Tender Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumstick - Juicy and Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumstick - choose fresh, preferably organic or from a trusted source1 piece
- Olive oil - use good quality extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh, peeled3 pieces
- Onion - medium, sliced1 piece
- Carrots - peeled and chopped2 pieces
- Celery stalks - chopped2 pieces
- Chicken or vegetable broth - use low sodium for health250 ml
- Dried thyme - adds earthy flavor1 tsp
- Salt - to taste1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground is best0.5 tsp
This recipe teaches you how to make tender, juicy slow-cooked turkey drumstick using simple ingredients and methods perfect for everyday home cooks. Slow cooking allows the turkey drumstick to become incredibly tender and full of flavor, making it a comforting meal. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD, €9, £8, and ₹750. Each serving contains roughly 350 kcal. This recipe is suitable for a standard diet and is of medium complexity, requiring about 6 hours of slow cooking and 15 minutes of preparation time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey drumstick
1Pat the turkey drumstick dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning later.
Season the drumstick
2Rub the turkey drumstick with olive oil, then season all over with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This layers flavor into the meat.
Brown the turkey drumstick
3In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey drumstick and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes total. Browning adds depth of flavor.
Prepare the vegetables
4While browning, slice your onion, peel and chop carrots, and chop celery. These aromatics will infuse the cooking liquid.
Layer vegetables and turkey in slow cooker
5Add sliced onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Place the browned turkey drumstick on top. Pour the broth over everything.
Cook slowly
6Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours. Slow cooking at low temperature lets the turkey become tender and juicy.
Check internal temperature for safety
7Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F). This ensures the turkey is safely cooked.
Rest and serve
8Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and results in tender meat. Serve with the cooked vegetables or your choice of sides.
Cooking Tips
-Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 74°C (165°F) for safe poultry consumption.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey and vegetables.
-If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the drumstick in a covered oven-safe dish at 150°C (300°F) for about 2-3 hours.
-Add herbs like rosemary or sage for additional flavor variations.
-For a thicker gravy, remove the turkey and vegetables after cooking, then reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop to desired consistency.
Equipment needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Skillet or frying pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle or spoon
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey drumstick (~$6) - Choose fresh, firm meat with no unpleasant smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50 for amount used) - Extra virgin olive oil preferred.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (~$0.30) - Fresh, firm cloves without mold.
- [ ] Onion (~$0.50) - Choose firm onions without soft spots.
- [ ] Carrots (~$0.40) - Look for firm and bright orange carrots.
- [ ] Celery stalks (~$0.30) - Choose crisp celery with no discoloration.
- [ ] Chicken or vegetable broth (~$1.50 for 250 ml) - Low sodium broth preferred.
- [ ] Dried thyme (~$0.20 for amount used) - Fresh-smelling spice.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (pantry staples)
Total approximate cost: $9.70
FAQ
Can I use turkey legs or thighs instead of drumstick?
Yes, turkey legs or thighs can be used and will cook similarly. Adjust time if the pieces are larger or smaller.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can use an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook covered at 150°C (300°F) for 2 to 3 hours until meat is tender and reaches safe temperature.
How do I make sure the turkey is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), which ensures it is safe to eat.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, potatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips add great flavor and bulk to this dish. Just adjust quantity to fit your slow cooker.
How do I prevent cross-contamination when handling raw turkey?
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, wash hands and utensils thoroughly with hot soapy water after touching raw poultry.