Turkey legs are my favorite part of a turkey, so I love that I can make baked turkey legs without popping an entire turkey in to the oven! This is how to cook turkey legs in the oven - super easy and delicious!
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There are many recipes out there to make turkey legs in the oven, but this is the way I make it because it is fast and easy.
Customizations
This is a very basic recipe, but you can switch it up with various seasoning and sauces!
Here are some ideas:
- Cajun - add some cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, for a kick!
- Sweet and spicy - add brown sugar, cayenne pepper, for some tasty sweet and spicy flavors.
- Asian - Marinate with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Italian - Literally marinade with some Italian dressing, I love doing this with chicken too.
How to make Oven Baked Turkey Legs (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 4 bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Brush legs with melted butter. Then rub them salt, garlic powder, and paprika. I recommend letting it absorb this for at the very least 15 minutes, but the longer the better! Overnight works great!
Place on a baking dish. I like to put a layer of aluminum foil on the baking dish for easy clean up, but that's totally up to you.
Now, pop them in the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. The skin should brown.
Remove from heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is now on top. Place back in oven for another 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and loosely cover with aluminum foil (try not to burn yourself!).
Roast in oven for another 30 minutes, or until juices run clear and instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.
Remove from oven for the last time, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Also can we take a look at my dog being excited about this Turkey Leg LOL:
Oven Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe
Turkey legs are my favorite part of a turkey, so I love that I can make baked turkey legs without popping an entire turkey in to the oven! This is how to cook turkey legs in the oven – super easy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Brush legs with melted butter. Then rub them salt, garlic powder, and paprika. I recommend letting it absorb this for at the very least 15 minutes, but the longer the better! Overnight works great!
- Place on a baking dish. I like to put a layer of aluminum foil on the baking dish for easy clean up, but that’s totally up to you.
- Now, pop them in the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. The skin should brown.
- Remove from heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is now on top. Place back in oven for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and loosely cover with aluminum foil (try not to burn yourself!).
- Roast in oven for another 30 minutes, or until juices run clear and instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.
- Remove from oven for the last time, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 legAmount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 698mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 20g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes!
- Turkey Fried Rice - A quick and satisfying dish using turkey, mixed vegetables, rice, and eggs stir-fried with a savory sauce. Great for leftovers!
- Turkey Mushroom Stir Fry - Stir-fried turkey with your favorite mushrooms, scallions, and a flavorful sauce-an easy weeknight dinner full of umami.
- Turkey Breast Cutlets in Creamy Mushroom Sauce - Pan-seared turkey cutlets smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Cozy, elegant, and surprisingly simple!
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Trish says
I just bought a case of turkey thighs (I know,crazy right? Lol) Would they be cooked the same? They look delicious 😋
TinaTsai says
Haha - that's awesome! You can do the same with turkey thighs but oven should be 350 F, and roast for 50-60 minutes (or until internal temp is 165F).
Gabby says
What if the turkey breasts are larger than medium? Would you cook for longer if that’s the case ?
TinaTsai says
Turkey legs you mean? You will want to cook it a bit longer if they're bigger than mine. Just make sure to cook until the deepest sections of the turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F - that's when it's done.
Tatiana says
Love the recipe I will make this for Christmas
Thank you for sharing
Joshua Mitchell says
Does the covering with tinfoil mean wrapping tinfoil around each leg loosely, or to cover the baking dish with tinfoil loosely?
TinaTsai says
Great question - Just cover the baking dish loosely
Amanda says
Hello. I followed your recipe. I’m sure it’s good. The turkey legs came out dry & chewy😢 Any suggestions?
TinaTsai says
Oh no! Sorry to hear that - It could be that your oven is more efficient than mine (Mine is super old) and actually takes a shorter amount of time. If a turkey is cooked too long, the muscle proteins coagulate and cause dryness. So maybe instead of that last 30 mins, try 20 mins, and check if it is done (juices run clear and instant-read thermometer reads 165°F) and pop it back in if not, and cook at 5 mins increments until its done!
Russell says
Can’t wait to try!
TinaTsai says
Hope you enjoy 😀
Diane says
Does "baking dish" mean a standard 13x9? Would love to try this, but want to get the dish right.
tinatsai says
Hi there! It's really any baking sheet that your turkey legs will fit in without crowding. So if you're making 1 you can use a smaller baking sheet, and if you're making a bunch, you want a big one or perhaps, use more than 1 so they don't touch each other.
jennifer says
Turkey Drumsticks!!!!! I'ts like scarfing down and a medieval festival at your own home! Seriously, so good.
Don says
Look at that gorgeous color! I had no idea how these these are to make. Thanks!
Kelly says
Yum! So tender and delicious! Perfect for Fall dinners!
Jean Choi says
Ah the texture looks so perfect. Can't wait to try this!