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 drafted and published.

Juicy turkey legs infused with mesquite smoke and a robust spice rub, slow-cooked to tender perfection with a crispy skin. This American barbecue recipe, ready in about 255 minutes, pairs turkey legs, olive oil, and kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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.