Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe
These easy Roasted Turkey Legs are juicy, tender and packed with savory flavor, with beautifully golden skin and an optional maple butter finish. Perfect for a small Thanksgiving dinner or an easy alternative to roasting a whole turkey.
Servings: 4
Cost: $13
Equipment
- roasting pan
- measuring cup
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks about 10 oz each
- 1/4 cup Poultry Seasoning or BBQ Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Prepare the turkey legs. Pat the turkey drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Arrange them on the prepared pan, leaving space between each piece.
- Season the turkey. Rub the poultry seasoning or BBQ dry rub evenly over the turkey legs, including under the skin where possible.
- Prepare the maple butter. Whisk together the melted butter and maple syrup until combined.
- Roast. Roast the turkey legs at 400˚F for 30 minutes. Brush the maple butter on the turkey legs and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Check for doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching the bone. The internal temperature must reach at least 165°F; dark meat often becomes more tender at 175–180°F.
- Rest and serve. Remove the turkey legs from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Turkey Leg Size: This recipe uses individual turkey drumsticks, not whole turkey legs with the thighs attached. Roasting time varies depending on the size of the drumsticks.
- Make Ahead: Season the turkey legs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to roast.
- Doneness: Turkey must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. For more tender dark meat, I prefer a final temperature of approximately 175–180°F.
- Crispy Skin: Pat turkey legs dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan. If the skin needs additional browning, use a brief broil only if your pan is broiler-safe, watching carefully.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked turkey legs in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped turkey legs for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat covered at 350°F with a splash of broth until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
Serving: 1leg | Calories: 1131kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 133g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 511mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 1916mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 13mg