Succulent Slow-Cooked BBQ Turkey Drumstick
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs20gram
Fat15gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumstick - fresh, not frozen, look for pale pink flesh and no unpleasant odor1 piece
- Barbecue sauce - your favorite brand, or homemade for extra flavor150 ml
- Garlic - fresh and firm, not sprouting2 cloves
- Onion - medium size, firm skin, no spots1 piece
- Olive oil - extra virgin for flavor1 tbsp
- Salt - fine1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground if possible0.5 tsp
- Paprika - smoked or sweet, based on preference1 tsp
This slow-cooked BBQ turkey drumstick recipe is designed for home cooks who want a delicious, tender, and juicy turkey drumstick without the stress. Using a slow cooker and common supermarket ingredients, this recipe yields a flavorful dish with minimal hands-on time. The turkey drumstick is cooked slowly to retain moisture and absorb smoky BBQ flavors, ensuring every bite is mouthwatering. Total approximate ingredient cost is $12 (10€ / £8.50 / ₹900). This recipe produces around 2 servings with about 450 calories per serving. It's suitable for a general diet, including those watching fat intake. The complexity is easy, and the active cooking time is minimal, although total cooking takes about 6 hours.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey drumstick
1Wash your hands with soap and water before handling raw meat. Pat the turkey drumstick dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and coating. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients.
Season the drumstick
2Mix salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub the turkey drumstick all over with olive oil, then evenly coat it with the seasoning mix for maximum flavor.
Prepare garlic and onion
3Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. Peel the onion and cut it into thin slices. These will add aromatic flavors during slow cooking.
Sear the turkey drumstick (optional, adds flavor)
4Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and sear the turkey drumstick for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps develop flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Set up the slow cooker
5Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the seared (or unseared) turkey drumstick on top. Pour the barbecue sauce over the meat to coat it generously.
Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours
6Cover and cook the turkey drumstick on low heat for about 5 to 6 hours. Slow cooking breaks down tough fibers, making the drumstick tender and juicy.
Check the internal temperature
7Use a food thermometer to check the turkey's internal temperature. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption according to food safety guidelines.
Rest and serve
8Once cooked, let the turkey drumstick rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute, making the meat more moist.
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the drumstick in a covered oven-safe pot at 150°C (300°F) for about 3 to 4 hours.
2Feel free to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a little honey to the BBQ sauce for a balanced tangy-sweet flavor.
3To avoid cross-contamination, never reuse marinade used on raw meat unless it is boiled first.
4Using a meat thermometer ensures you don't undercook or overcook the turkey, resulting in optimal safety and taste.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Plate for resting turkey
Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey drumstick (~$7): Choose fresh and pale pink turkey, avoid any with off smells.
- [ ] Barbecue sauce (150 ml, ~$2): Pick your preferred flavor; smoky or sweet.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves, ~$0.20): Fresh and firm.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium, ~$0.50): Firm, no soft spots.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp, ~$0.30): Extra virgin for best taste.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (~$1 total for small quantities): Opt for fine salt and freshly ground pepper if possible.
- [ ] Paprika (~$0.50 for a small amount): Smoked or sweet as per your preference.
Total approx. cost: $12
Tip: Buying spices in bulk or from ethnic stores can be more economical and fresher.
FAQ
Can I cook multiple turkey drumsticks at once?
Yes, you can cook multiple drumsticks in the slow cooker but ensure they fit without overcrowding. Cooking time may increase slightly; always check the internal temperature.
Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the turkey drumstick covered in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3 to 4 hours until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
How do I know when the turkey drumstick is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the drumstick to be safe for consumption.
Can I use frozen turkey drumstick for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh or fully thawed turkey drumstick. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent food safety risks.