Giant, meaty turkey legs are a popular snack at theme parks, fairs and festivals. But did you know you can also buy turkey legs at your local grocery store or butcher shop? Read on to learn all about turkey legs, where to source them, and how to cook them at home.
What Are Turkey Legs?
Turkey legs come from the lower portion of a turkey and include the drumstick, thigh and a portion of the back. They are much larger and meatier than chicken legs.
On average, turkey legs weigh 1.5 to 2.5 lbs each, but jumbo turkey legs can be even bigger at 18 – 3 lbs each.
The skin gets deliciously crispy when roasted, while the dark meat stays ultra moist and flavorful. The bones add flavor as the legs cook.
Why Are Turkey Legs Popular?
Giant turkey legs started gaining popularity at theme parks like Disney World in the 1970s They made for a hearty, hand-held meal you could eat while walking around the park
Today, turkey legs are favorites at fairs, carnivals and stadiums for similar reasons – they are easy to eat without a fork and knife.
The large size and bold flavors also make them ultra satisfying. The crisp, salty skin and tender, juicy meat makes turkey legs hard to resist!
Where to Buy Turkey Legs
While turkey legs were once only found at events, today there are several options for purchasing them:
Grocery Stores
Many grocers now carry prepared seasoned turkey legs in the deli section. Or you can request them fresh from the butcher counter.
Opt for the largest legs available for that iconic theme park treat.
Butcher Shops
Local butchers are a great source for fresh, high quality turkey legs. Ask when they have legs in stock and request the jumbo size.
Online Retailers
Several online meat markets sell turkey legs in bulk cases of 10-30 lbs. These ship frozen.
Search for “jumbo turkey legs” to find legs over 2 lbs each.
Direct from Farms
Some poultry farms allow customers to buy turkey legs directly from their butcher shop. Check farms in your area.
Theme Parks & Fairs
Of course, turkey legs are still sold at fairs, theme parks like Disney World, stadiums, and carnivals. Perfect for eating on-the-go!
How Much Do Turkey Legs Cost?
Prices for turkey legs vary by source. Here are some typical costs:
- Grocery deli – $5 to $9 each
- Butcher shops – $3 to $7 per lb
- Online (bulk case) – $2 to $4 per lb
- Fairs & theme parks – $10 to $15 each
Jumbo legs tend to cost more per pound than smaller legs. Buying in bulk usually offers the best price.
How to Cook Turkey Legs at Home
Roasting is the easiest way to cook flavorful turkey legs at home. Here’s a simple step-by-step method:
Ingredients
- Turkey legs, thawed if frozen
- Olive oil or butter
- Seasoning rub – salt, pepper, herbs
Directions
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Thaw turkey legs fully in the refrigerator if frozen.
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Pat legs dry and coat lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
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Generously season legs with dry rub on all sides.
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Place legs on a foil lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 60-75 minutes until fully cooked.
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For crispier skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at very end.
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Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Get Creative with Flavors
Don’t limit yourself to plain turkey legs. Use different seasonings and sauces to mix it up:
- Italian – oregano, basil, garlic, Parmesan
- Mexican – cumin, chili powder, lime
- BBQ – sweet & tangy barbecue sauce
- Thai – coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger
- Jerk – Caribbean jerk seasoning and spices
Have fun coming up with your own signature flavors!
Enjoy Delicious Turkey Legs!
Giant turkey legs aren’t just fair food. You can find them at grocery stores or order them online and roast them easily at home. Take your pick of seasoning flavors and dig into tender, juicy meat and crispy skin anytime. Turkey legs make a hearty, fun meal or appetizer perfect for sharing.
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FAQ
Can you get just turkey legs?
Yes, you can. Depends on the store though – not all of them carry pre-carved portions of turkey like that. I Was at Market 32 (Price Chopper) this weekend though and they had a bundle that was a drumstick and breast meat or something similar.
Do supermarkets sell turkey legs?
ASDA Tender Turkey Drumstick – ASDA Groceries.
Where can I get turkey drumsticks from?
- Sobeys. Foodland. Co-op Stores.
- Metro. IGA. Super C.
- Food Basics. Freshco. Foodland. Metro.
Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?
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Turkey legThe entire leg of a turkey, which includes the thigh and drumstick. A whole turkey leg can weigh between 1–2.5 lbs.
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Turkey drumstickThe lower part of the turkey leg, from the knee joint to the foot. Drumsticks are known for their rich flavor and tender dark meat.
Where can I buy turkey legs & Chicken online?
Get Wholesale Turkey Legs and Chicken Online at Farmer’s Fresh Meat! Watch family and friends flock to the table as you serve our delicious Jumbo Fresh Turkey Drumsticks Case (30lb). Sometimes referred to as “turkey legs,” each case contains 13-15 hearty drumsticks and weighs about 1.8-2lbs each.
What is a whole turkey leg?
Whole turkey legs are made up of the thigh and drumstick, but many people use “turkey leg” to refer to just the drumstick. Drumsticks should be readily available in the meat section of your local grocery store. Though whole legs are harder to come by, you may be able to find them at a butcher.
Where can I find turkey legs near me?
Here are some places where you can find turkey legs near you: 1. **Grocery stores:** Most grocery stores carry a selection of fresh or frozen turkey legs. Check your local grocery store, such as Walmart, Safeway, or Kroger, and head to the meat or poultry section to find a packet of turkey legs. 2.
Does Walmart sell turkey legs?
Yes, Walmart typically carries turkey legs in their meat section. Check the fresh or frozen poultry area of your local Walmart store. **2. Are turkey legs available at Whole Foods?** Yes, Whole Foods usually offers a selection of turkey legs. Visit the meat or poultry department of your nearest Whole Foods store. **3.
Where can I buy smoked turkey legs?
Yes, specialty meat stores, butcher shops, or ethnic grocery stores are likely to offer smoked turkey legs. Check these places for smoked turkey leg options. **4.
How much does a pound of turkey legs cost?
For fresh, high-quality turkey legs available year-round, check the poultry section at your local supermarket Brands like Honeysuckle White offer package sizes ranging from individual turkey legs to larger family packs You can expect to pay around $1.67 per pound.