Roasted turkey legs are a tasty treat, perfect for any day! They get crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Just season, roast, and enjoy!
I love serving these with a side of mashed potatoes. Nothing beats the classic combo, right? Plus, they make great leftovers for turkey sandwiches! 🦃🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Legs: The star of the show! I recommend using large turkey legs for extra juiciness. If turkey legs are hard to find, chicken legs work just as well, just adjust the cooking time since they’re smaller.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add great flavor; I often use butter for that rich taste. If you’re keeping it lighter, opt for olive oil. You can also use avocado oil for a similar flavor with a higher smoke point!
Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley): Fresh herbs really enhance the dish, but dried herbs are fine too, especially if you’re short on time. Try oregano as an alternative for a different flavor profile!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a nice punch, but garlic powder can be a faster alternative. If you want a milder flavor, roasted garlic is a tasty swap!
Chicken Broth: This keeps the turkey nice and moist while adding flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter option or if you want to keep it vegetarian.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Legs are Juicy and Crispy?
The perfect roasted turkey legs balance between juicy meat and crispy skin. Here are some steps to nail it:
- Dry the Skin: Patting the turkey legs dry before seasoning is key. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Rub Well: Massage the herb mixture all over the legs, even under the skin if you can. This infuses more flavor!
- Baste Occasionally: Basting with pan juices keeps the meat moist and helps with browning. Just use a spoon to pour the juices over the legs every 20-30 minutes.
- Crisp at the End: Adjusting the oven temperature or broiling in the last few minutes is perfect for crisping the skin. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Letting the turkey legs rest after roasting helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful bite!
How to Make Roasted Turkey Legs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large turkey legs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus about 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes of cooking time in the oven. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy some delicious roasted turkey legs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the turkey legs will roast evenly and become deliciously crispy!
2. Prepare the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir together until everything is well mixed and smells wonderful.
3. Dry Off the Turkey Legs:
Use paper towels to pat the turkey legs dry. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely while roasting, giving you that perfect golden-brown finish!
4. Season the Legs:
Rub the fragrant herb and oil mixture all over each turkey leg. Make sure to get some under the skin if you can, which will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.
5. Place in the Baking Dish:
Arrange the turkey legs in a roasting pan or a baking dish, making sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.
6. Add Liquid to the Dish:
Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the turkey legs juicy as they roast and create some flavorful drippings.
7. Roast the Turkey Legs:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the turkey legs for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which you can check with a meat thermometer.
8. Baste for Extra Flavor:
Every 20-30 minutes, use a spoon to baste the turkey legs with the broth or pan juices. This keeps them moist and adds even more flavor!
9. Crisping the Skin:
If you want extra crispy skin, turn up the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or use the broiler for the last 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—just until they’re beautifully golden!
10. Let Them Rest:
When they’re done, take the turkey legs out of the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender.
11. Serving Time!
Serve the turkey legs warm, spooning over any delicious pan juices. You can pair them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your wonderfully crispy and juicy roasted turkey legs!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Legs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge for at least 24 hours before cooking. For a quicker method, you can submerge them in cold water (in a sealed bag) until thawed, which usually takes a few hours. Pat them dry before seasoning!
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Legs?
Store any leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave for individual servings, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, melted butter works beautifully as a substitute, adding a rich flavor. You can also use canola oil or avocado oil if you’re looking for alternatives with a higher smoke point.
How Can I Keep the Skin Crispy After Cooking?
To maintain that crispy skin, make sure to pat the turkey legs dry before seasoning. Additionally, basting with pan juices during roasting keeps the meat moist, while high heat at the end of cooking helps crisp the skin. Avoid covering the turkey legs after cooking, as this can trap steam and soften the skin.