Turkey Legs Recipe

Rating 5.0
| 1
| Last Updated on November 27, 2023
These juicy roasted turkey legs are easy and perfect for small Thanksgiving dinners. With a simple rub and a dry brine, this turkey leg recipe is a delicious crowd favorite.
Utensils Dinner
Globe New American
8
ingredients
7
steps
1995
minutes
Giselle is a recipe developer and content creator that loves all things sweet and savory. She runs her own food blog, The Busy Spatula, and her work has been featured on Yahoo!, Marvel Studios and the Kitchn.

Ingredients

Servings:
4
1 1/2 tsp
kosher salt, see notes 1
3/4 tsp
granulated sugar
3/4 tsp
black pepper
3/4 tsp
garlic powder
1/2 tsp
dried thyme
1/2 tsp
smoked paprika
4
10 oz. turkey drumsticks
1/2 cup(s)
melted unsalted butter
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Directions 7 steps | 1995 Minutes

Step 1

Measure and prep all ingredients. Prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme and smoked paprika. 

Turkey Legs Recipe: Measure and prep all ingredients.
Step 2

Dry brine the turkey legs. Pat the turkey legs dry with a paper towel. Rub the turkey legs with the seasoning. Use your fingers to get under the skin and rub it with the seasoning. Replace the turkey skin if needed. 

Turkey Legs Recipe: Dry brine the turkey legs.
Step 3

Place the turkey legs in a ziplock bag and brine for 1-2 days.

Turkey Legs Recipe: Place the turkey legs in a ziplock bag and brine for 1-2 days.
Step 4

For crispy skin, prepare a sheet pan lined with a wire rack. Place the brined turkey legs on the wire rack and refrigerate, uncovered, for 4-8 hours. 

Turkey Legs Recipe: For crispy skin, prepare a sheet pan lined with a wire rack.
Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and transfer the turkey legs with the skin side down. Brush the turkey legs with melted butter and roast for 30 minutes. 

Turkey Legs Recipe: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 6

Flip the turkey legs and brush them with melted butter again. Roast for 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature of the turkey is at least 165°F. (See notes 2.)

Turkey Legs Recipe: Flip the turkey legs and brush them with melted butter again.
Step 7

Lightly tent the turkey legs with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Turkey Legs Recipe: Lightly tent the turkey legs with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

  1. This recipe uses Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Different kosher salt brands have varied crystal sizes and may affect the salinity of the recipe, so adjust accordingly.
  2. Make sure to check the thickest part of the leg and avoid the bone when checking the internal temperature.

Nutrition Per Serving
View All
CALORIES
479
FAT
36.1 g
PROTEIN
38.4 g
CARBS
1.8 g
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1 Comments
1 Comments
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Carmela G.

Carmela

Cozymeal Team Member

18 Aug 2023

This Turkey Legs recipe hit the home run. It is juicy, delicious, and can easily be a crowd favorite.

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