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Oven-Roasted Turkey Legs

Oven-roasted turkey legs are seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, then roasted until the skin is browned and crisp. Rest them for 10 minutes before serving tender, juicy dark meat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
resting 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 turkey legs about 2 1/2 pounds total
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on the sheet.
  3. Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.
  4. Rub the turkey legs all over with the olive oil.
  5. Mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
  6. Rub the seasoning mixture over the legs.
  7. Arrange the legs skin side up on the rack.
  8. Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the skin is browned and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each leg without touching bone reads at least 165°F; for more tender dark meat, cook to about 175°F.
  9. Rest the turkey legs for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For crisp skin, pat the turkey legs thoroughly dry before oiling. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.