Herb Roasted Turkey Legs (Printable Version)

Tender turkey legs roasted with a savory blend of herbs and garlic for a juicy, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey

01 - 4 turkey legs (approximately 2.5 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables (optional)

09 - 1 large onion, sliced
10 - 2 carrots, cut into chunks
11 - 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - Combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well mixed.
03 - Dry turkey legs thoroughly with paper towels. Evenly coat them with the prepared marinade.
04 - If using, spread onion, carrot, and celery chunks across the base of a large roasting pan to form a vegetable bed.
05 - Set the turkey legs atop the vegetable bed or directly into the roasting pan if not using vegetables.
06 - Cook uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, occasionally basting with pan juices, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 170°F.
07 - Allow the turkey legs to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving to retain juices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This turkey leg recipe infuses every bite with fragrant herbs that feel like a warm hug from an old friend
  • The simplicity of olive oil and fresh garlic makes it approachable yet impressively flavorful every time
02 -
  • Patting the turkey dry before applying marinade is key to getting that crispy skin that everyone loves
  • Letting the turkey sit in the marinade overnight intensifies the herb flavor and makes the meat unbelievably tender
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for 170°F (77°C) internal temperature to ensure perfectly cooked yet juicy meat
  • Occasional basting with pan juices during roasting makes the skin irresistibly crisp and flavorful