Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Karen
Here are the best methods to reheat smoked turkey legs and enjoy juicy, flavorful meat every time. From oven reheating to using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, discover easy and effective techniques to warm up pre-smoked turkey legs with crispy skin and tender meat.
Smoked turkey legs have become a favorite food across the country, known for their bold, savory taste and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. You’ve probably seen these giant turkey legs at theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World parks, or renaissance festivals. These big, flavorful turkey drumsticks are popular not just because of their size, but because of the delicious, intense smoky flavor that comes from a careful smoking process!
Luckily, you don’t have to travel to a festival or park to enjoy them anymore. Pre-smoked turkey legs are now available at most local grocery stores (they can be found in the deli meat section, usually next to packages of brats and smoked ham), sold ready to heat and eat. Whether you’re using leftover holiday dinner turkey or bought a fresh pack from the store, reheating these pre-smoked legs the right way makes all the difference between dry meat and juicy, flavorful meat.
In this post, I’ll share the best methods to reheat smoked turkey legs while keeping them moist, tender, and full of flavor. We’ll also talk about how to store them properly, add extra flavor, and even how to make your own smoked turkey legs at home if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Store Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs Before Reheating
Before reheating, proper storage is key. If you’re not eating your turkey legs right away, wrap each leg tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying out the meat.
If you’re storing them in the refrigerator, they’ll last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a large container or freezer bag. Make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing, and consider wrapping each one in paper towels before placing them in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs: 4 Best Methods
There are several great ways to reheat pre-smoked turkey legs, depending on what you’re looking for. Some methods give you crispy skin, while others focus on tenderness and keeping the meat juicy. Here are your 4 best options:
1. Oven Reheating – Best for Crispy Skin and Even Heating
Reheating turkey legs in the oven is one of the most reliable methods. It allows for even heating and helps maintain that crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Step-by-step:
1. Preheat your oven to 325F.
2. Wrap each turkey leg in aluminum foil. Before sealing, add a little chicken broth, cold water, or even a touch of olive oil to keep the meat from drying out.
3. Place the wrapped legs on a baking sheet.
4. Heat in the oven for about 30–40 minutes. If they are frozen, you may need to add extra cooking time.
5. For crispy skin, unwrap the foil during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safe temperature for poultry.
This method brings back that intense smoky flavor and gives the best part of the leg—crispy skin—another chance to shine.
2. Instant Pot or Slow Cooker – Easy Way to Get Tender Meat
If you don’t mind skipping the crisp skin and want super moist, bone tender meat, the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or crock pot is your best friend. This method steams the meat, making it soft and juicy.
Step-by-step:
1. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the pot.
2. Add your turkey legs in a single layer. If needed, stack them, but try not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Sprinkle on some black pepper, garlic powder, and a small amount of brown sugar to boost the flavor.
4. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 45–60 minutes. If using an Instant Pot, set it to the “Meat” or “Steam” setting for about 30 minutes.
This is an easy way to reheat smoked turkey meat without much attention. Plus, you can reuse the liquid as a base for soup or gravy.
3. Grill or Charcoal Grill – Great for Smoky Flavor
If you’re missing that smoking process flavor and want to cook outdoors in your own backyard, the grill is a great option. Especially with a charcoal grill, you can reheat while adding a smoky touch that reminds you of renaissance festivals or Disney turkey leg stands.
Step-by-step:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Wrap each leg in aluminum foil with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
3. Place the legs on the grill grates and heat for 15–20 minutes, turning 2-3 times to prevent burning.
4. For extra crispy skin, unwrap the legs and grill them directly over the heat for the last 2-3 minutes.
5. Add wood chips if desired to enhance the flavor.
This method is perfect for summer barbecues and adds extra smokiness to your turkey.
4. Microwave – Fastest but Least Flavorful Option
Microwaving is the fastest method but won’t give you that restaurant-quality finish. It’s best used when you’re in a hurry and don’t mind losing a little texture.
Step-by-step:
1. Wrap your turkey leg in a paper towel to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
2. Place on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking the temperature halfway through. If needed, rotate the leg and heat in additional 30-second intervals.
This method will get the job done quickly, but don’t expect crispy skin or deep flavor.
Want to Add More Flavor? Try a Quick Dry Rub
To boost the flavor of reheated turkey legs, you can season them before heating with a quick dry rub made from simple ingredients.
For an easy dry rub recipe, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon coarse salt (to taste, the smoked turkey legs could be pretty salty already).
Rub this mixture over your legs before placing them in the oven or on the grill. It brings out the natural flavor of the turkey and adds a little crust.
How to Make Your Own Smoked Turkey Legs from Scratch
If you’re feeling inspired by a TikTok cooking trend (TikTok – make), why not try making your own smoked turkey legs? It takes some time but results in unbeatable flavor.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Start with fresh turkey legs or hen legs.
2. Make a turkey brine with coarse salt, brown sugar, bay leaf, and optional seasonings like black pepper and garlic powder.
3. Soak the legs in the overnight brine in a large container in the fridge.
4. Smoke in an electric smoker or on a grill using wood chips for flavor.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and break down connective tissue for soft, tender meat.
You can finish them with a sweet bbq sauce or a spicy dry rub depending on your taste.
What Are The Best Side Dishes to Pair With Turkey Legs?
Once your turkey legs recipe is ready, pair it with classic sides to complete your meal:
When pairing sides with smoked turkey legs, it’s important to consider both texture and flavor. The turkey legs are rich and smoky, so balancing that with lighter sides like coleslaw, green beans, or rice pilaf helps create a meal that isn’t too heavy. On the other hand, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and mac and cheese are heartier options that complement the turkey’s richness.
Remember, the best part of serving smoked turkey legs is the variety of ways you can customize the meal to your preferences. Whether you lean toward comfort food with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, or you go for a more vibrant meal with coleslaw and green beans, the right side dishes will elevate your meal and make it truly memorable.
Reheating pre-smoked turkey legs doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want the crispiness from the oven, the tenderness of a slow cooker, or the smoky finish of a grill, there’s a best method for every need. Just remember to store your turkey legs safely in an airtight container, heat until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F, and don’t be afraid to experiment with dry rubs, sauces, or extra smoke.
So next time you pick up smoked turkey legs from your local grocery store, you’ll know exactly how to make them taste like they came straight from Disney parks or a food stand at the fair.
And if you’re ready to try making them yourself, start with a good turkey brine, keep an eye on the cooking time, and have a sharp knife ready for carving. With the right approach, every bite will be juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Have you tried a turkey leg recipe at home? What’s your great recipe for getting crispy skin or that perfect smoked turkey meat? Let us know in the comments!
