Smoked turkey legs are a classic Southern comfort dish. I grew up watching my family cook large cuts of meat low and slow, and now I recreate those same flavors on my Traeger pellet grill. As a Southern cook, I never skimp on seasoning — the result is juicy, richly flavored turkey legs that everyone will enjoy. Pull up a chair and try this recipe!
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Table of Contents
Smoked Turkey Legs Ingredients
- Turkey legs — Most grocery stores carry turkey leg drumsticks in the poultry section; ask your butcher if you don’t see them.
- Olive oil
- Poultry rub or individual spices
- Optional: butter injection or marinade
How to Season the Turkey Legs and Variations
My go-to seasoning includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. These build a smoky, savory profile that pairs well with slow-smoked turkey. Other great options:
- Store-bought poultry rub
- BBQ rub
- Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Maple bourbon
- Italian herb
- Honey mustard
How Do I Get Tender and Juicy Turkey Legs on the Smoker?
Turkey legs contain connective tissue and collagen that benefit from a low-and-slow cook to break them down. When cooked correctly, the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Injecting with a seasoned butter marinade delivers moisture and flavor directly into the meat without an overnight brine. If you choose to inject, use approximately 1 ounce per pound and inject into the thickest areas for even distribution.
Brining is another reliable method: mix water, salt, sugar, and your preferred spices, then refrigerate the legs in the brine for several hours or overnight. Brining helps the meat retain moisture during cooking.
When smoking, use indirect heat: place the turkey legs away from direct flames so they cook gently and don’t dry out.
How to Make Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs
Below are the key steps. Exact measurements and a printable recipe are provided in the recipe card further down.
- Prep the turkey legs. Pat dry, then brush with a thin layer of olive oil so the rub adheres and the skin crisps.
- Season or inject. Generously coat all sides with your chosen spices. If injecting, do so in the thickest parts for extra flavor and moisture.
- Preheat the smoker. Preheat your Traeger or pellet smoker to 225°F.
- Smoke the turkey legs. Arrange the legs on the grates away from direct heat. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe serving, or up to 175°F for a more tender result. Smaller legs often finish in about 90 minutes; larger legs will take longer.
- Optional glaze. During the last 10–15 minutes, brush with melted butter, glaze, or BBQ sauce for shine and extra flavor.
- Rest and serve. Remove from the smoker and let the legs rest 10–15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs
Brandi Crawford
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Traeger pellet smoker
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds turkey leg drumsticks
- 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup broth or water (optional, for finishing in a slow cooker)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- If injecting or brining, prepare the injection or brine ahead of time (see notes).
- Sprinkle spices on both sides of each leg and rub to coat thoroughly.
- Place the legs on the smoker using indirect heat. Smoke for about 90 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165–175°F. Smaller legs may finish sooner; larger legs will require more time.
- Optional: For very tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, transfer smoked legs to a slow cooker with 1/2 cup broth and cook on High for 2–3 hours or Low for 4–6 hours until meat falls from the bone. Otherwise, simply cook on the smoker until the thermometer reads the desired temperature.
- Remove from heat and rest at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
I often inject with a seasoned butter marinade to add moisture and flavor without an overnight brine. If you inject, use about 1 ounce per pound and inject into the thickest parts.
Brining is an alternative method that adds moisture and flavor. Combine water, salt, sugar, and spices, then submerge the legs and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Total cook time varies by leg size. Remove smaller pieces first if sizes are uneven.
Nutrition
Calories: 687 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Protein: 88 g
Fat: 32 g
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Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Cook time varies with size. Smaller turkey legs can take around 90 minutes; larger legs can take several hours. I typically smoke for 90 minutes and then finish in a slow cooker if I want very tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone. 165°F is safe to eat; 175°F yields more tender meat. The skin should be golden and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.
Yes — brush on BBQ sauce 10–30 minutes before finishing on the grill, or add it after cooking for a fresh glaze.
For the most tender result, smoke the legs and then finish in a slow cooker with a small amount of liquid until the meat falls from the bone. If you prefer a firmer, hand-held style like a theme-park turkey leg, smoke to 165–175°F and serve immediately.
Apple, cherry, pecan, hickory, maple, and oak all pair nicely with poultry. A signature blend of pellets works well, too.
Resting for 10–15 minutes allows juices to redistribute and prevents them from running out when the meat is sliced, keeping the turkey moist.
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat low and slow to prevent drying: in the oven at 325°F covered with foil, in an air fryer at a low temperature, or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. The microwave can work in short bursts if needed.
Wrap and seal turkey legs for freezing; use within 2–3 months for best flavor and texture.
Pair With These Recipes
Southern Coleslaw
Vinegar Based Coleslaw (no mayo)
Soul Food Potato Salad
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
More Turkey Leg Recipes
Baked Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Legs
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Grilled Turkey Legs