Looking for a tasty and convenient dinner option? Look no further than this Instant Pot Turkey Legs recipe. With the perfect blend of spices and aromatics, these turkey legs turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. In less than an hour, you can have a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Turkey Legs recipe is not only easy to make, but it also yields incredibly delicious results. The secret lies in the Instant Pot, which keeps the meat moist and tender. The spice rub adds a delightful flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Equipment Used
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the equipment you’ll need. For this recipe, I recommend using a 6-quart Instant Pot. Its high-pressure cooking capabilities ensure that the turkey legs cook perfectly in their own juices, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish. If you have a smaller Instant Pot, make sure your turkey legs fit comfortably inside.
Ingredients Used
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Turkey legs: You can find fresh turkey legs at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
- Spices: My homemade chicken seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt add incredible flavor. Feel free to substitute with your favorite poultry seasoning.
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic give the dish a fantastic flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Use olive oil or your preferred cooking oil for the best results.
- Chicken broth: This adds excellent flavor. You can also use chicken stock or turkey broth.
- Arrowroot powder: This ingredient is optional and can be used to make a delicious turkey gravy to complement your turkey legs.
How To Make This Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Instant Pot Turkey Legs:
- Begin by chopping the onions and garlic. Wash and pat dry the turkey legs with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix together the spices. Liberally rub the spice mixture all over the turkey legs.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Then, add the turkey legs and brown them for a few minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and be sure to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to deglaze it.
- Press the manual button on your Instant Pot and set the cook time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the turkey legs from the Instant Pot and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot and stir quickly. The gravy will thicken after a few minutes. Pour the gravy over the turkey legs and serve.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? No worries! Store any remaining turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw frozen turkey legs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply add some water, sauce, stock, or reserved pan drippings, and warm them up in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
What can I eat this recipe with?
The versatility of this Instant Pot Turkey Legs recipe allows you to pair it with various side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed cauliflower, green beans, cranberries, or brussels sprouts. For a quick weeknight meal, it pairs well with cauliflower rice, roasted zucchini, or a fresh side salad. You can also enjoy it with a bed of sautéed greens for a light and healthy option. And for leftovers, try making a delightful Leftover Turkey Stir Fry or Nigerian Turkey Stew.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to elevate your Instant Pot Turkey Legs experience:
- If you can’t find full turkey legs, chicken legs, thighs, or even turkey wings can be great substitutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey legs reach the proper temperature and are cooked thoroughly.
- For a crispy skin, finish the turkey legs in the oven on high heat for a few minutes.
- If you’re cooking for a larger crowd during Thanksgiving or another holiday, simply double or triple the recipe.
- Allow your turkey legs to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, sage, or fresh thyme to enhance the flavors.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to channel your inner chef and prepare these mouthwatering Instant Pot Turkey Legs. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful, and hassle-free meal that awaits you!
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