Go Back
A roasted turkey leg served on a round gray plate, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary, on a dark textured surface.

Disney Turkey Leg

Ready to feast like you’re wandering down Main Street at Magic Kingdom? Sink your teeth into this giant, smoky-savory leg of turkey that’s all fun and flavor. Big enough to share, bold enough to shine—this is your show-stopping twist on the classic turkey treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 10 hours
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Turkey Legs
  • 8 turkey legs
Brine Ingredients
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 C. kosher salt
  • 1/2 C. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp onion powder
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp rubbed sage
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
Spice Rub Ingredients
  • 3 Tbsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp rubbed sage
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable or light olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Container or deep vessel
  • Refrigerator space
  • Paper towels
  • small bowl
  • Fork or spoon
  • Smoker or grill set-up capable of maintaining 225 °F (~107 °C) smoking temperature
  • Wood chips or smoker box
  • Thermometer (optional, but good practice to ensure thorough cooking)
  • Serving/resting surface

Method
 

  1. Rinse turkey legs in cold water, pat dry.
  2. For brine, combine brine ingredients in large pan.
  3. Bring to a boil.
  4. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature.
  5. Pour into container and refrigerate brine until cold (approximately 35-40 degrees F).
  6. Place the turkey legs into brine.
  7. Let soak four to six hours.
  8. Remove legs, rinse well, and discard brine.
  9. Dry drumsticks well with paper towels.
  10. In small bowl, combine spice rub ingredients with fork til well mixed.
  11. Rub onto turkey legs.
  12. Let drumsticks sit out for about one hour.
  13. Place turkey legs into smoker at 225 degrees F.
  14. A light-flavored wood is best for turkey.
  15. Smoke legs for four to six hours, til meat is nearly falling off the bone.
  16. Remove legs from smoker, and let rest for half an hour.