Easy Roasted Turkey Legs
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Additional Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
397 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Roasted Turkey Legs
Description
This recipe for Easy Roasted Turkey Legs uses a dry rub of dried oregano, parsley, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest applied over skin-rubbed turkey leg and thigh portions. The turkey is placed over a bed of sliced red onion, fresh rosemary sprigs, and lemon rounds in a roasting pan.
Roasting at a moderate oven temperature of 180°C (350°F) begins with the legs skin side down for 30 minutes, then flipped skin side up for another 40 minutes or until a digital thermometer registers 75°C (167°F) in the thickest part, ensuring the meat is safely cooked and juicy. Resting after roasting allows the juices to redistribute.
The aromatic spice blend and lemon accents provide a balanced flavor profile while roasting over vegetables adds moisture and fragrance. This recipe helps ensure tender turkey legs with a nicely crisped skin, suitable for slicing and serving whole.
Using a thermometer is recommended to check doneness for safety and optimal texture, and roasting times may vary based on leg size and oven efficiency.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano dried
- 1 tbsp parsley dried
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp paprika sweet
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
- 1 lemon , zest only
For the turkey
- 1.6 kg turkey leg and thigh portions, 3 1/2 pounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil , or as needed
- 1 lemon , sliced into rounds (use the zested lemon)
- 1 red onion , sliced into rounds
- rosemary few sprigs, fresh
Instructions
- Rub the turkey with olive oil. Combine all the ingredients for the rub and then sprinkle liberally over the turkey on both sides.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Line a roasting tin with baking paper or foil and spread the onion, rosemary and lemon slices over it.
- Place the turkey leg on top, skin side down and roast for 30 minutes.
- Turn the legs over, skin side up, and continue to cook for a further 40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 75°C (167°F).
- Rest the turkey, loosely covered with foil, for 20-30 minutes. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Use a digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg (avoiding the bone) to check doneness; the internal temperature should reach at least 75°C (167°F).
- The turkey juices should run clear as another indicator of proper cooking.
- Roasting time varies by leg size and oven temperature, so start checking earlier if cooking smaller legs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 397kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 157mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 559mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 706mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 463IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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