How to Cook Juicy, Tender Turkey Drumsticks in the Oven

Cooking turkey drumsticks in the oven results in flavorful, fall-off-the-bone meat when done right. Drumsticks are a great choice when you want just a portion of the bird rather than roasting a whole turkey. They are also budget-friendly and feed a crowd easily

With a few simple tricks you can have perfectly cooked baked turkey drumsticks ready in under 2 hours using ingredients you likely have on hand.

Choosing and Preparing Drumsticks for Oven Roasting

When buying drumsticks to cook at home look for similar sized ones so they will cook evenly. Turkey legs are sold bone-in or boneless but bone-in has the best flavor. Plan on about 1 pound of turkey legs per person.

Rinse the drumsticks and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any excess moisture can lead to soggy skin rather than it becoming crispy when baked.

Oven Temps and Bake Times

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the drumsticks in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes initially. Then flip and bake 30-60 minutes more, until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The total roasting time is typically 60-90 minutes depending on size. Smaller 1 pound drumsticks take 60-75 minutes, while larger legs may need 75-90 minutes. Check temperature rather than relying on time.

If the skin browns too quickly, tent foil loosely over the baking dish. Monitor closely near the end to allow the skin to crisp back up.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Turkey Legs:

• Brining legs in saltwater for 1-2 hours before baking helps keep them juicy.

• Baking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes then dropping to 325°F crisps the skin nicely.

• Wrapping the ends of drumsticks in foil prevents them from overcooking.

• Placing legs over sliced onions adds moisture and flavor as they cook.

• Basting with turkey stock or butter keeps the meat from drying out.

• Letting cooked legs rest for 10 minutes allows juices to reabsorb.

• Cooking low and slow results in more tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Seasoning Ideas

One of the keys to delicious oven baked turkey legs is proper seasoning. Here are some simple seasoning options:

• Basic: Salt, pepper, thyme, sage

• Mediterranean: Oregano, basil, garlic, lemon

• Tex-Mex: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic

• Italian: Rosemary, oregano, basil, garlic, parsley

• Sweet and Savory: Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic

Make sure to pat the legs dry so the seasoning sticks. Rub it evenly all over the skin and meat portions. You can also brush them lightly with olive oil or melted butter first.

Letting the legs marinate for a few hours or overnight in the seasoning gives the best flavor.

How to Tell When Turkey Legs Are Fully Cooked

The best way to test doneness is using a meat thermometer. Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Additional signs drumsticks are ready:

• Juices run clear when pricked with a fork
• Meat has pulled away from the bone
• Skin is golden brown

Undercooked turkey will have pink meat and red juices. If needed, return to the oven until 165°F is reached.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Turkey Legs

There are endless options for amazing sides to serve with oven baked turkey legs:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Stuffing or dressing
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots
• Mac and cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Fresh biscuits or rolls

Sauces like gravy, barbecue sauce, or chimichurri also pair nicely. Enjoy your turkey drumsticks as an entree or use leftover meat in soups, salads, sandwiches and more.

With the right prep, seasonings and baking times, you can have delicious fall-off-the-bone turkey drumsticks oven baked to perfection at home any time.