Description
These roasted turkey drumsticks are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a small Thanksgiving dinner, a family meal, or even a backyard barbecue, this recipe uses a savory herb blend to create a golden, crispy skin and moist meat. Easy to prepare, it’s a satisfying alternative to roasting a whole turkey!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 turkey drumsticks (about 2–3 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey stock (optional, for basting)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Season the Drumsticks:
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub olive oil all over the drumsticks, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. If using chicken or turkey stock, pour it into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during roasting.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Baste (Optional):
- If desired, baste the drumsticks with the pan juices or stock every 20-30 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- For crispy skin, roast the drumsticks uncovered for the entire cooking time.
- Pair with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or green beans for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Turkey Dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 40