Sometimes an entire turkey is just too big for a small Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering. Enter this delicious and easy baked turkey legs recipe! Simply season turkey legs with turkey rub, then roast for approximately an hour in the oven, and dinner is served!
Dark meat lovers, rejoice! These baked turkey legs are easy enough for weeknight dinners yet tasty enough to serve for Thanksgiving!
Whether youre celebrating Thanksgiving alone, as a couple, or as a small family, baking an entire turkey might be a bit much. Especially if you dont want to eat leftover turkey sandwiches for weeks to come.
One whole turkey leg (thigh and drumstick) can easily serve two people, so this recipe can serve 4 comfortably. However, if you have a slightly larger group to feed, you may want to consider a Traeger smoked turkey breast, which feeds 6 to 8.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
As a holiday staple and year-round favorite turkey offers a leaner alternative to beef and pork with plenty of protein and nutrition. While many default to roasting a whole turkey the legs and thighs can be the prize catches. They contain considerably more natural fat and connective tissue, keeping the meat deliciously moist and rich-tasting when cooked properly.
If you’ve only prepared lackluster turkey legs and thighs in the past, this guide will help you unlock their full potential. Follow my tips for selecting, seasoning, and cooking turkey drumsticks and thighs for finger-licking results guaranteed to satisfy.
Choosing Quality Turkey Legs and Thighs
When buying turkey legs and thighs, freshness is key for the best flavor and texture. Look for:
- Firm, plump appearance with no odd odors
- Smooth, moist skin with no blemishes or tears
- Uniform color – avoid discoloration or dry spots
Turkey parts sold specifically for cooking tend to be larger while those meant for further processing are smaller. Size affects cooking time but not method.
For optimal juiciness, purchase bone-in turkey legs and thighs. The bones impart moisture and flavor when cooked.
Seasoning Turkey Parts Like a Pro
To take the turkey from bland to bold, proper seasoning is a must.
-
Pat turkey dry then coat all over with oil. Enhances browning and seals in moisture.
-
Generously season with salt, pepper and spices like garlic, thyme, paprika and sage.
-
For added flavor, carefully loosen skin and rub seasonings directly onto meat.
-
Let sit 20-30 minutes for seasoning to penetrate. Or refrigerate overnight.
Herb-butter mixtures, citrus, mustard, and honey also make tasty rubs. Marinating is another great way to boost flavor.
Master Cooking Methods for Perfect Results
Roasting
Roasting uses dry oven heat to crisp the skin and tenderize meat. Place seasoned thighs and legs on a rack over a baking sheet. Cook at 350°F until internal temperature reaches 175°F, about 40-50 minutes depending on size.
Grilling
The hot, smoky heat of the grill crisps the skin beautifully. Grill over medium indirect heat for 20-30 minutes until 165°F. Brush with glaze or barbecue sauce during last few minutes.
Braising
Braising in broth produces ultra-tender turkey. Brown seasoned thighs and legs then simmer in broth with veggies until very tender, about an hour. Reduce broth for gravy.
Slow Cooking
For hands-off ease, slow cooking yields fall-off-the-bone turkey. Cook seasoned legs and thighs on low 6-8 hours. Shred meat and tossed with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Deep Frying
The hot oil helps seal in moisture and makes the skin extra crispy. Fry small pieces at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Take care not to overcook.
Air Frying
The hot circulated air crisps up turkey legs and thighs with little oil needed. Cook at 400 degrees, flipping halfway, until 165°F or crispy, about 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Legs and Thighs
Once cooked to juicy perfection, try serving turkey legs and thighs:
-
Alongside classic Thanksgiving fare like mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce
-
In turkey chili, soups or casseroles for added flavor and nutrition
-
On top of fresh garden salads for a hearty protein-packed meal
-
Shredded or chopped for tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls and more
-
With roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and squash
-
Topped with gravy or chimichurri sauce for extra moisture and punch
Move beyond boring poultry with my tips for incredible turkey legs and thighs. With the right prep, seasoning and cooking method, you can achieve juicy, flavorful results guaranteed to be a hit. So grab those drumsticks and get cooking!
How To Bake Turkey Legs
Step 1: Bring turkey legs to room temperature then pat dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin by inserting one or two fingers under the skin and carefully lifting it away from the muscle.
Pro Tip: If you decide to season both under and over the turkey skin, you may want to season more lightly so that the turkey does not end up too salty. Another option is to reduce the amount of salt in the turkey rub.
Step 2: Rub turkey with olive oil, ghee, or softened butter including under the skin. Mix turkey rub ingredients in a small bow, then sprinkle seasoning generously on all sides of the turkey and lightly under the skin. Allow the turkey seasoning to infuse the turkey flesh for a couple of hours or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 450℉. Place the turkey legs in a roasting pan or high-rimmed baking sheet and insert a probe into the thickest part of the thigh or leg. Set probe temperature to 180°F.
Pro Tip: When inserting the probe or meat thermometer, make sure it does not touch the bone.
Step 4: Roast turkey legs, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Brush turkey legs with rendered juices then turn the temperature down to 400°F.
Step 5: Loosely cover the turkey legs with foil and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the probe or meat thermometer reaches 180°F.
Pro Tip: Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, however, dont tent with foil. The condensation created between the foil and the turkey will cause the crispy skin to soften.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Turkey: I used 2 turkey hindquarters (unseparated leg and thighs) totaling 5 lbs. You may substitute with legs or thighs. Cooking times may need to be adjusted if you use smaller or larger turkey legs.
- Herbs: Rubbed sage, herbs de Provence (or a combination of thyme and rosemary), and marjoram (similar to oregano but sweeter).
- Spices (rub): Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Tajin seasoning (optional). If you prefer, you can use your favorite turkey rub or seasoning.
- Ghee or Oil: To get that desired crispy turkey skin, youll need to slather the turkey with either ghee or oil. I prefer using ghee over melted butter. Since its clarified, it does not have any water content, which helps to crisp up the skin. However, you can still use softened unsalted butter if thats what you have on hand.
*A full list of ingredients can be located in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Oven Baked Turkey Legs | Easy Baked Turkey Legs | Ray Mack’s Kitchen & Grill
FAQ
How long to cook a turkey leg and thigh?
Lay the turkey legs in a roasting pan. Pour in water. Roast uncovered until the legs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Add more water if needed while roasting, and baste occasionally with the juices or melted butter.
How long to keep turkey legs in the oven?
… turkey is extremely tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers at least 165ºF, 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hoursNov 17, 2024
What temperature is a turkey thigh cooked at?
Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh meat reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 1 hour.
How do you keep turkey legs from drying out?
Wet brining delivers the moistest turkey legs while dry brining guarantees the most flavorful meat and crispy skin.
How long do you cook a turkey leg?
Roast: Roast the turkey for 30 minutes, flip the legs so that the skin side is up and roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 170°F. How Do I Know When My Turkey Legs Are Done? Using Smaller Turkey Legs? Get an instant meat thermometer!
Are roasted turkey thighs easy to cook?
Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs make a small Thanksgiving meal a one oven dinner. Tender, browned, crispy skin and easy to make, they’ll cook quickly! Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs cook in a single baking pan alongside three other dishes in one oven making your whole Thanksgiving meal easy enough to cook in one oven.
How do you cook turkey legs & thighs?
There are several cooking methods you can use to prepare turkey legs and thighs, depending on your preference and available equipment: Oven-Roasting: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned turkey legs and thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.