Forktionary

Renaissance Festival Turkey Legs Recipe

Transport yourself to a medieval feast with these colossal turkey legs! Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to juicy perfection, these impressive legs are the star of any gathering. Customize them with your favorite BBQ rub (we suggest a smoky blend) and finish them on the grill or smoker for an unforgettable smoky flavor. This recipe is easily adaptable – grill masters and backyard chefs alike can achieve fantastic results!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 415 mins
Calories 1191.6 kcal
Protein 318g
Rating 3.8 (11 Reviews)
Renaissance Festival Turkey Legs

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Renaissance Festival Turkey Legs

  • 2 large turkey legs (about 2-3 lbs each)
  • Barbecue Seasoning
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)

How to Make Renaissance Festival Turkey Legs

  1. Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
  2. (Optional) Remove the skin from the turkey legs to reduce fat and cholesterol.
  3. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine 3 tablespoons BBQ chicken spice blend, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, and 3 cups water. Add turkey legs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate for at least 6 hours, turning halfway through.
  4. Remove turkey legs from marinade and drain off 1/2 of the liquid. Lightly sprinkle with additional BBQ chicken spice blend (about 1 tablespoon).
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place turkey legs in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wood chips, soak them in water for 30 minutes before adding to the grill.
  7. Transfer baked turkey legs to the preheated grill. Brush generously with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 7 minutes of grilling.
  8. Flip the turkey legs and brush the other side with BBQ sauce.
  9. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and beautifully browned. This may take an additional 10-15 minutes depending on your grill and the size of the turkey legs.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

7g

Fat

84g

Carbs

0g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Ingredient Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Poultry Easy Turkey Meat