Reheat Turkey Legs Like a Pro – Expert Tips and Mouthwatering Recipes

Leftover turkey legs from a big holiday meal are delicious, but reheating them properly is key to retaining moisture and flavor. Whether smoked or roasted, turkey legs can be reheated using a microwave, oven, grill or slow cooker. Follow these simple instructions for reheating turkey legs using each appliance.

Reheating Turkey Legs in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat turkey legs.

• Unwrap the turkey legs and place them on a microwave-safe dish. Arrange the legs so they are not touching each other.
• Cover the dish loosely with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. This will help retain moisture as the turkey legs reheat.
• Microwave the turkey legs on HIGH power for 2-3 minutes per leg. The timing will depend on the thickness and size of each leg.
• Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of each turkey leg with a food thermometer. Reheated turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Allow the turkey legs to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they rest.
• If the turkey legs are not hot enough, microwave them for additional 30-60 seconds until 165°F is reached. Be careful not to overcook them.

Reheating Turkey Legs in the Oven

The oven provides an easy hands-off way to reheat multiple turkey legs at once.

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Arrange the turkey legs on the baking sheet so they are not touching.
• Cover the legs loosely with foil. This will help retain moisture as they reheat.
• Bake the turkey legs for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check the thickest part of a leg with a food thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
• Remove the foil tent during the last 5 minutes if the skin needs browning.
• Allow the turkey legs to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Reheating Smoked Turkey Legs on the Grill

The grill imparts delicious smoky flavor when reheating leftover smoked turkey legs.

• Prepare the grill for medium indirect heat. If using charcoal, spread the coals evenly. For gas, turn burners to medium.
• Clean the grates well so turkey doesn’t stick. Oil the grates.
• Place the turkey legs on the cool side of the grill away from any direct heat.
• Cover the grill. Cook legs for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check temperature.
• Move the legs directly over the heat for the last 1-2 minutes to add grill marks and crispy skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• Allow turkey legs to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Reheating Turkey Legs in the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker gently reheats turkey legs until tender and juicy.

• Place turkey legs in the slow cooker and add 1/2 cup turkey broth, water or wine.
• Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours until heated through (165°F).
• Alternatively, cook legs on HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6 hours then switch setting to WARM to hold legs until ready to serve.
• Baste turkey legs with cooking liquid periodically for added moisture and flavor.
• Remove legs carefully from the slow cooker and allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs about Reheating Turkey Legs

Q: How long can I store leftover turkey legs?
A: Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can be frozen for 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil when storing.

Q: What is the best way to reheat turkey legs?
A: Oven reheating is best for retaining moisture and flavor. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place foil-wrapped legs on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes until warm throughout. Alternately, you can reheat in the microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes per leg.

Q: Should I reheat the turkey legs with or without the bone?
A: It’s best to reheat turkey legs with the bone still in to retain moisture. If you remove the bone before storing, the meat can dry out faster.

Q: Can I reheat a fully cooked smoked or deep-fried turkey leg?
A: Yes, fully cooked turkey legs can be reheated using the same oven or microwave method. Just reheat until hot, about 10-15 minutes for an oven.

Tips for Reheating Turkey Legs

• Wrap legs in foil to prevent drying out. Leave seam side up if microwaving.
• Take legs directly from fridge to oven or microwave; don’t let sit at room temperature.
• Reheat at a high enough temperature to ensure the meat reaches 165°F internally.
• Add a splash of chicken or turkey stock to the foil packet for extra moisture.
• Finish with a brush of oil or melted butter and a sprinkle of herbs for crispy skin.
• Slice into smaller pieces so the meat heats faster if you’re short on time.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness; juices should run clear.

Recipes

Easy Oven-Baked Turkey Leg Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 turkey legs, bone-in
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
2. Brush turkey legs with olive oil and sprinkle with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through (165°F).
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Crispy Baked Turkey Legs

Ingredients:

• 2 turkey legs, bone-in
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat turkey legs dry and brush with melted butter.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll turkey legs in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until reheated through and breadcrumbs are crispy.

Microwave BBQ Turkey Legs

Ingredients:

• 2 turkey legs, bone-in
• 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a microwave safe dish, mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add turkey legs and turn to coat in sauce mixture.
3. Cover dish with plastic wrap. Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes per leg until heated through.
4. Carefully remove plastic wrap. Serve legs with extra sauce from dish.

Product Recommendations

Microwave:

• Panasonic NN-SN966S – 2.2 cu. ft. stainless steel countertop microwave
• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. 1100W microwave with smart sensor cooking
• GE JES1656SRSS – 1.6 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave
• Breville Quick Touch BMO735 – 0.7 cu. ft. 10 power levels with LCD display
• Sharp R-21LCFS – 2.1 cu. ft. commercial microwave with 1,000W power

Oven:

• GE JTS5000SNSS – 5.3 cu. ft. electric double oven with convection cooking
• Bosch HBL8451UC – 800 Series 4.6 cu. ft. electric single wall oven
• Frigidaire FGF378ACE – 36″ gas range with 5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity
• LG LDE4415ST – 6.3 cu. ft. double oven with EasyClean technology
• Whirlpool WGE745C0FS – 4.8 cu. ft. fingerprint resistant stainless steel oven

Grill:

• Weber Spirit II E-310 – 3-burner liquid propane grill with 529 sq. in. cooking area
• Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner – 4-burner gas grill with 36,000 BTUs and 425 sq. in. cooking surface
• Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D – 4-burner propane grill with 12,000 BTU side burner
• Napoleon Rogue 425 – 3-burner propane grill with wave cooking grids
• PK Grills PKO-GCA – Aluminum charcoal grill with 300 sq. in. cooking surface

Slow Cooker:

• Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S – 6-quart programmable cook & carry oval slow cooker
• Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart – Programmable slow cooker with probe
• Breville BPR700BSS – Fast Slow Pro slow cooker with precision temperature control
• Cuisinart PSC-650 – 6-1/2 quart programmable slow cooker with digital timer
• All-Clad SD700450 – 6.5-quart programmable slow cooker with ceramic insert

With proper reheating technique, leftover turkey legs can be just as delicious as the day they were cooked. The microwave provides quick results, while the oven, grill and slow cooker allow more hands-off reheating. Use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches safe eating temperature. Let the reheated turkey legs rest before serving for juicy, tender results.