Roasted turkey legs are juicy and tasty, with crispy skin that’s hard to resist. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy family dinner!
They make me feel like I’m at a fun picnic, just digging in with my hands! I love serving them with some mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Legs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat. If you can’t find turkey legs, chicken thighs can be a great alternative. They will cook similarly and give you tender meat as well.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the skin crisp up. You can swap it with melted butter for a richer flavor or use grapeseed oil for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but you’ll want to use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley enhance the dish with great aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can also work; just use about a third of the amount since they’re more potent!
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on My Turkey Legs?
Achieving crispy skin on roasted turkey legs is all about the right prep and cooking technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by patting the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture that can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Rub the herb marinade generously over the skin. The olive oil not only helps with flavor but also promotes crispiness.
- Roast in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures the heat circulates properly around the legs, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
- Baste the legs with pan juices during cooking. This adds flavor and keeps the skin golden brown.
- Finally, let the legs rest after roasting. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring the meat stays moist and skin remains crisp when serving.
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly roasted turkey legs every time! Enjoy the delicious results!
How to Make Roasted Turkey Legs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 turkey legs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to roast in the oven. After cooking, let the turkey legs rest for about 10 minutes before serving. So, plan for around 2 to 2.5 hours total from start to finish for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help your turkey legs cook evenly and get that delicious crispy skin we all love.
2. Make the Herb Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This fragrant mix will add flavor to your turkey legs.
3. Prepare the Turkey Legs:
Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This step is important to help the skin crisp up while roasting. Once they’re dry, rub the herb marinade all over the turkey legs, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
4. Arrange for Roasting:
Place the turkey legs on a baking dish or roasting pan. For added flavor, you can tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the legs, though it’s optional.
5. Roast the Turkey Legs:
Put the tray in the oven and roast the turkey legs for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know they are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Remember to baste the legs occasionally with the pan juices to keep them moist.
6. Rest Before Serving:
Once cooked, take the turkey legs out of the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making your meat even more tender.
7. Add Final Touches:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive look if you like. This step isn’t just for show; it also adds a nice aroma!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the turkey legs hot. These juicy, flavorful turkey legs are perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe delivers tender, succulent turkey legs with a crispy, herb-infused skin, making it an excellent choice for any gathering. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! If you can’t find turkey legs, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’ll give you similar tenderness and flavor, although the cooking time may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! Dried herbs can be a suitable substitute. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.
Can I Marinate the Turkey Legs Overnight?
Yes, marinating the turkey legs overnight can enhance the flavor! Just make sure to cover them well and keep them in the refrigerator. This will also help tenderize the meat.