Go Back

Herb Roasted Turkey Legs with Crispy Skin

Herb roasted turkey legs are seasoned with rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic butter tucked beneath the skin. Roasting first at 425°F and then at 350°F gives the legs crisp skin and tender meat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
resting 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 turkey legs drumsticks, about 1 1/4 pounds each
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 12x17-inch rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and set a wire rack inside a 12x17-inch rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Pat the turkey legs dry and gently loosen the skin without tearing it.
  3. Mix the butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic.
  4. Spread the butter mixture under the skin.
  5. Rub the skin with olive oil.
  6. Season the legs all over with the salt and pepper.
  7. Arrange the legs on the rack and roast for 20 minutes.
  8. Reduce the oven to 350°F.
  9. Roast for 60 to 90 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and the thickest part of each leg reaches at least 165°F without touching bone.
  10. Transfer the legs to a platter and rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, pat the turkey legs thoroughly dry before seasoning. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter alternative.