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Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce

Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Easy Turkey Legs with BBQ Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Juicy turkey legs are wrapped with smoked turkey bacon and coated in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 turkey legs (1 to 1.5 pounds each), fresh or thawed
  • 4 strips smoked turkey bacon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

BBQ Sauce Mixture

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey Legs: Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove any residue and help the seasoning adhere better. Rub olive oil all over each leg to lock in moisture and create a base for the spices.
  2. Season the Legs: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on all sides of the turkey legs. Wrap each leg tightly with smoked turkey bacon to add a smoky richness during cooking.
  3. Preheat Your Oven or Grill: For oven cooking, preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook the Turkey Legs: Place the turkey legs on the baking sheet or directly on the grill. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning every 20-30 minutes for even cooking. Midway through, baste the legs with BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar to develop a sticky, flavorful glaze. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Brush on an additional layer of BBQ sauce for a glossy finish before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate turkey legs in BBQ sauce and seasonings overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey legs reach 175°F internal temperature for perfect doneness.
  • Do not skip resting after cooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Wrap smoked turkey bacon tightly around the legs to help it crisp up and stay in place during cooking.
  • If BBQ sauce is too thin, simmer gently to thicken before applying.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey leg with sauce
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: turkey legs, BBQ sauce, smoked turkey bacon, baked turkey, BBQ recipe, dinner, cookout, easy recipe, smoky, flavorful, protein

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/turkey-legs-with-bbq-sauce/