See how to make Traeger smoked turkey legs on the pellet grill with this easy recipe guide. They’re kinda like a Disney smoked turkey legs copycat, but even better because you make ‘em in your own backyard! Let’s smoke ‘em…
See the video
It’s simple math, there’s never enough smoked turkey legs to go around the Thanksgiving table when you smoke a whole turkey…
No smoker? You can bake turkey legs…
Also see the Sip Bite Go recipe for smoked turkey wings...
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Smoked Turkey Legs.
- turkey legs
- BBQ or Poultry rub seasoning
- olive oil
- melted butter
Try making this cranberry BBQ sauce…
These are like a copycat Disney turkey leg recipe
On social you’ll also see us eating those famous Disney smoked BBQ turkey legs at Disneyland / Disney World.
I’ll have more Disney copycat recipes coming soon!
If you’re a Disney food fan, or just love theme parks, follow me on Instagram @jennalovesmagic
How long to smoke turkey legs?
Almost two hours to smoke one pound turkey legs directly on the grill grates. You are cooking to temperature, so timing will differ based on the size of your turkey legs and the temperature that you hold your smoker.
When are smoked turkey legs done?
Smoked turkey legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F measured in the thickest part. Since turkey legs are dark meat, you can smoke them up to 175 degrees F internally. At this temperature the meat breaks down further making it fall off the bone.
Should I brine turkey legs?
Brining turkey legs is up to you. This is a NO brine method. Just a dry rub which I allowed it to adhere for several hours in the fridge before smoking.
If you are going to brine your turkey legs, you’ll need kosher salt, cold water, sugar, peppercorns, and some sort of acid like lemon for example. Mix all of these ingredients together to combine then place your turkey legs into the brine mixture using a container that you can close the lid or using a resealable plastic bag.
After 12 – 24 hours in the fridge, remove the turkey legs from the brine, pat dry, and season before you smoke the turkey legs.
What wood pellets do you use to smoke turkey legs?
Poultry in the smoker picks up a lot of flavor, so you don’t need something as intense as hickory and mesquite pellets to get a rich smoke taste.
Try fruity pellets like cherry or apple.
Or for a rosemary taste, try these Traeger turkey pellets.
How to smoke turkey legs
Now I’ll walk you through it…
See how to cook smoked turkey thighs…
See the best game day smoker recipes…
Detailed recipe steps
- Preheat Traeger Grills or Pitt Boss or whatever pellet grill you’re using to 250 degrees F.
- Prep turkey legs for smoking by patting them dry with a paper towel and brushing with olive oil.
- Season turkey legs with BBQ or poultry rub of your choice and place in the refrigerator up to overnight if you have the time.
- Smoke room temperature turkey legs for 90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150 – 155 degrees F.
- Baste turkey legs with melted butter.
- Increase smoker temperature to 450 degrees F and continue smoking turkey legs until done at an internal temperature of 165 – 175 degrees F
- Let turkey legs rest and enjoy!
See how to make butternut squash soup…
For a smoked side dish, try these smoked jalapeno poppers, smoked mac and cheese or smoked mashed potatoes.
See more on smoked foods for the holidays
1 – See the Sip Bite Go review of Traeger Turkey pellets.
2 – See what’s in the turkey brine kit.
3 – Check out these tasty holiday dishes to smoke on the pellet grill…
- Smoked ham
- Smoked turkey breast
- Smoked turkey legs
- Smoked turkey wings
- Smoked mac and cheese
- Smoked mashed potatoes
- Smoked asparagus
- Smoked apple pie
- See more turkey recipes
- Check out the best smoked foods for a Traeger Thanksgiving dinner
- See all of Sip Bite Go’s Thanksgiving turkey recipes…
- Also check out how to cook a turkey in the oven and this turkey brine recipe…
Try a new Smoker Recipe…
Upgrade Your BBQ Game
The wrong meat thermometer will ruin your food… see the BBQ meat thermometers I credit for getting delicious results.
Get better at backyard BBQ…
I’m here to help you put together delicious meals, right at home. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments.
Stay in touch on Instagram and subscribe to SipBiteGo on YouTube.
Wishing you a delicious day! – Jenna
Next, browse the Sip Bite Go recipe collection…
BEST Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 LB turkey legs about 1 LB each
- 3 tbsp BBQ rub or any or poultry seasoning
- 3 tsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat Traeger Grills or Pitt Boss or whatever pellet grill you’re using to 250 degrees F.
- Prep turkey legs for smoking by patting them dry with a paper towel and brushing them with olive oil.
- Season turkey legs with BBQ or poultry rub of your choice and place in the refrigerator up to overnight if you have the time.
- Smoke room temperature turkey legs for 90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150 – 155 degrees F.
- Baste turkey legs with melted butter.
- Increase smoker temperature to 450 degrees F and continue smoking turkey legs until done at an internal temperature of 165 – 175 degrees F
- Let smoked turkey legs rest and enjoy!
Randall says
Smoked turkey legs and chicken legs at the same time. Chick legs were done first of course,then the turkey legs. I’m here to tell you they were so good there were no leftovers.will definitely keep this recipe in our favorites. Thank you so much! Big r