Grilled turkey legs are a classic summertime treat that can be enjoyed at fairs, theme parks, and good old backyard barbecues. Their smoky, salty, finger-licking flavor makes them a crowd-pleasing snack or meal. But to get perfectly juicy turkey legs off the grill, you need to know the right techniques.
In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through how to grill moist, delicious turkey legs from start to finish using tips from grilling experts
Pick Your Turkey Legs
You can use either whole turkey drumsticks or cut turkey leg quarters. Drumsticks contain more bone than meat, while leg quarters have a higher meat-to-bone ratio.
For easier grilling, choose turkey legs that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly Plan on one leg per person as a main course or snack
Brine for Moistness
Before grilling, brining your turkey legs is key for keeping the meat tender and juicy. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution which allows the meat to absorb moisture.
Make a basic brine by mixing:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
Submerge the turkey legs in the brine, making sure they’re fully covered. Let them soak 4-6 hours in the refrigerator. Brining longer can make the meat too salty.
After brining, rinse the legs under cool water and pat them completely dry. This helps the skin get crispy on the grill.
Season the Turkey Legs
For flavor, coat the brined turkey legs with a dry seasoning rub before grilling. A simple rub contains:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Massage the oil and seasoning all over the legs. Let them sit for about an hour before grilling so the rub fully penetrates the meat.
For extra flavor, you can also baste the legs while grilling with a sauce containing:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Juice from 1 lemon
Grill Using Indirect Heat
The best way to grill turkey legs is using indirect heat. This cooks the legs slowly so they stay juicy.
If using a charcoal grill, bank the hot coals to one side. Place a drip pan on the side with no coals.
For a gas grill, turn on burners to medium-high on one side, leaving the other burners off.
Quickly sear the legs for 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat to caramelize the outside. Then move them to the indirect heat area and close the grill lid.
Cook Low and Slow
Cook the turkey legs over indirect low heat around 325-350°F, turning occasionally. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down into gelatin which keeps it tender.
Cook for 40-60 minutes until the thickest part of the leg reaches 165°F internally. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
Baste the legs with the sauce a few times during the last 15 minutes of grilling to keep them moist and add flavor.
Let Them Rest
Once the turkey legs come off the grill, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before digging in. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Slice into a leg to check if it’s cooked through – the meat should be white with no traces of pink.
Serve Your Grilled Turkey Legs
Your juicy, smoky grilled turkey legs are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a platter with barbecue sides like corn, slaw, cornbread, and watermelon.
Dip the legs in extra barbecue sauce or spice them up with hot sauce. Eat them with your hands, gnawing the tasty meat right off the bone.
Leftover legs can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 30 minutes to keep them from drying out.
Grilling Turkey Legs Tips
Follow these extra pointers for perfect grilled turkey legs:
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Brine at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours or the meat may get too salty.
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Pat legs very dry after brining so the skin gets crispy.
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Use indirect heat and grill with the lid closed as much as possible.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature.
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Let legs rest before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.
Get Creative with Flavor
Feel free to get creative with the seasoning rubs and basting sauces! Try using:
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Chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime for fajita-style turkey legs
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Jerk seasoning and pineapple for a Caribbean twist
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Rosemary, lemon, and garlic for a herby Tuscan flavor
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Chipotle peppers, orange juice, and honey for smoky-sweet legs
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Five spice powder, sesame oil, ginger, and scallions for an Asian flair
The possibilities are endless when it comes to putting your own spin on grilled turkey legs.
Conclusion
With this easy method, you can make succulent grilled turkey legs all summer long. Brining, seasoning, and indirect grilling are the secrets to getting the juiciest, most flavorful results. Experiment with global spice rubs and sauces for exciting variations. Enjoy these fun and tasty turkey legs hot off the grill!
Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe {Perfect for Father’s Day}
This sticky and delicious grilled Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe is reminiscent of the infamous turkey legs at state fairs – perfect for Fathers Day!
The last time I was at Disney World, I noticed people walking around with these gigantic “Jumbo Turkey Legs.” Evidently it’s a thing. I don’t usually enjoy eating meat off the bone, but I do like dark poultry meat, and the more I saw people walking around gnawing on these carnivorous treats, the more I wanted to try one. They even have t-shirts with the Turkey Leg emblazoned on the front!
Finally, I gave in and stood in line and ordered my Jumbo Turkey Leg. I am always trying to eat more protein, after all. This is an amusement park treat I can really get behind. And you guys, I’m not kidding, those Jumbo Turkey Legs are amazing.
It never occurred me to make turkey legs at home, but Colleen suggested that turkey legs actually make a really nice dish for grilling season, and she whipped up a Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe for us. Prepare to drool.
Turns out, turkey legs are an inexpensive and fun way to feed a crowd. Gotta love that!
If you’re looking for something a little different to serve this Father’s Day or for the 4th, why not grill up some turkey legs!?? Here is her recipe. BBQ Turkey Legs Author:
- 4 turkey drumsticks
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 2 TBS soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 TBS fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt & pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper (if you want a kick)
Instructions
- Lightly oil your grill. Preheat to med-high heat.
- Lightly coat each turkey leg with the oil, season with salt & pepper, then place them on your grill.
- Allow the legs to cook on the grill 4-5 minutes per side or until they get a few char marks.
- Move the legs to your upper cooking rack OR continue to cook over indirect heat for 45 minutes to an hour or until the legs are done. During that time, turn the legs a few times to allow them to crisp uniformly.
- Meanwhile combine oil, soy sauce, honey, sugar, ketchup, lemon juice, and seasonings in a small pot. Stir to combine, and cook just until bubbles appear. Stir well and set aside.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the turkey legs a couple of times with the sauce. As you do, be sure the burner just below the legs is off because the sauce will attract flames.
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey legs and your grill temperature. (When juices run clear or they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, they’re done.) Legs will continue to cook for a few minutes after you pull them off of the grill.
- Brush the legs once again with the sauce and serve.
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Turkey Legs On The Grill For Thanksgiving
FAQ
What is the best way to grill turkey legs?
Spray the entire turkey leg with cooking spray and place turkey legs directly onto the grill over direct heat. Rotate the legs a quarter turn every 5 minutes to sear the outside of the legs. Turn the grill down to 300° F (indirect heat) and cook until the internal temperature is 165° F.
How do you keep turkey legs from drying out?
Wet brining delivers the moistest turkey legs while dry brining guarantees the most flavorful meat and crispy skin.
How do you know when turkey legs are cooked?
When checking your turkey’s temperature using the recommended meat thermometer method, you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 °F all the way …Nov 1, 2024
How long does it take to grill turkey pieces?
The most important thing is to set the vents so that the grill maintains a temperature of 250 degrees. Periodically toss in about half a dozen briquettes. Cook 11–13 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for the legs and 165°F for the breasts and the juices run clear.
How to cook turkey legs on a grill?
Cover with foil and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your grill for high temperature cooking and make sure to lightly oil the grate. Fill a large pot with the soda, sugar, hot sauce, pepper, pepper flakes and the onion slices. Then add the turkey legs and bring the mixture to a boil.
How do you cook smoked turkey legs on a grill?
Remove onion slices from the mixture, and arrange on the prepared grill. Place turkey legs over the onions. Drizzle with honey, and season with steak seasoning. Cook, tuning once, 20 minutes, or until a crisp browned crust has formed on the turkey legs. Sweet and hot—just like the smoked turkey legs you get at the fair or theme park!
Do you need to prep turkey legs before grilling?
Before putting your turkey legs on the grill, you need to prep them. Properly prepping your turkey legs will help reduce the risk of the meat drying out on the grill. It will also flavor the legs and ensure that every bite is savory and moist. Below are the steps needed to prep your turkey legs before grilling.