Description

Roasted Turkey Legs are a hearty, flavorful alternative to cooking a whole bird. With golden crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and an herbed butter rub, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or whenever you want a comforting main dish without the hassle of a full turkey.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (dark or light)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 skin-on, bone-in turkey drumsticks (10–18 ounces each), patted dry

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Instructions

Arrange oven rack 8–10 inches from the broiler and preheat oven to 325ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a small bowl, mix together butter, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, and pepper.
Rub mixture all over the turkey legs, tucking some under the skin. Wrap each drumstick tightly in foil and place on the wire rack.
Bake until tender and internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF, about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Remove from oven, unwrap foil, and carefully save juices if desired for gravy.
Preheat broiler. Place unwrapped drumsticks back on the rack and broil 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Swap rosemary and thyme for sage or oregano for a different herb flavor.
Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for spice.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
Marinate turkey legs overnight in the butter-herb mixture for deeper flavor.
Make it smoky by adding liquid smoke or smoked salt.
Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drumstick
Calories: 560
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 54g
Cholesterol: 220mg