Cook Up a Delicious Crock Pot Turkey Legs Recipe
Picture this: it’s a chilly fall night and you’re craving something hearty and comforting for dinner. Look no further than these crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce.
This recipe is perfect for those who love slow-cooked, braised turkey that falls right off the bone. The combination of dry white wine and chicken broth creates a flavorful sauce that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Plus, this recipe is extremely versatile – you can easily swap out the turkey legs for other cuts like braised turkey thighs or even smoked turkey breast. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, why not try honey glazed turkey legs for a sweet twist on the classic dish?
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the best turkey legs you’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a lover of comfort food, I am thrilled to present to you the most delicious and easy-to-make crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce recipe that will leave you craving more.
The turkey legs will braise slowly in the crock pot with a combination of white wine and chicken broth, creating a flavor-packed bouquet that blends perfectly with the turkey’s juicy and tender meat. The poultry seasoning and other ingredients will enrich this dish with a savory aroma that fills your kitchen, making your mouth water.
One of the fantastic things about this recipe is its versatility. You can substitute the turkey legs for any other part of the turkey, such as drumsticks or even breast if you prefer white meat—adding extra depth to the taste profile. The slow cooking process brings out the best flavor possible from the meat, melting off any excess fat while cooking.
Not only is this recipe simple to make, but it’s also incredibly convenient. Imagine coming home from work to find your dinner already made – all you need is a slow cooker or crock pot! Or take it up a notch by preparing it for your next gathering or dinner party, where guests will be left thoroughly impressed.
This savory dish is perfect any time of year, whether you’re cozying up on chilly evenings or looking for something to round out your summer backyard BBQ with friends and family without spending hours in front of a hot grill.
So why not give this recipe a try? Once you have tasted the succulent braised turkey legs in wine sauce, I guarantee that this dish will become one of your favorites!
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need to make this delicious Crock Pot Turkey Legs in Wine Sauce Recipe:
- Turkey Legs – This recipe used 4 large turkey legs
- Poultry Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dry White Wine – Use your favorite wine.
- Chicken Broth – As a substitute for chicken broth, use vegetable broth or water.
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Fresh Rosemary – This adds a lovely aroma to the dish.
- Cornstarch
- Water
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get started on cooking these succulent crock pot turkey legs. This recipe takes about 5-6 hours to cook, so let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 turkey legs
- 1 tsp of poultry seasoning
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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The first step in making this recipe is to sear the turkey legs. In order to sear the meat, you will need to season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
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Once seasoned, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is heated, add the turkey legs and sear each side for about 2 minutes until nicely browned.
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Next, add the seared turkey legs into the slow cooker or crockpot along with a cup of dry white wine, a cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of water.
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Set the slow cooker on low heat for 5 hours.
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After about 4 hours of cooking, baste the turkey legs with the liquid at bottom slow cooker.
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Continue to cook for another hour until fully done.
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Remove from heat once fully cooked and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips:
- For an extra sweet and smoky flavor, try brushing honey on the turkey legs before adding them into the crockpot.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables into the mix.
- If you want some extra richness in your sauce, you can whisk in some butter right before serving.
Now that you have perfected this recipe on how to cook crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce, it’s time finally time for you to try it!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Chicken legs or thighs can be used in place of turkey legs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– For a more decadent version, add a tablespoon of butter to the wine sauce towards the end of the cooking time.
– If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or water instead.
– Instead of using a dry white wine, you can use red wine for a richer flavor. Pinot noir or Cabernet Sauvignon work well in this recipe.
– For a twist on classic turkey flavors, add some poultry seasoning to the slow cooker before cooking.
– If you’re short on time, you can speed up the cooking process by using a pressure cooker or instant pot. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes followed by a natural release.
– Vegetarians can substitute the turkey with firm tofu or vegetables such as portobello mushrooms, cauliflower or squash.
– You can also experiment with different flavored vinegars like red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for an added tangy taste.
With these substitutions and variations, you can create a whole new dish with subtle yet distinct flavors.
Serving and Pairing
Once your slow-cooked turkey legs are juicy and tender, it’s time to get creative with your serving and pairing! The wine sauce is the perfect flavor addition to these turkey legs, making it easy to choose a pairing that will complement the dish.
For sides, I suggest roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes or sweet potatoes. Another option is to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or a light salad dressed in vinaigrette. You can also add some steamed greens or a green bean casserole on the side.
When it comes to wine pairing, you have options. If you used white wine for the recipe, then you can serve a glass of the same white wine that you used in the recipe to really bring out its flavors. An excellent option is a Sauvignon Blanc, which has an herbaceous flavor profile that perfectly complements the seasoning of the turkey legs.
If you used red wine for the recipe, then a Pinot Noir would make an excellent pairing. Pinot Noir is lighter than other red wines and has a fruity and earthy flavor profile – this combination is perfect for bringing out the richness in your turkey legs.
Alternatively, you could pair these turkey legs with any red or white wine that you enjoy drinking. Just keep in mind not to overpower the flavors of the dish- mild reds or whites work best.
I hope this pairing guide helps elevate your meal and creates an unforgettable dining experience!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are looking to save time during the week, this crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
To make-ahead, follow the recipe instructions until step 5. Once the turkey legs have been simmering in the wine sauce for 5 hours, let them cool down to room temperature. Transfer the turkey legs and remaining sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
When you are ready to reheat and serve, simply transfer the turkey and sauce back into the slow cooker or pot over medium heat for 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can add additional chicken broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency of your sauce.
This recipe is also great for storing leftovers. Store leftover turkey legs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat individual portions, microwave on high for two minutes or heat the turkey legs in a pan over medium-low heat on the stove until warmed through.
Overall, this crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions where you want an impressive dish with minimal effort.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect crockpot braised turkey legs in wine sauce, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. Here are my top tips for getting the most flavor and tenderness out of your turkey legs.
Firstly, make sure to watch the cooking time. Overcooking your turkey legs can lead to tough and dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time and test the temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.
Secondly, consider using bone-in turkey legs for added flavor and tenderness. The bones add richness to the broth and help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Thirdly, don’t forget about seasoning. Poultry seasoning is a great choice for adding flavor to the turkey legs, while salt and pepper are always needed for taste.
Fourthly, deglaze your skillet after browning the turkey legs with wine or chicken broth. This will help scrape off any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet, which are packed with flavor and essential for building a rich and complex sauce.
Fifthly, pack in as much flavor as possible by adding aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs such as thyme or rosemary. They not only infuse flavor into the turkey legs but also fragrance into your kitchen.
Lastly, let your braised turkey legs rest in their sauce after cooking for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This lets them absorb even more flavors from the sauce and allows their internal temperature to stabilize. Trust me; it’s worth it. These simple tips will help you cook up some of the best turkey legs you’ve ever tasted!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions that arise throughout the cooking process. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help troubleshoot any issues you encounter when making this crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce recipe.
How long does it take to cook turkey legs in a slow cooker?
For optimal results, cook the turkey legs at a low temperature for an extended period of time. Adjust the cooking time based on whether you prefer a shorter or longer duration. Lastly, use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached the recommended safe point of 165°F/ 74°C.
Can you put turkey leg in slow cooker?
When it comes to slow cooking, turkey legs are a great option. They belong to the dark meat category of poultry, which is ideal for the slow cooking process in electric pressure cookers or slow cookers like the Instant Pot. Thanks to the slow cooking method, even the toughest cuts of turkey legs can be tenderized to perfection.
Does wine cook off in slow cooker?
When red wine is added to a slow cooker, its low temperature may not completely evaporate the alcohol content, causing the flavor of the dish to be overpowered by the wine. To avoid this, it is recommended to brown the meat in a pan first, deglaze it with wine, and then add it to the slow cooker. By doing so, the flavors of the wine and meat will be well-blended without overpowering each other.
Can you overcook turkey legs?
When cooking a turkey leg, there’s always the risk of overcooking it. While roasting and braising are both cooking methods, braising is less likely to result in overcooked meat because it involves cooking the meat slowly in liquid. As a bonus, the braising liquid can be turned into delicious gravy to serve alongside the meat.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that should be on every home cook’s menu. The tender, juicy meat blends perfectly with the refreshing flavors of the white wine garlic sauce. Plus, the slow cooking process results in turkey that is moist, succulent, and full of flavor.
The recipe is also incredibly flexible, allowing you to substitute ingredients and vary the recipe to meet your particular preferences. It can be easily adapted for different occasions and events, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
So why not try this recipe today? It’s perfect for a family meal or even a dinner party with friends. With its ease of preparation and incredible taste, crock pot turkey legs in wine sauce will definitely become a part of your regular meal rotation. Trust me; it will make you look like an accomplished chef without requiring too much skill or effort.
Crock Pot Turkey Legs in Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large turkey leg (or thigh)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Mix chicken broth, wine and poultry seasoning together in a crock pot, and place turkey pieces in liquid.
- Cook on low 5-6 hours until meat is done and tender.
- If gravy is preferred, heat liquid on stove and add a water-flour roux. Stir until thickened.