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!
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.
Why Make These Roasted Turkey Legs
- Short, Simple Ingredient List
- Individual Portions
- Easy To Make
- Juicy, Delicious Turkey With Minimal Effort
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!
Ingredient Notes
- 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
- 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.
FAQs & Expert Tips
FAQs
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.
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.
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!
Tips
- Get an instant meat thermometer! It is a life saver when it comes to cooking not only turkey, but any kind of meat.
- 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.
- 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!
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Easy Roasted Turkey Legs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 turkey legs thighs and drumsticks (4-5 lbs)
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper or to taste
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.
Recipe Notes
- Get an instant meat thermometer! It is a life saver when it comes to cooking not only turkey, but any kind of meat.
- 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.
- Store leftover roasted turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- You can also freeze your turkey legs! Stored in airtight container, they will last for 3 months frozen!
Juicy tender awesome
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
My pleasure!