Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with Onion Gravy
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with Onion Gravy – an easy and delicious recipe for flavorful, fall-off-the-bone turkey drumsticks and rich gravy!
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Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with Onion Gravy are perfectly seasoned turkey drumsticks that cook to perfection in the slow cooker, then served with a homemade savory onion gravy.
The gravy is made by blending the onions and buttery juices from the slow cooker with a cornstarch slurry for a silky-smooth texture.
This recipe is not only great for Thanksgiving, it makes the perfect easy dinner when you’re craving classic comfort food!
If you like turkey drumsticks, you may want to try my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks!
Ingredients needed (scroll down to recipe card for complete recipe):
- Turkey legs (drumsticks)
- Onion
- Chicken broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Butter
- Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, black pepper, bay leaf, sea salt
- Cornstarch & water – for cornstarch slurry
📍The full recipe with exact ingredient amounts and instructions is on the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
What is the difference between turkey legs and drumsticks?
Turkey legs are comprised of the whole leg (thigh and drumstick), whereas turkey drumsticks are just the lower part of the turkey’s leg.
Even though they’re technically two different things, turkey drumsticks are commonly referred to as “legs”.
How to serve turkey legs
These Slow Cooker Turkey Legs are excellent with the onion gravy from the slow cooker and your favorite sides.
Side dishes to serve with turkey legs:
- Curry Spiced Roasted Carrots
- Savory Chicken Rice
- Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
- Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
💡Tips & Tricks
- Turkey legs aren’t always available in the poultry section of the grocery store. Also try the freezer section, fresh meat counter, or a local butcher. If you use frozen turkey legs, thaw them first.
- Crispy skin: While not as crisp as an oven, you can help crispen the skin by popping the turkey legs under the broiler for a couple minutes.
Looking for more slow cooker holiday recipes? Here are some favorites:
- Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler
- Slow Cooker Warm Apple Cinnamon Spiced Wine
- Slow Cooker Cajun Butter Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Cobbler
- Slow Cooker Boozy Chocolate Coffee
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Slow Cooker Turkey Legs with Onion Gravy
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- sheet pan (if crisping the skin under the broiler)
Ingredients
- 4 turkey legs (drumsticks) (approx. 4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick/8 tablespoons)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Onion gravy
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels. Add the butter, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl and mix until fully combined. Rub the seasoned butter all over the turkey legs including under the skin as much as possible.
- Add the onion, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf to slow cooker and place buttered turkey legs on top. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or until a meat thermometer reaches 165° in the thickest part. Discard the bay leaf, remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker and set aside. Make sure there are no bones or inedible turkey parts in the slow cooker.
- To help crisp up the skin under the broiler, place turkey legs on a sheet pan and pop it under the broiler, checking on it every minute or two until browned to your liking. Keep your eye on it, as it burns quickly!
Make onion gravy
- Add the cornstarch and water to a small bowl and mix until combined, then pour it in the slow cooker with the onion and juices from the turkey. With an immersion blender blend the liquid in the slow cooker until the onion has been blended smooth. Taste for needed salt and pepper and enjoy!
Notes
- Depending on how much liquid the turkey releases, this makes approximately 2 1/2 cups of gravy.
- Broiling the turkey after it’s cooked is optional, but it does add a gorgeous browned color and crispier texture to the skin.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in freezer-safe packaging for up to 3 months. You’ll lose the crispness of the skin, but it will still be delicious!
Wait until you try these turkey legs and gravy! They’re a game-changer!