Mouthwatering BBQ Stewed Turkey Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat15gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumsticks (fresh, skin on for best flavor) - choose plump, firm drumsticks with no odor for freshness.4 piece
- Olive oil - extra virgin for better taste.2 tbsp
- Onion (medium, peeled and sliced) - fresh, firm onions give the best flavor.1 piece
- Garlic cloves (minced) - choose firm, plump cloves, avoid sprouted ones.3 piece
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) - any favorite spicy or smoky BBQ sauce works well.1/2 cup
- Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium) - fresh or store-bought is fine.1 cup
- Smoked paprika - a key spice for smoky flavor, fresh for best aroma.1 tsp
- Salt - to taste.to taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground recommended) - to taste.to taste n/a
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) - optional for freshness.2 tbsp
This recipe for BBQ stewed turkey drumsticks brings juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken to your table with minimal fuss. Using everyday ingredients, you will stew the turkey slowly until perfectly tender, infused with the smoky richness of BBQ sauce. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD / €9 EUR / £7.50 GBP / ₹800 INR. The dish is rich in protein with moderate calories, appropriate for a balanced diet. Difficulty level is easy, and the total cooking time is about 1 hour 10 minutes, making it suitable for busy home cooks who want a hearty meal without complicated steps.
Preparation instructions
Prepare Ingredients
1Rinse the turkey drumsticks under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Peel and slice the onion thinly. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. This preparation ensures a clean and flavorful base for cooking.
Brown the Turkey Drumsticks
2Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey drumsticks and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes, until nicely golden. Browning seals in flavor and adds a delicious color to the meat.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
3Remove the drumsticks temporarily and reduce the heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. This helps develop the flavor base for the stew.
Add Seasonings and Liquids
4Return the browned turkey drumsticks to the pot. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the meat. Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine without removing the browned bits on the pot’s bottom. These bits add a lot of flavors to your stew.
Simmer the Turkey Drumsticks
5Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking tenderizes the turkey and infuses it with BBQ flavors.
Check Doneness and Serve
6Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) indicating safe to eat poultry. The meat should also be tender and easily pull away from the bone. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey and other ingredients.
2If you don’t have BBQ sauce, mix tomato sauce with a bit of smoked paprika, vinegar, and honey as a quick substitute.
3Keeping the lid on while simmering locks in moisture and flavors, ensuring juicy turkey.
4Let the turkey rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or deep skillet with lid
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended for food safety)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cup
Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey drumsticks (~4 pieces, $6) - Choose fresh, firm drumsticks with no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp, $0.50) - Extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium, $0.30) - Firm with no soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces, $0.20) - Fresh and plump.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, $2) - Choose your favorite brand or style.
- [ ] Chicken or vegetable broth (1 cup, $1) - Low sodium preferred.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (1 tsp, $0.10) - Fresh and aromatic.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (to taste, negligible cost)
- [ ] Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, optional, $0.40) - Bright green leaves for garnish.
Total approximate cost: $10.50
Tips: For best value and freshness, shop at local markets or supermarket meat counters with high turnover.
FAQ
Can I use turkey thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, turkey thighs can be substituted in equal quantity. Adjust cooking time if they are larger or bone-in for proper doneness.
Is it okay to prepare the stew in advance and reheat?
Absolutely. This stew tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Reheat gently in a covered pot or microwave until warmed through.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
Cook the drumsticks for at least 1 hour and check if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside. However, using a thermometer is safest for ensuring poultry is cooked properly.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the drumsticks and sauté onions & garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until turkey is tender and reaches 74°C (165°F).
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.