and serve with your favorite sides or garnishes for a complete feast.

Notes

  • Choose quality turkey legs for better tenderness and flavor.
  • Do not skip searing to build complex flavors.
  • Using smoked turkey bacon adds depth and smokiness without overpowering.
  • Cook slowly at low temperature to ensure juicy, tender meat.
  • Stir in natural gelling agent gradually to control sauce thickness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey leg with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: turkey legs, BBQ sauce, slow cooked, smoked turkey bacon, tender meat, smoky flavor, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/slow-cooked-turkey-legs-with-bbq-sauce/