I sometimes hear from my followers that they need a more low-key option for holiday celebrations. Sometimes baking a whole turkey just ain’t it! You need to make it a bit less fussy, and my Roasted Turkey Legs are the move boos. I keep them tender and juicy plus I rub them down in a spices and butter y’all. They don’t get better than this.
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How To Cook Turkey Legs
Step 1: Add all the seasonings in a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
Step 2: Cut celery sticks once the long way and then cut again down the middle so that you have 4 small sticks. Use a knife to cut 2-3 slits in each leg so the pieces of veggies fit inside. Then alternate adding celery and onion in the slits. Pat dry the turkey leg with a paper towel to make sure they are super dry y’all.
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Step 3: Place the legs in a roasting pan. Melt butter in a small bowl. Rub each turkey leg with butter then liberally rub the spice mixture all over your turkey legs and really get under the skin as much as possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours letting that spice really get into the turkey.
Step 4: Remove drumsticks from the fridge and bring to room temp. Pour the stock into the pan and put any remaining celery and onion in there too. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting every 20 minutes, reaching 165 degrees F internal temp. Remove the foil and broil for just a few seconds then let rest for 15 min before serving.
Roasted Turkey Legs
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne pepper
- 3 snack size Celery sticks
- 6 Onion slices
- 6 Turkey Legs
- 1 cup Turkey stock or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Add all the seasonings in a small bowl. Whisk until combined. Cut celery sticks once the long way and then cut again down the middle so that you have 4 small sticks. Use a knife to cut 2-3 slits in each turkey leg. Cut the slits so that small pieces of celery and onion can fit inside. Then alternate adding celery and onion in the slits. Pat the turkey leg with a paper towel to make sure they are very dry.
- Place the turkey legs in a roasting pan. Melt butter in a small bowl. Rub each turkey leg with butter then liberally rub the spice mixture all over your turkey legs and really get under the skin as much as possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours letting that spice really get into the turkey.
- When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove turkey legs from the fridge and bring to room temperature. Pour the stock in the pan and put any remaining celery and onion in the pan as well. Cover with foil and let it cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with a baster or deep spoon that can scoop up the liquid.
- Remove legs and check that internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the foil and put the oven on broil for just a few seconds to watch until it gets to the color you prefer then remove.
- Place the foil back on once you remove the legs from the oven and rest for 15 minutes covered then serve.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat Roasted Turkey Legs
Once the baked turkey legs have cooled to room temp, wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and pop in the fridge.
When you want to reheat, add turkey legs in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through in a 325°F (163°C) oven. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you want a super no-fuss way to reheat, pop in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top and reheat for 1 minute intervals.
How long will this turkey leg recipe last in the fridge?
They will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze baked turkey legs?
Absolutely boos! Wrap each leg securely in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air to maintain freshness. They should keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Store Leftover Seasoning: Store mixed seasoning in an airtight container or an emptied seasoning container (like an empty garlic powder container, for example) to sprinkle on chicken, veggies and anything else.
- Chill Out: Allow your turkey to rest after baking so the meat reabsorbs those bomb juices keeping it all juicy.
- Browning Too Fast? If your turkey legs are browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with foil will help prevent further browning.
- Get Crispy: The key to crispy skin is in making sure those legs are dried super well before dressing them with butter and seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
- Southern Fried Favorites: Serve these legs with fried onion rings, fried pickles, and fried okra for a fun unexpected Southern vibes menu.
- Delish Side Dishes: This turkey drumstick recipe is perfect served with delish decadent sides like mashed sweet potatoes, Southern green beans recipe, or creamed corn.
- Low Key Thanksgiving Supper: Serve these up with oyster dressing, turkey gravy, twice baked potatoes and roasted butternut squash.
Recipe Help
The turkey legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they are cooked to perfection. Also here’s a visual cue! When the juices of your oven roasted turkey legs run clear, they are usually good to go!
For sure boos! In fact I suggest prepping ahead the night before so you can marinate the turkey legs and get those flavors to truly penetrate resulting in even more flavorful and delicious meat!
For sure boos! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (180°C), and cook the turkey legs for about 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking!
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Made this last year and loved it.Im going to make it today with turkey legs that were on sale.I also made turkey soup which was excellent.Its easy because everything can go into one pan.
Thanks so much, doll!
Dark meat and turkey legs are my favorite! I will be making these very soon they look so deelicious. Thank you!
This is such a great idea as turkey legs have such great flavour and are so economical to buy. Those flavours are amazing!
WOW! These roasted legs look so perfect, that I am drooling., I can’t wait to try your recipe. thanks for sharing.
I often find white turkey meat to be pretty dry, and will not have it without tons of gravy. Dark meat on the other hand is so delicious. I can’t wait to try the turkey legs!
Legs are my favourite part of a turkey. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try- it looks so delicious!