Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of savory turkey mingled with the fragrant essence of fresh herbs, instantly transporting me to the heart of Mediterranean cooking. This Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, healthy dinner without the hassle. In just one pot, you can create a delicious meal that serves two, perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender turkey legs and fluffy, seasoned rice is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to introduce vibrant flavors into your routine. Plus, the simplicity of using an Instant Pot means you can whip this up in no time, leaving you more moments to savor the meal—and each other. Are you ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity is key with this Instant Pot turkey legs and rice dish, allowing even novice cooks to impress with minimal effort. Flavorful Mediterranean spices create a mouthwatering experience that your family will adore. Versatile ingredients let you mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect go-to meal. Time-saving cooking in one pot means less clean-up, freeing up your evening for more important moments. And if you’re in the mood for variety, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for an unforgettable dining experience. Instant Pot Turkey Legs And Rice Ingredients For the Turkey • Turkey Drumstick – The main protein source, perfect to serve two with one medium-sized drumstick. For the Vegetables • White Onion – Provides foundational flavor; substitute with yellow onion if preferred. • Red Pepper – Adds color and sweetness; feel free to use any bell pepper variety. • Green Pepper – Contributes freshness and color; zucchini is a great substitute for variety. • Carrots – Offers sweetness and crunch; peas can be used for a quicker-cooking option. For the Rice Base • Brown Rice – Healthier than white rice and forms the base of the dish; quinoa is a fine alternative with adjusted cooking times. • Water/Vegetable Stock – This cooking liquid enhances flavor; vegetable stock is recommended for depth. For Cooking & Seasoning • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing; can be replaced with canola oil if needed. • White Wine – Used for deglazing and added flavor; omit for a non-alcoholic option and replace with extra stock. • Garlic Puree – Adds rich depth; minced garlic can be an alternative. • Mixed Herbs, Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley – This herb blend elevates the Mediterranean taste; feel free to combine with other herbs based on your taste. Include these ingredients in your next culinary adventure with Instant Pot turkey legs and rice, and experience the delightful balance of flavors in every bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Instant Pot Turkey Legs And Rice Step 1: Prep Vegetables Begin by preparing your vegetables for the Instant Pot Turkey Legs And Rice. Peel and slice the white onion, red pepper, green pepper, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Keep them handy as you’ll need to sauté them in the next step. Having your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Step 2: Sauté In your Instant Pot, set it to the sauté function and heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your turkey legs and rice, giving everything a delicious, aromatic start. Step 3: Deglaze After sautéing the onions, pour in ¼ cup of white wine to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom, lifting those flavors into the mixture. Allow the wine to simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it reduces slightly, enriching the flavor profile of your dish. Step 4: Mix Rice & Liquid Next, add 1 cup of brown rice and 1 ½ cups of water or vegetable stock to the pot. Stir well to ensure the rice is completely submerged in the liquid, which is crucial for evenly cooking the rice and absorbing all those wonderful flavors. This mixture will form the base that the turkey legs will rest on during cooking. Step 5: Prepare Turkey While the rice and broth mixture is settling, take your turkey drumstick and rub it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper for seasoning. This enhances the turkey’s flavor. Place the seasoned turkey leg on the trivet above the rice mixture to allow it to steam beautifully. Step 6: Pressure Cook Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 16 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully switching the valve to quick release to release any remaining pressure. This ensures your turkey legs are tender and juicy. Step 7: Serve Remove the turkey leg from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, mixing the vegetables throughout. Serve the succulent turkey leg on top of the flavorful rice, and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Turkey Legs And Rice, savoring every hearty bite! Expert Tips for Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice Crispy Skin Delight: After pressure cooking, air fry the turkey leg for 5 extra minutes to achieve that perfect crispy skin people love. Frozen Turkey Adjustments: If using frozen turkey legs, slightly increase the cook time. Be cautious as overcooking can make the rice mushy. Doubling the Recipe: Want to serve a crowd? Increase the cook time by 4 minutes and allow for an additional 10 minutes of natural pressure release for perfectly cooked Instant Pot turkey legs and rice. Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap vegetables based on your preference; just be mindful of cook times for quicker-cooking veggies like peas. Storage Smarts: Leftover turkey legs and rice can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and moisture. What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the rich flavors of your dish. Crisp Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed with a zesty vinaigrette brighten the meal, adding a refreshing crunch to balance the hearty turkey and rice. Mediterranean Pita Bread: Soft pita adds a wonderful texture and can be used for scooping up rice or turkey, enhancing the Mediterranean theme. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus contribute a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the savory notes of the dish. Their vibrant colors also make the plate more inviting. Creamy Tzatziki Sauce: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumbers and dill enhances the meal with fresh, tangy notes, perfect for brightening every bite of turkey. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs nicely with the rice, providing a deliciously indulgent element that everyone will love. Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Grigio serves as a lovely companion, enhancing the Mediterranean dining experience and soothing the palate. Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a light fruit sorbet cleanses the palate and adds a sweet finish, making your dinner feel extra special and satisfying. Consider these ideas to turn your Instant Pot turkey legs and rice into an unforgettable meal that captures the warmth and vibrancy of family gatherings. How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful. Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label them with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Fresh Tip: Always allow leftovers to cool completely before sealing them for storage. This helps preserve the taste and texture of your Instant Pot turkey legs and rice! Make Ahead Options These Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and crisp. Additionally, you can season the turkey leg with olive oil and herbs in advance; simply wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to deepen the flavor. When you’re ready to cook, combine the vegetables and rice with the water or stock as instructed, then place the turkey on top before pressure cooking. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice Variations Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and make this dish uniquely yours with some delightful tweaks! Chicken Alternative: Swap turkey legs for chicken thighs or drumsticks for a familiar twist. Each option will provide a different yet delicious flavor profile. Vegetable Medley: Use a medley of seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans for freshness. The vibrant colors and textures will elevate the dish visually and nutritionally. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. This simple addition will transform the dish into a warm, comforting bowl that excites the palate. Coconut Flavor: Replace water with coconut milk for a creamy texture and a tropical flavor twist. The richness of coconut enhances the dish’s overall flavor while keeping it light. Grain Swap: Try quinoa instead of brown rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly for a nutty twist that boosts protein content and provides a delightful texture. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or mint to the mixture for a fragrant, herbaceous lift. These herbs harmonize beautifully with the Mediterranean theme of the recipe. Savory Mushrooms: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth. The umami from mushrooms complements the turkey beautifully, making every bite a bit more indulgent. Consider exploring other recipes like our Fried Rice Savor or Pineapple Chicken Rice for inspiration, as they showcase how playful variations can enhance familiar dishes! Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice Recipe FAQs How can I select the best turkey legs? Absolutely! When choosing turkey legs, look for ones with smooth, unblemished skin and a fresh scent. Avoid turkey legs with dark spots or a slimy texture, as these can indicate spoilage. If possible, opt for organic or free-range turkey for better flavor and quality. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! Store any leftover Instant Pot turkey legs and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it tight to preserve its flavor and prevent moisture loss. Can I freeze the turkey legs and rice? You bet! To freeze, portion the turkey legs and rice into airtight freezer bags or containers, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label them with the date so you can easily track freshness! What should I do if my rice turns out mushy? Ah, a common concern! If your rice comes out mushy, it might be due to too much liquid or overcooking. For next time, ensure you’re using the right rice-to-liquid ratio and check that your pressure cooking time is accurate. If using frozen turkey legs, they might need slightly longer cook time without extending the rice cooking duration. Is this recipe suitable for pets? It’s best to check! The turkey legs themselves are generally safe for pets in small quantities, but be cautious about seasonings and ingredients like garlic, which can be harmful to dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your furry friends. Can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions? Certainly! If you’re looking to modify the Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice recipe, you can substitute the brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Additionally, for gluten-free diets, ensure your broth or stock is certified gluten-free. Always keep note of any allergies in your household and adjust accordingly! Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice: A Flavorful Dinner Delight This Instant Pot Turkey Legs and Rice recipe offers a hearty, healthy dinner with savory flavors, perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 16 minutes minsNatural Pressure Release 5 minutes minsTotal Time 31 minutes mins Servings: 2 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Turkey1 medium Turkey Drumstick main protein sourceFor the Vegetables1 medium White Onion or yellow onion1 medium Red Pepper or any bell pepper variety1 medium Green Pepper or zucchini2 medium Carrots or peas for quicker optionFor the Rice Base1 cup Brown Rice or quinoa with adjusted cooking times1.5 cups Water/Vegetable Stock vegetable stock recommendedFor Cooking & Seasoning1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil or canola oil0.25 cup White Wine omit for non-alcoholic option1 tablespoon Garlic Puree or minced garlic1 tablespoon Mixed Herbs, Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley feel free to combine with other herbs Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrep your vegetables by peeling and slicing the white onion, red pepper, green pepper, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom and allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes.Add the brown rice and water/vegetable stock to the pot, stirring well to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.Rub the turkey drumstick with olive oil, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper, then place it on the trivet above the rice mixture.Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 16 minutes, allowing a natural release for 5 minutes before quick release.Remove the turkey leg, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve the turkey leg on top of the rice. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg NotesFor crispy skin, air fry the turkey leg for 5 minutes after cooking. Adjust cook times for frozen turkey legs and consider ingredient substitutions as needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
