Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Turkey Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs15gram
Fat10gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumsticks, fresh or thawed (choose plump and fresh-smelling pieces)2 pieces
- Honey (look for raw or pure honey for best flavor)3 tbsp
- Soy sauce (choose low-sodium for less salt)2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced (fresh is best for aromatic flavor)2 cloves
- Olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best taste)1 tbsp
- Dried thyme (or substitute with rosemary or sage)1 tsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
This recipe for honey-glazed slow-cooked turkey drumsticks delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful meat with a sweet and savory coating. Using a slow cooker ensures the turkey cooks evenly while maximizing the absorption of the honey glaze. The recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal prep and common ingredients. Total estimated cost of ingredients is around $12 USD, €11 EUR, £9 GBP, and ₹900 INR. Each serving provides approximately 350 kcal, making it a moderately low-calorie, protein-rich dish suitable for everyday meals. Difficulty is easy, perfect for novice home cooks, with a total cooking time of about 8 hours and 15 minutes. Follow the safe internal temperature guideline of 74°C (165°F) to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. Food safety tips are included to prevent cross-contamination and handle poultry properly.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey drumsticks
1Rinse the turkey drumsticks under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any surface bacteria and moisture, ensuring better browning later. Always wash your hands and sanitize the sink area after handling raw poultry to avoid cross-contamination.
Mix the honey glaze
2In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth glaze that will coat the turkey with lovely sweetness and flavor.
Coat the drumsticks with glaze
3Place the turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker and brush both sides generously with the honey glaze. Reserve a little glaze for basting halfway through cooking. Coating now allows the flavors to penetrate during the slow cook.
Slow cook the turkey
4Cover the slow cooker and cook the turkey drumsticks on low heat for about 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. Slow cooking ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy. Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently as it releases heat and can extend cooking time.
Baste the turkey midway
5About halfway through the cooking time, open the slow cooker and brush the drumsticks again with the reserved honey glaze. This adds moisture and intensifies flavor. Then cover and continue cooking.
Check internal temperature for safety
6Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone. The turkey is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F). If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue slow cooking and check every 30 minutes.
Optional finish under broiler
7For a nicely browned and slightly caramelized glaze, preheat your oven broiler at the end of cooking. Transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and serve
8Allow the turkey drumsticks to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting helps the juices redistribute within the meat, making it moist and tender when eaten. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
1If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey glaze mix.
2To speed up the cooking, you can brown the drumsticks in a pan with a bit of oil before slow cooking, which adds flavor and color.
3Make sure to always use a clean plate and utensils for cooked turkey to avoid cross-contamination with raw juices.
4Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment needed
- Slow cooker
- Small bowl for glaze
- Measuring spoons
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Oven broiler (optional)
- Baking sheet and foil (optional)
Grocery shopping list
- [ ] Turkey drumsticks (2 pieces) - Approx. $8. Choose fresh, plump pieces with no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] Honey (3 tbsp) - Approx. $1. Use pure, raw honey for best flavor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50. Low sodium is preferable.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves) - Approx. $0.30. Select firm, unblemished bulbs.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.20. Extra virgin for best taste.
- [ ] Lemon (1 for fresh juice) - Approx. $0.50. Choose firm and heavy for its size.
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.10. Substitute with rosemary if preferred.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - Household staples.
Total estimated cost: $10.60
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey drumsticks?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the turkey drumsticks in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone. The safe internal temperature is 74°C (165°F).
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze a few hours or a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
Is broiling at the end necessary?
No, broiling is optional and only gives a nicely caramelized finish to the glaze. You can skip this step if you prefer.