How to Perfectly Cook Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs

How to Cook Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. But if you don’t have the time to cook a whole turkey, pre-cooked turkey legs are a great option. They’re already cooked, so all you need to do is heat them up and serve them.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook pre-cooked turkey legs in the oven, on the grill, and in the slow cooker. We’ll also provide tips on how to make them taste even better. So whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a quick and easy meal, read on for our guide to cooking pre-cooked turkey legs!

| Steps | Instructions | Tips |
|—|—|—|
| Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). | | |
| Place the turkey legs in a baking dish. | | Baste the turkey legs with the cooking liquid every 30 minutes. |
| Bake for 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). | | Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving. |

Choosing the Right Turkey Legs

When choosing turkey legs, there are a few factors to consider.

  • Size: Turkey legs come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the leg will determine how long it takes to cook.
  • Type of meat: Turkey legs can be made from either dark or white meat. Dark meat is typically more flavorful and juicy, while white meat is leaner and drier.
  • Flavoring: Turkey legs can be flavored in a variety of ways, such as with herbs, spices, or sauces.

Here are some tips for choosing the right turkey legs:

  • If you’re not sure what size turkey leg to buy, err on the side of caution and choose a larger leg. This will ensure that the leg is cooked through and juicy.
  • If you prefer dark meat, choose a turkey leg that is made from dark meat. If you prefer white meat, choose a turkey leg that is made from white meat.
  • If you want to add flavor to your turkey legs, choose a leg that is flavored with herbs, spices, or sauces.

Preparing the Turkey Legs

Before cooking turkey legs, there are a few things you need to do to prepare them.

  • Thawing: If you’re using frozen turkey legs, you will need to thaw them before cooking. The best way to thaw turkey legs is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw them in a sink full of cold water.
  • Marinating: Marinating turkey legs is a great way to add flavor and moisture to them. You can marinate turkey legs in a variety of different marinades, such as a vinegar-based marinade, a citrus-based marinade, or a yogurt-based marinade.
  • Seasoning: Once the turkey legs have been thawed and marinated, you will need to season them. You can season turkey legs with a variety of different spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Here are some tips for preparing turkey legs:

  • When thawing turkey legs, make sure to place them in a single layer. This will help them thaw evenly.
  • When marinating turkey legs, make sure to cover them completely. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat.
  • When seasoning turkey legs, make sure to use a light hand. Too much seasoning can overpower the flavor of the meat.

Cooking the Turkey Legs

Once the turkey legs have been prepared, you can cook them. There are a variety of ways to cook turkey legs, such as roasting, grilling, and smoking.

  • Roasting: To roast turkey legs, you will need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and roast them for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.
  • Grilling: To grill turkey legs, you will need to preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook them for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.
  • Smoking: To smoke turkey legs, you will need to preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on the smoker and smoke them for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.

Here are some tips for cooking turkey legs:

  • When roasting turkey legs, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • When grilling turkey legs, make sure to turn them frequently. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
  • When smoking turkey legs, make sure to add a moisture source to the smoker. This will help to keep the meat moist.

Turkey legs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By following these tips, you can cook perfectly cooked turkey legs that are sure to please everyone.

Cooking the Turkey Legs

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy turkey without having to spend hours in the kitchen. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can find a method that fits your needs and preferences.

Oven

To cook pre-cooked turkey legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Grill

To cook pre-cooked turkey legs on the grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the turkey legs with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until they are heated through.

Air fryer

To cook pre-cooked turkey legs in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Tips for cooking pre-cooked turkey legs

  • Be sure to cook the turkey legs until they are heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you are cooking the turkey legs in the oven, you can baste them with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking to help keep them moist.
  • If you are grilling the turkey legs, you can marinate them in a flavorful marinade before cooking to add extra flavor.
  • If you are using an air fryer, be careful not to overcook the turkey legs. They can dry out quickly if they are cooked too long.

Storing the Turkey Legs

Pre-cooked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store the turkey legs in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To store the turkey legs in the freezer, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating the Turkey Legs

To reheat pre-cooked turkey legs, you can reheat them in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer. To reheat the turkey legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. To reheat the turkey legs on the grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the turkey legs with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are heated through. To reheat the turkey legs in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket and reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy turkey without having to spend hours in the kitchen. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can find a method that fits your needs and preferences. Be sure to cook the turkey legs until they are heated through, and store them properly so that they stay fresh.

How do I cook pre cooked turkey legs?

There are a few different ways to cook pre cooked turkey legs. Here are two of the most popular methods:

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey legs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.

How long do I cook pre cooked turkey legs?

The cooking time for pre cooked turkey legs will vary depending on the method you choose. In the oven, they will take 15-20 minutes, while on the stovetop they will take 5-7 minutes per side.

What temperature should I cook pre cooked turkey legs?

The ideal temperature for cooking pre cooked turkey legs is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they are heated through without overcooking them.

Can I cook pre cooked turkey legs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook pre cooked turkey legs from frozen. However, they will take a bit longer to cook. In the oven, they will take 20-25 minutes, while on the stovetop they will take 7-10 minutes per side.

What are some tips for cooking pre cooked turkey legs?

Here are a few tips for cooking pre cooked turkey legs:

  • Preheat your oven or stovetop before cooking the turkey legs. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Don’t overcook the turkey legs. Overcooked turkey legs can be dry and tough.
  • Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables.

    cooking pre-cooked turkey legs is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy perfectly cooked turkey legs that are moist and flavorful every time.

Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:

  • Pre-cooked turkey legs can be found in the deli section of most grocery stores.
  • To cook pre-cooked turkey legs, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the legs for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  • You can also cook pre-cooked turkey legs on the grill or in a slow cooker.
  • Serve pre-cooked turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.

With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily cook delicious pre-cooked turkey legs that will impress your family and friends.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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