Roasted Turkey Legs

a white serving dish of cooked turkey legs

5 from 5 votes

Tender and juicy dark-meat turkey legs! Generously seasoned and oven-roasted, these turkey legs are great for a gathering and are easy to clean up.

Prep Time40

Cook Time1 20

Marinade Time4

Total Time6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: Turkey Legs

Calories: 1095kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

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