Easy Roasted Turkey Legs – tender and juicy turkey for lovers of dark meat! This perfectly seasoned oven-roasted turkey leg recipe is a great alternative to roasting an entire turkey. And as anyone who has tried a juicy turkey leg at Disney World can attest, they are absolutely delicious.
I am a firm believer that Roast Turkey is not just for Christmas and Thanksgiving family dinners! In fact, I’d argue that this easy dinner works any time of the year and family members will be thrilled with the results.
But cooking the whole bird can be a real challenge, which is why I was excited to discover giant turkey legs for sale at my local supermarket recently.
A whole turkey leg easily feeds four to six and is super economical, perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings or any small holiday dinner, rather than breaking out a big bird. Even better? You will be amazed how incredibly easy it is to prepare!
Forget brining, basting and getting hot and bothered about roasting the perfect turkey! These tender turkey legs are a great option if you are serving a smaller group of dark meat lovers.
PS: If you prefer white meat, check out my easy Roast Turkey Crown recipe! For a quick alternative to whole roast turkey, take a look at my Turkey Roll Recipe.
Cooking turkey legs and thighs can be intimidating if you don’t know how long to cook them for. Getting the timing right is crucial to ending up with tender, juicy meat that is cooked through but not dry or overdone. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed guide on how long you should cook turkey legs and thighs, including oven roasting, grilling, braising, and slow cooking methods.
An Overview on Turkey Legs and Thighs
Turkey legs and thighs come from the lower portion of the turkey and are considered dark meat. They contain more fat and connective tissue compared to white breast meat making them naturally moist and flavorful. However the extra fat and collagen also requires longer cooking times at lower temperatures to properly break down and result in a tender texture.
When buying turkey legs and thighs, choose pieces that are evenly sized for even cooking. Opt for fresh, raw cuts that are pale pink with glossy, unblemished skin. depending on the size, turkey legs and thighs can range from around 1/2 pound to over 1 pound each.
Oven Roasting Times
Oven roasting is a popular cooking method that uses dry heat to produce tender, juicy meat with crisp, golden skin. Here are general guidelines for roasting times based on the weight of bone-in turkey legs and thighs:
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- 3/4 to 1 pound: 1 to 1 1/4 hours
- Over 1 pound: 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
For optimal results, preheat your oven to 325°F and roast the turkey pieces on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate and promotes even cooking. Place a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, and roast until it reaches 165°F. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Grilling Times
Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor to turkey legs and thighs. Use indirect heat on a preheated gas or charcoal grill, maintaining a temperature between 300-350°F. Grill bone-in turkey legs and thighs for approximately:
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound: 35 to 45 minutes
- 3/4 to 1 pound: 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Over 1 pound: 1 to 1 1/4 hours
Rotate the pieces and baste with sauce during cooking. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let rest for 10 minutes.
Braising Times
Braising involves cooking the turkey pieces slowly in liquid, resulting in very tender meat Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid Add enough chicken or turkey broth to come about 1-inch up the sides of the turkey legs and thighs. For bone-in pieces
- 1/2 to 1 pound: Braise for 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Over 1 pound: Braise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Check the internal temperature, then let the braised turkey rest in the pot for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Times
Using a slow cooker is hands-off way to cook turkey legs and thighs. Place the seasoned pieces in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of broth or water. Cook on low for:
- 1/2 to 1 pound: 4 to 6 hours
- Over 1 pound: 6 to 8 hours
When done, the meat should reach 165°F and be pulling away from the bone. Allow to rest in the pot for 15 minutes before serving.
Key Tips for Maximizing Juiciness
Follow these tips in addition to the proper cooking times to ensure your turkey legs and thighs turn out incredibly moist and flavorful:
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Brine the turkey for added moisture and seasoning. Soak in a brine solution for 2-4 hours before cooking.
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Avoid overcooking. Carefully follow the recommended cooking times for each method.
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness and prevent overcooking.
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Let the cooked turkey rest before carving so the juices can redistribute.
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Carve across the grain of the meat to maximize tenderness.
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Serve with pan juices or gravy for extra moisture.
With the proper cook times and some juiciness-boosting techniques, you can enjoy tender, mouthwatering turkey legs and thighs any time of year. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods until you find your favorite way to savor these flavorful turkey pieces.
Here’s what you will need
- Turkey legs – my 1.6 kg (3 ½ pound) turkey leg came sliced into leg and thigh portions
- Olive oil
- Seasoning rub – salt, pepper, sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, dried parsley and lemon zest
- Onions, rosemary sprigs and lemons – these provide a trivet for the turkey legs to cook on
- Digital thermometer
- A good carving set
How To Roast Turkey Legs
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
STEP 1: Rub the turkey with olive oil. Combine all the ingredients for the rub and then sprinkle liberally over the turkey on both sides.
STEP 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a roasting tin with baking paper or foil and spread the onion, rosemary and lemon slices over it.
STEP 3: Place the turkey leg on top, skin side down and roast in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn the legs over, skin side up, and continue to cook for a further 40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 75°C (167°F). This method is a great way to achieve the perfect mix of crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat.
STEP 4: Rest the turkey, loosely covered with aluminum foil, for 20-30 minutes. Slice and serve as your main dish with your favorite sides!
Oven Baked Turkey Legs | Easy Baked Turkey Legs | Ray Mack’s Kitchen & Grill
FAQ
What temperature should a turkey leg be cooked at?
What temp should turkey thigh be cooked to?
How long should you cook turkey parts?
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Turkey Product
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Weight
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Timing
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Breast, Half
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2 to 3 pounds
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50 to 60 minutes
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Breast, Whole
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4 to 8 pounds
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1 ½ to 3 ¼ hours
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Thighs, Drumsticks
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¾ to 1 pound each
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1 ¾ to 2 ¼ hours
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Wings, Wing drumettes
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6 to 8 ounces each
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1 ¾ to 2 ¼ hours
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How long does it take to cook a turkey leg?
Rub butter and sprinkle salt under and over the skin. Roast the turkey legs: Place the legs in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven, basting occasionally with the juices, until the skin is golden brown. The turkey legs should be perfectly golden brown and juicy in about 90 minutes to two hours.
How long does it take to cook a turkey thighs?
Roast: Roast the turkey for 30 minutes, flip the legs so that the skin side is up and roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 170°F. Get an instant meat thermometer!
How do you cook turkey legs in the oven?
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat dry the turkey legs with paper towels. Prep Turkey: Whisk the melted butter with the salt, garlic powder and pepper. Generously brush the butter mixture all around the turkey legs. Transfer To Oven: Transfer the turkey legs to a greased baking pan, skin side down and transfer to the preheated oven.
How do you cook a turkey thighs in a pan?
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Lift the turkey skin and stuff it with the softened butter, then pat it down in an even layer (gently). Place the thighs in the baking pan. Roast the turkey thighs for 50-60 minutes or until the thermometer shows the turkey is cooked to 170 degrees.