Turkey knuckles recipe is a comforting Southern favorite that can be easily made in your own kitchen! Tender and flavorful turkey knuckles are smothered in a homemade gravy filled with chopped carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It's a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy!

turkey knuckles in a large red pot with sauteed celery and carrots

Smothered turkey knuckles are truly comfort food at its finest. By using turkey knuckles this is an affordable and hearty meal that takes a little time to make but it's so worth it. Also try my delicious turkey liver recipe, a great recipe for fall or just any other season!

This turkey knuckles recipe is very straightforward and only requires a handful of fridge and pantry staple ingredients. When smothered with homemade brown gravy and tender veggies these turkey knuckles become fall-off-the-bone tender and make a delicious family-friendly meal served over steamed rice or noodles.

How to make this turkey knuckles recipe

As always, first you will need the recipe ingredients list and then detailed step by step instructions.

Recipe ingredients

Turkey knuckles. 4 knuckles rinsed and completely thawed if using frozen. Allow them to come to room temperature before browning so they achieve a nice sear all around.

Seasoning. Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves, are used to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and give depth of flavor to the gravy.

Olive oil. Used to brown the meat and cook the vegetables.

Vegetables. Carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Chopped and then cooked until tender to give rich extra flavor to this dish.

Aromatics. Sauteed onions and garlic add a savory sweetness to this recipe.

Flour. Used to thicken the chicken broth and other juices into a thick and delicious gravy.

Chicken broth. Cooking liquid for braising the turkey knuckles and making the homemade brown gravy.

Recipe instructions

Start by washing the turkey knuckles under cool, running water. Gently rub them to remove any debris. Using a clean towel or paper towel, pat the turkey knuckles dry to remove any excess water. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the knuckles to season them, making sure to turn them around so you season every part.

browning turkey knuckles in oil in red heavy pot

Find a big pot or a Dutch oven (this is a thick cooking pot with a lid). Pour olive oil into the pot. Turn on your stove to a medium-high setting and wait for the oil to get warm but not smoking.

Carefully place the turkey knuckles into the pot. Let them cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes. This will give them a nice brown color on one side. After that, turn them over to brown the other side. Once they're browned on all sides, take them out of the pot and place them on a plate.

Lower your stove's heat to a medium setting. Add your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into the pot. Stir everything around in the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become softer.

Sprinkle some flour over your vegetables. Use a spoon to stir everything so the vegetables get coated with the flour. Keep cooking and stirring for another 2-3 minutes, which helps the flour cook a bit and avoids a raw flour taste later.

Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot. As you pour, keep stirring to make sure no lumps form. Then, add your herbs: thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot. Put the browned turkey knuckles back into the pot and push them down a little so they're covered by the broth and vegetables.

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Turn the stove heat down to its lowest setting. Place the lid on the pot and let everything cook and simmer for about 2-2.5 hours. Every once in a while, give it a gentle stir.

After cooking, the turkey knuckles should be very tender. Before serving, take out the bay leaves. Taste it, and if you think it needs more salt or pepper, you can add some now. Pour some of the turkey, vegetables, and gravy onto a plate and enjoy!

cooking poultry with celery and carrots in rich broth in large pot

Substitutions

Turkey knuckles. If you can't find turkey knuckles substitute them with beef or pork knuckles instead.

Flour. Can be replaced with whole wheat or gluten-free all-purpose flour. If you want to substitute with cornstarch instead use 1 tablespoon mixed with cold water, then add it to the pot at the same time as the chicken broth.

Broth. Use turkey broth for an even more turkey flavor or make a lighter version by using vegetable broth, or water with a couple of chicken or turkey bouillon cubes.

Cooking oil. Instead of olive oil use refined coconut oil, avocado oil, or your favorite neutral-flavored vegetable oil. I wouldn't recommend using butter because it can easily burn and give your gravy an off-putting flavor.

Variations

If you can't get your hands on knuckle meat of any kind try using turkey wings, necks, or thighs instead. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and the amount of broth used might vary.

Dash of Worcestershire sauce to add additional flavor and richness.

A splash of lemon juice. The acidity in lemon juice enhances the other flavors of this rich and savory dish and it can help the turkey become even more tender.

Other seasonings you can include would be smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and dried or rubbed sage.

Frequently asked questions

What cut of meat is the knuckle?

Turkey knuckles are the meat coming from the thigh and hip joints of the turkey. It is mostly thigh meat with a small bone in the middle. Knuckle meat is very versatile and it packs a lot of flavor to dish when they are slowly stewed or braised because the slow cooking time allows its flavors to truly shine.

Is knuckle meat tender?

Yes, this cut of meat is quite tender. Knuckles are very lean and contain very little connective tissue so this meat isn't very tough at all.

What is knuckle meat used for?

Turkey knuckles are a lean and affordable cut of meat that can be used to add flavor to almost any dish. You can smother them like in this recipe or add them to soups, stews, and gravy recipes, or remove the meat and use the bones to make a homemade turkey bone broth.

Where to buy?

Knuckles aren't as common as the legs or wings inside grocery stores, so look for them at your local butcher shops or farmer's markets. Online meat delivery services are also a great option for purchasing turkey knuckles!

smothered turkey knuckles with vegetables

Storage instructions

To store turkey knuckles leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F. Transfer the knuckles to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.

You can also easily reheat knuckles in your microwave. Do not overheat. It should take about one minute for them to get hot and warmed through.

More turkey recipes

Hope you will like this turkey knuckles recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.

Smothered Turkey Knuckles Recipe

Yield: 3

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb turkey knuckles
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves

Instructions

Rinse and dry turkey knuckles; season with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat oil and brown knuckles for 4-5 mins per side. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and pepper; cook until soft, 5-7 mins. Add flour, stir, cook 2-3 mins. Slowly add broth, stirring.
Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and turkey knuckles. Cover and simmer on low for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve with veggies and gravy.

Notes

Leftovers

To store turkey knuckles leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F. Transfer the knuckles to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.

You can also easily reheat knuckles in your microwave. Do not overheat. It should take about one minute for them to get hot and warmed through.

Recipe variations

If you can't get your hands on knuckle meat of any kind try using turkey wings, necks, or thighs instead. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and the amount of broth used might vary.

Dash of Worcestershire sauce to add additional flavor and richness.

A splash of lemon juice. The acidity in lemon juice enhances the other flavors of this rich and savory dish and it can help the turkey become even more tender.

Other seasonings you can include would be smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and dried or rubbed sage.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 443Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 912mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 46g