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crispy garlic herb butter roasted turkey legs - featured image

Best Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Legs

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These crispy garlic herb butter roasted turkey legs deliver shatteringly crisp skin and juicy, flavorful dark meat in about an hour. Perfect for a weeknight craving or a holiday table without the fuss of a whole bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 turkey legs (about 1 pound each)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with the rack in the middle. Allow 20 minutes for full preheating.
  2. Pat the turkey legs completely dry with paper towels, pressing into all crevices. Let them sit uncovered for 10 minutes to air-dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mash with a fork until well combined.
  4. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin of each turkey leg, starting at the top and sliding between skin and meat to create a pocket without tearing.
  5. Push about 2 tablespoons of herb butter under the skin of each leg, spreading evenly over the meat. Rub remaining butter all over the outside of the legs.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with remaining salt and pepper. Rub to coat evenly.
  7. Place a wire rack inside a large baking sheet. Arrange legs on the rack with space between each. Pour broth into the bottom of the pan without splashing the legs.
  8. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes without opening the oven door.
  9. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for 25-30 minutes, basting with pan juices halfway through.
  10. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part, avoiding bone. It should read 165°F (74°C).
  11. Transfer legs to a cutting board or platter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  12. Serve hot, spooning pan juices over the top if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat legs dry and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour before cooking. If skin isn’t crispy enough after roasting, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely. Resting for 10 minutes is essential for juicy meat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey leg
  • Calories: 380
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 26
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: crispy turkey legs, garlic herb butter, roasted turkey legs, turkey legs recipe, easy turkey dinner

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/best-crispy-garlic-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-legs/