These Roasted Turkey Legs are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner, these turkey legs are simple to prepare and are a great alternative to a whole turkey when you’re craving a smaller portion.
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 turkey legs 🍗
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tablespoon onion powder 🌰
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 🌿
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- Fresh herbs (optional for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven temperature:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Turkey Legs:
- Prepare the seasoning mix:
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the turkey legs:
- Rub the turkey legs with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over each leg, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Brush with butter:
- Brush the turkey legs with melted butter for added flavor and to help the skin become crispy during roasting.
3. Roast the Turkey Legs:
- Place in a roasting pan:
- Arrange the seasoned turkey legs in a large roasting pan or baking dish, making sure they are not crowded.
- Roast:
- Roast the turkey legs in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Baste occasionally:
- Baste the turkey legs with the pan juices or additional melted butter every 20 minutes to keep them moist.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Rest the turkey:
- Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and serve hot with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or gravy.
🍽️ Tips:
- Crispier skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, place the turkey legs under the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Gravy option: Use the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy by whisking in a bit of flour and chicken broth on the stovetop.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Enjoy these Roasted Turkey Legs for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍗🍂