Turkey Drumstick Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Resting Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
1082 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Turkey Drumstick Recipe
Description
This recipe features turkey drumsticks seasoned with a butter-based rub containing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Before roasting, the drumsticks are patted dry ensuring the rub adheres well and crisp skin forms during baking.
Cooking in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven on a foil-lined baking sheet, the turkey roasts uncovered initially, then is tented loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring thorough cooking. This approach results in evenly cooked meat with a crispy exterior and juicy inside. Adjust cooking times based on drumstick size; 12-14 ounce drumsticks are suggested here.
Leftovers should rest until cooled to room temperature, stored airtight for up to 3-4 days, and reheated in foil at a low temperature to preserve crispness. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to three months; thaw overnight before reheating. This method can also be adapted for roasting thighs alongside drumsticks for a combined poultry meal.
Ingredients
- 4 turkey drumsticks 12 to 14 oz. each*
- 4 tablespoons butter softened, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep your equipment: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Set out the turkey: Take the turkey legs out of the fridge while the oven is heating and you are working on the turkey seasoning.
- Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Dry the turkey legs: Pat dry turkey legs with paper towels on all sides.
- Apply the rub: Using a pastry brush or your clean hands, evenly distribute the butter rub over the turkey legs.
- Transfer to the baking sheet: Transfer the seasoned turkey legs onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes. After the first 25 minutes, loosely tent the top with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too fast. You do not want to seal the turkey as it will create steam and prevent it from getting crisp.
- Continue baking: Continue to roast for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let rest and serve: Remove from the oven, tent it with aluminum foil, and let it rest* for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time and butter rub quantity depending on drumstick size (12-14 ounces used in this recipe).
- Let turkey rest after roasting to redistribute juices for tenderness.
- This roasting method can be used for turkey thighs as well; adjust timing accordingly to reach 165°F internal temperature.
- Store cooked drumsticks in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 275°F for 35-45 minutes; pan-searing after reheating restores crisp skin.
- Freeze cooled turkey drumsticks wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1082 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1082kcal | 54% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 133g | 266% |
| Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g | 76% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 511mg | 170% |
| Sodium | 1085mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 1879mg | 40% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 617IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 123mg | 12% |
| Iron | 12mg | 67% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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