Description
This recipe for Easy Roasted Turkey Legs delivers tender, juicy turkey with a flavorful herb and spice rub. Perfectly roasted with slices of lemon, red onion, and fresh rosemary, these turkey legs offer a delicious alternative to roasting a whole bird. The simple preparation and roasting technique make this dish ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ pounds (1.3kg) turkey leg and thigh portions
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or as needed)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (use the zested lemon)
- 1 red onion, sliced into rounds
- Few sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Rub the turkey legs thoroughly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and keep the meat moist during cooking. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the spice rub—dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Sprinkle the rub liberally over both sides of the turkey legs, massaging it in gently for full flavor penetration.
- Preheat and Prepare Roasting Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a roasting tin with baking paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the sliced red onion, lemon rounds, and fresh rosemary sprigs evenly across the base of the pan. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with flavor as it roasts.
- Initial Roasting: Place the turkey legs on top of the prepared aromatics, skin side down. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start rendering the fat and infusing the meat with flavor from the bed of onions, rosemary, and lemon.
- Turn and Continue Roasting: After 30 minutes, carefully turn the turkey legs so the skin side is facing up. Continue roasting for an additional 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (167°F) to ensure the meat is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey legs from the oven and loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender turkey meat.
- Serve: Slice the turkey legs and serve warm, accompanied by the roasted onion, lemon slices, and rosemary. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!
Notes
- Easy Roasted Turkey Legs – tender and juicy turkey for lovers of dark meat.
- These perfectly seasoned oven-roasted turkey legs are a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey.
- Resting the meat after roasting ensures moist and flavorful turkey legs.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Use fresh herbs wherever possible for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 559 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 157 mg
