Roasted Turkey Legs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
432 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Roasted Turkey Legs
Description
This recipe for Roasted Turkey Legs features medium-sized, bone-in, skin-on legs seasoned with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika. The legs are brushed with melted butter and roasted at a high temperature initially to brown the skin, then covered loosely with foil and roasted further until fully cooked. The internal temperature is checked to confirm doneness, aiming for 160°F before resting.
The cooking method yields golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat inside. The resting period allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and moisture.
These turkey legs make a substantial main course and can be served with sides such as vegetables, grains, or salads. They are practical for household meals and can be kept as leftovers for several days.
Adjust baking time depending on the weight of the legs; larger legs require lower temperature and longer roasting. Leftovers can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently to prevent drying out.
Ingredients
- Avocado oil spray
- 4 turkey legs medium-sized, bone-in, skin-on, about 10 ounces each; see notes
- ¼ cup butter melted
Seasoning mix:
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, fit it with a rack, and spray the rack with avocado oil.
- Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. Brush them all over with melted butter and rub them with the seasoning mix. Place them on the roasting rack and lightly spray them with avocado oil.
- Place the turkey in the oven. Roast it, uncovered, for 20 minutes, until the skin is browned.
- Loosely cover the turkey with foil to avoid scorching the top, and continue roasting until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and an instant-read thermometer not touching the bone registers 160°F, about 30 more minutes.
- Remove the turkey drumsticks from the oven and allow them to rest, still covered in foil, for 10 minutes before serving. Do not skip this step - it will enable the internal temperature to climb and the juices to redistribute and settle.
Notes
- Adjust roasting time and temperature according to size: medium legs (~10 oz) roast at 450°F for about 50 minutes; larger legs (~1 lb) require 350°F for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- Always check internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the bone; aim for at least 160°F before resting.
- Rest cooked legs covered in foil for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and internal temperature to rise to 165°F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently at 50% microwave power or enjoy cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1turkey leg | |
| Calories | 432kcal | 22% |
| Protein | 56g | 112% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 555mg | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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