Mesquite-Smoked Turkey Legs with Spiced Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-12 · Updated 2026-06-12

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Juicy turkey legs infused with mesquite smoke and a robust spice rub, slow-cooked to tender perfection with a crispy skin. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 255 minutes, pairs turkey legs, olive oil, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 (about 2.5 pounds total) turkey legs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
6 pieces mesquite wood chunks

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry 4 turkey legs and rub 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the skin to help the spices adhere and crisp.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
Step 3: Rub the spice mix all over each turkey leg, coating thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat your smoker to 250°F and add 6 mesquite wood chunks to the firebox for a strong smoky flavor.
Step 5: Place turkey legs on the smoker grate and smoke for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Once done, remove and let rest for 10 minutes before serving with your favorite side dishes.