Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
smoked turkey legs with honey glaze - featured image

Smoked Turkey Legs: Best Easy Honey Glaze Recipe

  • Author: Luciana
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Juicy, tender smoked turkey legs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers BBQ joint quality results at home, perfect for crowds and budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 turkey legs (about 6–8 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood)
  • Water (for soaking wood chips)

Instructions

  1. Rinse turkey legs under cold water and pat dry. Trim excess fat if desired.
  2. In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to make the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey legs, massaging it into the meat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and add to the smoker.
  5. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
  6. Place turkey legs on the smoker grate. Smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking internal temperature every 30 minutes.
  7. While smoking, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, minced garlic, and melted butter. Stir until combined and butter is melted. Do not boil.
  8. After 2 hours of smoking, brush a generous layer of glaze onto the legs. Close lid and smoke for another 30 minutes.
  9. Every 10 minutes during the final 30 minutes, brush on another layer of glaze to build a caramelized coating.
  10. If legs are getting too dark, wrap in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  11. Remove legs from smoker when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  12. Let turkey legs rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Turkey legs can also be cooked on a grill using indirect heat with a smoke box, or in an oven at 350°F for 1 hour, then glazed and baked for 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey leg per ser
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: smoked turkey legs, honey glaze, BBQ turkey, smoker recipe, easy BBQ, comfort food, turkey leg recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://familydinnerecipes.com/smoked-turkey-legs-best-easy-honey-glaze-recipe/