Roasted Smoky Turkey Legs
Savor the irresistible flavor of Roasted Smoky Turkey Legs, a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe combines tender, juicy turkey legs with a smoky, spice-forward rub featuring smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for just the right kick. Drizzled with olive oil and zesty lemon juice, then roasted to golden perfection, these turkey legs boast a beautifully crisp skin that locks in all the mouthwatering juices. A touch of water during baking ensures they stay moist, while a final high-temperature roast creates that irresistible caramelized finish. Ideal as a standalone centerpiece or paired with your favorite sides, this easy, no-fuss recipe is ready in just over 90 minutes and will have everyone savoring every flavorful bite! Perfect keywords: smoky turkey legs, roasted turkey legs, turkey dinner ideas, crispy turkey recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Turkey legs
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the turkey legs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Rub the spice blend onto the turkey legs, massaging it into the skin and meat for maximum flavor.
Pour 1/4 cup of water into the baking sheet to help keep the turkey moist during roasting.
Cover the turkey legs loosely with aluminum foil and place the baking sheet into the preheated oven.
Roast for 60 minutes, then remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
Continue roasting for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the turkey legs reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1459 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.2 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 540 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 5274 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 146.5 g | 293% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 185 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1778 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
