Golden crispy slow-cooked turkey drumstick on a white plate with herbs

Crispy Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumstick Delight

Name: Crispy Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumstick Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece Turkey drumstick, skin-on (choose fresh or fully thawed, avoid partially frozen); 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor); 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred); 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 0.5 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika optional); 1 tsp Fresh rosemary (optional, for aroma); 100 ml Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium recommended)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

medium

2 hour 20 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat20gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey drumstick, skin-on (choose fresh or fully thawed, avoid partially frozen)1 piece
Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)1 tbsp
Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)1 tsp
Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
Garlic powder0.5 tsp
Paprika (smoked paprika optional)0.5 tsp
Fresh rosemary (optional, for aroma)1 tsp
Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium recommended)100 ml

This recipe guides you through slow cooking turkey drumsticks to achieve tender, juicy meat with a wonderfully crispy skin. Using simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps, you’ll learn to slow cook the turkey drumstick gently then crisp it up to perfection. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $8 / €7.5 / £6 / ₹600 for 2 servings. The dish contains around 450 kcal per serving, is suitable for a balanced diet, and takes about 3 hours including preparation and cooking time. The difficulty level is easy to medium, suitable for home cooks with standard kitchen tools.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey drumstick

1Pat the turkey drumstick dry with paper towels thoroughly, especially the skin. This helps achieve crispiness later. Rub olive oil all over the drumstick, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare your slow cooker.

Set up and add broth

2Pour 100 ml of turkey or chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will keep the turkey moist and add flavor during cooking.

Slow cook the turkey

3Place the seasoned turkey drumstick on a rack or trivet inside the slow cooker to keep it elevated above the broth. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 2 to 2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F), the safe minimum for poultry. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part away from bone for accuracy.

Preheat the oven for crisping

430 minutes before slow cooking finishes, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If you want extra crispiness, use the broil setting for the final step.

Crisp the turkey skin

5Once the slow cooker cooking is done and the turkey reaches 74°C internally, transfer the drumstick to a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with foil. Pat the skin dry again if needed. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Rest and serve

6Remove turkey from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check doneness—never rely on cooking time alone for safety.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw turkey.

3Drying the skin well before crisping is key to achieving that delicious crackling texture.

4If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the drumstick covered at 150°C (300°F) for about 2 hours, then crisp under the broiler.

5Add herbs like thyme or sage for additional flavor when seasoning.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Meat thermometer
Oven or broiler
Baking sheet or roasting pan
Kitchen tongs or spatula
Paper towels
Small bowl for seasoning mix

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey drumstick (around 500 grams): $6 — Choose fresh or properly thawed with skin-on for best results.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle): $2 — Look for cold-pressed oils for better taste.
[ ] Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred, small container): $1 — Kosher salt dissolves well and seasons evenly.
[ ] Black pepper (freshly ground if possible): $1.5 — Fresh peppercorns add more aroma.
[ ] Garlic powder: $1 — Check expiry for freshness.
[ ] Paprika (smoked optional): $1.5 — Adds depth and color.
[ ] Fresh rosemary (optional, small bunch): $1.5 — Adds aromatic flavor.
[ ] Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium, 500 ml carton): $2 — Adds moisture and flavor during cooking.

Total approx: $15 / €14 / £12 / ₹1200 (prices vary by region)

FAQ

What is the safe internal temperature for cooked turkey?

The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey is 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone to check.

Can I use frozen turkey drumsticks for this recipe?

It is best to use fully thawed turkey drumsticks before cooking to ensure even cooking. Partially frozen meat may not cook evenly.

How do I get the turkey skin crispy after slow cooking?

After slow cooking, transferring the drumstick to a hot oven or broiler for 15-20 minutes helps dry and crisp the skin beautifully.

How should I handle raw turkey safely?

Always wash your hands before and after handling raw turkey. Use separate cutting boards if possible and clean them thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat away from other foods.