Crispy Roasted Turkey Legs

These easy-to-make roasted turkey legs are delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great choice for a small holiday meal or a standout dish any time of the year.

Where to Find Turkey Legs

Turkey legs typically consist of the thigh and drumstick, but most people refer to the 'turkey leg' as just the drumstick. Drumsticks are generally available in the meat section of most grocery stores, while whole turkey legs may require a visit to a butcher.

How to Roast Turkey Legs

Roasting turkey legs at home is simpler than you might think. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide — but here's a quick summary of what to expect:

1. Prepare the turkey legs: Rinse and pat dry the turkey legs. Use a sharp knife to make two or three deep cuts into the meat, then insert a piece of celery into each cut. Rub butter under the skin and sprinkle with salt.
2. Roast the turkey legs: Arrange the legs in a roasting pan, place in a preheated oven, and roast, basting with the pan juices occasionally, until the skin turns golden and crispy.

How Long to Roast Turkey Legs in the Oven

The turkey legs should be perfectly golden brown and juicy after roasting for about 90 minutes to two hours.

To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey leg — it should read 180°F when fully cooked.

What to Serve with Roasted Turkey Legs

If you're not in the mood to roast a whole turkey this Thanksgiving, try serving these roasted turkey legs instead. They cook much faster and are perfect for smaller gatherings. Serve them with classic sides like mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or creamy macaroni and cheese for a complete meal.

Looking for some tasty ideas? Check out our selection of Simple Thanksgiving Side Dishes.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Legs

Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Enjoy them cold or reheat gently in the microwave for a quick meal.

Dinogo Community Tips and Praise

"This turkey was incredible," says Ang. "The celery adds so much flavor and keeps it juicy, even though my kids usually don't like celery. Next time, I'll try adding garlic and thyme for an extra kick of flavor, but that's just an optional twist!"

"The meat is incredibly juicy and tender," says Misty Paiement. "I also roasted some vegetables alongside the turkey to enhance the flavor. For a side, I made wild grain brown rice."

"Absolutely delicious," shares Lisa P. "I swapped in sweet onions (like Vidalias) since I'm not a fan of celery. The flavor really soaked into the meat and made it extra tender. This recipe will definitely be on repeat!"

Editorial input by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 3 stalks celery stalks, cut in thirds

• 3 turkey legs

• 6 tablespoons butter

• salt to taste

• ½ cup water, or as needed

Instructions

Collect all the ingredients you'll need.

Stand the turkey legs upright, as if the bird were standing. Using a sharp knife, create 2 or 3 deep pockets in the flesh. Insert a piece of celery into each pocket. Pull back the skin, rub the legs with butter, and sprinkle with a little salt. Close the skin, rub with more butter, and season lightly with salt. Place the turkey legs in a roasting pan and pour in water around them.

Roast the turkey legs uncovered until the skin turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) when checked with a meat thermometer, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Add more water as needed during roasting and baste with the pan juices or melted butter occasionally.

Nutritional Details (per serving)