This Thanksgiving, try something different: grilled turkey legs. These smoky, tender turkey drumsticks cook in a fraction of the time needed for a whole turkey.
Not everyone wants to make a gigantic turkey for Thanksgiving. I know I don’t when feeding a smaller crowd. Rather than roast an entire bird all day, grilling turkey legs can capture the same great flavor with significantly less effort. In our recipe, a butter rub infuses every bite with savory seasonings, and apple wood chips lend a subtly sweet smokiness. Grilling the turkey outside also frees up space in the oven so you can concentrate on your best Thanksgiving sides.
Turkey legs aren’t just for Thanksgiving, thankfully. Turkey leg recipes—especially the smoked ones—bring back so many fond childhood memories. There’s nothing like walking around the fair with a smoked turkey leg in hand. I couldn’t believe how enormous it was the first time I had one! The smoke makes the robust dark meat taste a little bit like ham. It’s delicious (and quick) enough for everyday eating, so there’s no need to wait for the holidays to bust this recipe out.
Grilled Turkey Legs Ingredients
- Turkey legs: You may find these at the grocery store labeled as turkey legs or drumsticks. This bone-in cut is similar to chicken drumsticks, but it’s significantly meatier. Turkey meat tastes more decadent and full-bodied compared to chicken, too.
- Butter mixture: Combining the melted butter and spices helps spread the seasonings evenly over the legs. We use a combination of salt, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, ground ginger, pepper, dried basil and cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the quantities if you like a spicier flavor, or use your favorite grill seasoning (like this all-around seasoning mix).
- Apple wood chips: Turn your grill into a smoker with soaked wood chips. You’ll want to leave the chips in the water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking ensures the chips will produce the maximum amount of smoke without burning.
Directions
Step 1: Season the turkey legs
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, ground ginger, pepper, dried basil and cayenne pepper. Brush the turkey legs all over with the butter mixture.
Step 2: Grill the turkey legs
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for indirect medium heat. Add the wood chips to the grill according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Place the turkey on a greased grill rack. Grill, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 175°F in the thickest part of the turkey leg. As the turkey cooks, turn the legs occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Editor’s Tip: Need help with creating indirect heat? Check out our guide to learn more about direct heat vs. indirect heat.
Recipe Variations
- Use a brine: You don’t need to brine turkey legs, but you certainly can if you have the time. Turkey legs are smaller than a whole turkey, so you’ll only need to leave them in the brine for about four hours. You’ll find recipes and more instructions in our how to brine a turkey guide.
- Make them in the oven: Don’t have a grill? No problem. You can make turkey legs in the oven, like this hot and spicy roasted turkey legs recipe. Place the seasoned turkey legs on an aluminum foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 375° oven, covered, for 45 minutes. Then, uncover, and bake for an additional 45 to 60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 175°.
How long do grilled turkey legs last?
Cooked turkey legs will last up to four days in the refrigerator. Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container. Get all the details for reheating turkey in our guide.
Can you freeze grilled turkey legs?
Yes, you can freeze grilled turkey legs for up to three months. Wrap each leg individually, and place the legs in a freezer-safe bag. To save freezer space, you could remove the meat from the bone first (and keep the bones separate to make turkey stock). Allow the legs to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Grilled Turkey Legs Tips
Do you wrap turkey legs in foil when grilling?
We do not wrap turkey legs in foil for this grilled turkey legs recipe. The turkey develops a smokier flavor when left unwrapped. Some prefer to wrap turkey legs in foil to keep them from sticking to the grill, but we find it’s fine as long as you start with clean grill grates.
What do you serve with turkey legs?
Turkey legs are a hearty main dish. They pair perfectly with classic Thanksgiving side dishes. Serve them with your favorite potato recipes or Thanksgiving mac and cheese. Taking a break from potatoes? Try some of these low-carb Thanksgiving side dishes. You can also serve turkey legs alongside white meat (these slow-cooker turkey breast recipes are nice and easy!). Since grilled turkey legs don’t create drippings, consider whipping up a make-ahead turkey gravy.
