How to Cook Turkey Legs Perfectly

Turkey legs are a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Cooking them perfectly requires the right combination of seasoning, preparation, and cooking technique to ensure tender, juicy meat with flavorful skin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step preparation for the ultimate turkey legs.

Ingredients

• 2 large turkey legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional, for extra juiciness)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the turkey legs cook evenly without drying out.

2. Prepare the Turkey Legs

Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the skin helps it become crispier when cooked.

3. Season the Turkey Legs

In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Rub the olive oil or melted butter over the turkey legs, then generously coat them with the seasoning mix. Make sure to cover all sides.

4. Optional Brining

For extra flavor and juiciness, you can brine the turkey legs in a saltwater solution for 2–4 hours before cooking. This step is optional but highly recommended for larger legs.

5. Cook the Turkey Legs

Place the turkey legs on a baking tray or roasting pan. If using broth, pour it into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist. Cover the legs loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the oven for 45 minutes.

6. Crisp the Skin

Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 20–30 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest Before Serving

Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Cooking turkey legs perfectly is all about seasoning, proper roasting, and allowing the meat to rest. With this method, you’ll get tender, juicy meat with flavorful, crispy skin every time.