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Turkey Dinner
4.3 from 79 votes

Easy Roasted Turkey Legs

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •11/23/22 3 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for roasted turkey legs.

These Easy Roasted Turkey Legs are the perfect alternative to roasting an entire turkey! Made with only 3 simple ingredients, this recipe is no fuss, no muss and there’s no tricky carving required!

two turkey legs on a white platter garnished with rosemary and cranberries.
Table of Contents Open
  • Why Make These Roasted Turkey Legs
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Roast Turkey Legs
  • FAQs & Expert Tips
    • FAQs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How Do I Know When My Turkey Legs Are Done?
    • Using Smaller Turkey Legs?
    • How To Serve
    • Tips
  • Leftovers
    • Freezing
  • More Great Recipes To Try
  • Easy Roasted Turkey Legs
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Juicy, tender turkey legs roasted to perfection! If you’re planning on having a small holiday dinner and don’t want to spend hours slaving away over a giant turkey, these easy roasted turkey legs are the perfect option! Requiring only 3 simple ingredients, this recipe will save you time and effort, all while still producing the same moist turkey we all know and love.

This recipe is perfect if you’re still craving turkey, but don’t feel like roasting an entire bird! Individual portions, no carving required, super juicy and delicious. Turkey legs are so underrated, especially if you’re a dark meat lover!

Why Make These Roasted Turkey Legs

  • Short, Simple Ingredient List
  • Individual Portions
  • Easy To Make
  • Juicy, Delicious Turkey With Minimal Effort

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make turkey legs.
  • Turkey Legs – I used both thighs and drumsticks, whole! You can cut them if you want.
  • Butter – I opt for unsalted to control the sodium. Make sure it’s melted!
  • Seasoning – We are using a simple blend of garlic powder, salt and pepper. Feel free to play around with spices and herbs to make these your own!

How To Roast Turkey Legs

process shots showing how to roast turkey legs.
  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat dry the turkey legs with paper towels.
  2. Prep Turkey: Whisk the melted butter with the salt, garlic powder and pepper. Generously brush the butter mixture all around the turkey legs.
  3. Transfer To Oven: Transfer the turkey legs to a greased baking pan, skin side down and transfer to the preheated oven.
  4. Roast: Roast the turkey for 30 minutes, flip the legs so that the skin side is up and roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 170°F.
overhead shot of roasted turkey legs in a roasting pan.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When My Turkey Legs Are Done?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! The best way to know when your turkey is cooked, is with an instant meat thermometer! When the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 170°F, it’s done. Each oven is different, so keep in mind it can take longer or less time than specified.

Using Smaller Turkey Legs?

Depending on the size of your turkey legs, cook times may vary. Each of my turkey legs were over 2 lbs so they took a bit longer to cook. If your turkey legs are smaller in size, they may take less time. Start checking the temperature after 1 hour.

How To Serve

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, these roasted turkey legs are a great option for a small dinner. This recipe makes about 6 servings, so choose your favorite sides and enjoy!

overhead shot of roasted turkey legs on a serving platter garnished with rosemary and cranberries.

Tips

  1. Get an instant meat thermometer! It is a life saver when it comes to cooking not only turkey, but any kind of meat.
  2. Feel free to play around with spices, sauces and herbs. If you’re looking for a flavorful, liquid gold sauce, check out my maple mustard turkey thighs.
  3. You can always cook more turkey legs if looking to serve more people.

Leftovers

Store leftover roasted turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Freezing

You can also freeze your turkey legs! Stored in airtight container, they will last for 3 months frozen!

pouring gravy on a roasted turkey thigh.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
  • Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs
  • Duck Confit With Pickled Raisins
  • Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb
  • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
  • Spatchcock Turkey
  • Maple Mustard Roasted Turkey Thighs
  • Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

two turkey legs on a white platter garnished with rosemary and cranberries.
Print
4.31 from 79 votes

Easy Roasted Turkey Legs

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 1 hour 30 minutes
Total 1 hour 35 minutes
Rate Recipe
These Easy Roasted Turkey Legs are the perfect alternative to roasting an entire turkey! Made with only 3 simple ingredients, this recipe is no fuss, no muss and there's no tricky carving required!
6

Ingredients

  • 2 turkey legs (thighs and drumsticks (4-5 lbs))
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat dry the turkey legs with paper towels.
  • Prep Turkey: Whisk the melted butter with the salt, garlic powder and pepper. Generously brush the butter mixture all around the turkey legs.
  • Transfer To Oven: Transfer the turkey legs to a greased baking pan, skin side down and transfer to the preheated oven.
  • Roast: Roast the turkey for 30 minutes, flip the legs so that the skin side is up and roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 170°F.

Equipment

  • Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Notes

  1. Get an instant meat thermometer! It is a life saver when it comes to cooking not only turkey, but any kind of meat.
  2. Feel free to play around with spices, sauces and herbs. If you’re looking for a flavorful, liquid gold sauce, check out my maple mustard turkey thighs.
  3. Store leftover roasted turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  4. You can also freeze your turkey legs! Stored in airtight container, they will last for 3 months frozen!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 477kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 55g (110%)Fat: 27g (42%)Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)Cholesterol: 221mg (74%)Sodium: 404mg (18%)Potassium: 777mg (22%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 245IU (5%)Calcium: 50mg (5%)Iron: 5mg (28%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

two turkey legs on a white platter garnished with rosemary and cranberries.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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3 Comments
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LAQUETA Joyce ARTIS
LAQUETA Joyce ARTIS
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Juicy tender awesome

0
Reply
Catherine Caron
Catherine Caron
Posted: 2 years ago

I have been looking for an easy recipe for legs and thighs for a while. I love this one . Thank you so much. Happy Thanksgiving

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Catherine Caron
Posted: 2 years ago

My pleasure!

0
Reply

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Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

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