Oven Roasted Turkey Legs (The Perfect Recipe)

Who doesn’t love a roasted Turkey Leg? My Turkey Leg Recipe results in tender, juicy turkey legs that are packed full of flavor.  It’s fun to chow down on a meaty leg, but they’re normally so easy to overcook! Not with my tried-and-true method for making the most perfect turkey legs every time. Try them and you’ll agree, it really is the BEST Turkey Legs Recipe!

The Best Turkey Leg Recipe

Oven-roasted turkey legs are a great alternative to the whole turkey for Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy turkey when you cook a batch of turkey drumsticks! 

Meaty and flavorful, my Turkey Legs recipe is easy to make and fun to eat. Pass the napkins around and watch as people devour the succulent dark turkey meat on these perfect legs.

Pair them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal everyone will love!

Plus, this turkey drumstick recipe is easy to double or triple. It’s written for two people, but you can make as much as you need for any number of guests.

Just count on one leg per person, and adjust the seasonings and butter, and everyone will be happy with this fabulous hands-on meal!

Why You’ll Love My Turkey Leg Recipe

• Great for Dark Meat Lovers: If you prefer the richer flavor of dark meat, this turkey leg recipe is perfect. Whole turkey legs are a wonderful alternative to the entire turkey, especially for those who love juicy, tender turkey legs.
• Simple and Delicious: Using just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers on flavor without the need for complex cooking techniques. Olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor) and a homemade spice mix turn these turkey drumsticks into a mouth-watering main dish.
• Easy to Follow: This easy recipe comes with detailed instructions that make cooking turkey legs in a preheated oven straightforward. From combining the seasonings in a small bowl to achieving the perfect internal temperature, every step is clear and simple.
• Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: Whole turkey legs are a great option for small Thanksgiving gatherings or any small holiday dinner. They offer the festive feel of a traditional turkey dinner without the need to cook a whole bird.
• Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: Roasting at a high temperature initially and then covering with aluminum foil allows the turkey legs to develop a crispy skin while keeping the meat inside juicy and tender. The key to perfection is letting them rest, covered, to lock in moisture.

Ingredients for Turkey Leg Recipe

• Turkey Legs: You’ll need 2 whole turkey legs for this recipe, but it’s super simple to double or triple if you want to make more turkey legs.

• Garlic Salt: Garlic salt is a simple way to add flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute this with a mix of garlic powder and fine sea salt.

• Onion Powder: Onion powder contributes a sweet, yet savory depth that complements the turkey meat beautifully.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for adding a bit of spice and enhancing the overall taste of the turkey legs.

• Melted Butter: Brushing the turkey legs with melted butter before roasting will help achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, olive oil or avocado oil can be used as a substitute.

  Don't miss out!

  Free Homemaking Printables

  By joining our newsletter list, you’ll get your hands on two free printable packs! Say goodbye to those stressful, last-minute dinner scrambles and hello to organized, cost-effective meal planning!

  Invalid email address

  We promise to never spam you. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

  Thanks for subscribing! Check your inbox for the free printables.

You’ll Also Need

• Baking sheet with a wire rack
• Aluminum foil

Turkey Legs Recipe Steps

Seriously, y’all, this is such an easy Turkey Leg recipe, and if you follow it, your meal will be moist, tender, and juicy!

1. Prepare Your Oven and Turkey Legs: Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees F. This high temperature is key for achieving a crispy skin on the turkey legs. Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.

2. Mix Your Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to create a flavorful dry rub. These simple ingredients will season the turkey legs perfectly.

3. Season and Butter the Legs: Place the turkey legs on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the legs, cooking them evenly. Baste the legs all over with melted butter, then sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly on all sides. The butter not only adds flavor but helps the seasoning stick to the legs.

4. Bake the Turkey Legs: Bake for 25 minutes to start. This initial high heat helps start the crisping process. After 25 minutes, cover the turkey legs with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Return them to the oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes. The foil helps keep the moisture in, ensuring tender turkey legs.

5. Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure your turkey legs are cooked perfectly is to check the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

6. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, remove the turkey legs from the oven. Let them rest for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making sure every bite is juicy.

How Long Does It Take To Cook A Turkey Leg?

This is not a quick recipe; cooking turkey legs in the oven with my method will take you about an hour. The turkey needs that time for them to become juicy and tender.

Turkey Legs Recipe Tips

• Dry the Turkey Legs Before Seasoning: Before adding the melted butter and spices, pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when it cooks. Crispy skin is not only delicious but also a sign of well-cooked turkey legs.
• Swap Up the Seasonings: Use any seasoning that you like! My suggestions make a good all-purpose seasoning for the turkey legs, but you can use Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, Italian blends, or whatever you like. You could even try my Cajun Injection Recipe The secret here is in the cooking method. 
• Use a Brush: A pastry brush or silicone basting brush will help get the butter on evenly.
• Kick up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to add a bit of spice to your oven-baked turkey legs.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Legs

• These are totally kid-friendly Turkey Legs, and when you’ve got a house full of kids, put out a dish of my best-ever homemade mac and cheese with them!
• My Old-fashioned Creamed Potatoes are also delish with these legs or opt for a delicious side like my Broccoli Casserole With Cream of Mushroom Soup.
• Turkey legs are also fabulous for Thanksgiving or Christmas, if you don’t want to serve a whole turkey. In that case, pair the legs with cranberry sauce and all your favorite holiday side dishes.
• My family enjoys eating my Crack Green Beans with these delicious turkey legs. 

Storing Leftover Turkey Legs

Store any leftover Turkey Legs in a resealable plastic bag or container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or wrapped in foil in the oven.

More Delicious Turkey Recipes

• Roasted Garlic Rosemary Turkey Breast
• Sweet Tea Brined Turkey
• Crock Pot Turkey Breast
• Herb Roasted Turkey
• Turkey Cranberry & Brie Sliders

Print Pin

Perfect Turkey Legs

Equipment

• baking sheet with fitted wire rack
• aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 2 turkey legs
• 1.5 Tsp garlic salt
• 1.5 Tsp onion powder
• 1/2 Tsp black pepper
• 2-3 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Combine the seasonings in a small bowl.
• Place your turkey legs on a wire rack fitted inside of a baking sheet. Baste the turkey legs all over with the melted butter & season on all sides with the seasoning.
• Cook the turkey legs on 450 uncovered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the turkey legs from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Return to the oven and cook for another 40 or so minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 20 minutes. Do not lift the foil, even for a peak! This step is very important. This will ensure that your turkey legs are perfectly cooked.