Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe 🍗

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to roast turkey legs, this is your lucky day! Introducing the simplest Roasted Turkey Legs recipe you’ll ever find! This keto-friendly dish offers the delights of crispy skin and succulent meat without the fuss of roasting an entire turkey. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s a wholesome celebration of holiday flavor in every bite. Let’s dive in!

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Preparation and cooking overview

Roasting turkey legs in an oven is a breeze. Mix some softened butter and herbs, and coat the legs. Next, place the turkey on a roasting rack with chicken broth and put it in the oven. With just 10 minutes of hands-on effort, you’ll have the perfect family dinner with juicy meat to enjoy!

Chef’s note

Feel free to mix up the herbs in the butter! Try adding parsley, oregano, or marjoram. You can also put some keto-friendly veggies in the roasting pan for a tasty twist. Have fun and customize it to your liking!

Explore delicious keto turkey recipes that offer a tasty twist on traditional dishes while keeping you on track with your low-carb lifestyle.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Roasting Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🍗 Ingredients for roasted turkey legs recipe

To make low-carb roasted turkey legs at home, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients:

1 turkey leg, approximately 3 pounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups turkey or chicken broth
½ teaspoon rosemary, chopped
½ teaspoon thyme, chopped
½ teaspoon sage, chopped
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

All the ingredients required to make roasted turkey leg arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If you’re thinking about switching up the ingredients, here are some alternative suggestions:

Unsalted butter: Swap out the butter for ghee or coconut oil for a different flavor.
Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, use avocado oil.
Broth: Opt for a low-sodium beef broth for a more robust flavor instead of chicken broth.

Additional ingredients

Want to enhance the flavor profile of these juicy turkey legs? Try integrating these additional ingredients into the recipe:

Garlic powder: Blend garlic powder into the herb-butter combo for a delicious, intense flavor.
Paprika: Add some smoky flavor to the meat by incorporating paprika into the butter mix.
Red chili flakes: For a spicy twist, sprinkle some chili flakes on the turkey prior to roasting.
Cayenne pepper: Merge cayenne with the herb-butter blend for a spicy undertone.
Parmesan cheese: Top the turkey leg with grated Parmesan during the final roasting minutes for a depth of flavor and cheesy goodness.

Serving of roasted turkey leg with slices and a drumstick on a plate alongside a fork and a knife.

Cooking tools required

To make this easy turkey leg recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

Measuring cups and spoons
Paper towels
Knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Roasting pan with a rack
Instant meat thermometer

Tool substitutes list

Roasting pan with a rack: If you don’t have a roasting pan, use a baking dish to roast the turkey leg. Just make sure to elevate it with a cooling rack.

Homemade roasted turkey leg resting on a wire rack.

How to make Roasted Turkey Legs: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Roasting

Preparation steps

Gather and measure all the ingredients.
Make sure the cooking area is clean, and the cooking tools are accessible.

Cooking steps

Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).
Pat the turkey leg dry with paper towels.
Mix the softened butter, olive oil, chopped herbs, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the butter mixture over the turkey leg and transfer it to a roasting pan with a rack.
Pour 1 ½ cup of turkey or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast the leg for 2 hours 15 mins, basting it with broth every 45 minutes.
Let the roasted turkey leg rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving.

Chef’s pro tip

To maintain the moisture and tenderness of your turkey leg, don’t forget to baste it with the pan juices every 45 minutes as it cooks. Keep an eye on it until it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What to serve with roasted turkey legs?

The roasted turkey legs recipe is even yummier when paired with a low-carb side dish. Here are some of the best sides:

Cauliflower Rice: Enjoy the turkey legs with some light and fluffy cauliflower rice, a low-carb option that pairs well with the hearty meat.
Roasted Asparagus: Try some roasted asparagus for a quick and low-carb side dish. It’s a simple and healthy addition to your plate.
Keto Sauces: Add some amazing flavor to your roasted meat with low-carb sauces like Chimichurri and Jalapeno Sauce.
Creamed Spinach: Sautéed creamy spinach gives a perfect flavor satisfaction to the roasted turkey legs.
Salads: Is there a more perfect pairing for a juicy turkey than a salad? Serve the turkey legs alongside options like Kale Salad, Red Cabbage Salad, or Grilled Green Bean Salad for a delightful combination.
Keto Bread: If you’re a bread lover, pair your meal with our keto bread made from coconut and almond flour.

A plate with sliced roasted turkey leg and a drumstick.

How to make it healthier?

Buy low-sodium broth from the store or make it at home. It stays good in the fridge for days and can be used in different recipes.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Rub the turkey leg with the butter mixture a few hours before baking for deeper flavor. This allows the meat to absorb the herbs and seasonings.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

The roasted turkey legs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.

Best reheating practices

Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the leftover turkey in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for 15-20 minutes.
Stovetop: Slice the turkey legs into bite-sized pieces and reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Add a small amount of broth or water to keep the meat moist.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Making these Roasted Turkey Legs is a breeze and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a special holiday meal or just want a tasty dinner, these turkey legs won’t disappoint. Your kitchen will fill with the inviting scent of herbs as they cook.

We enjoyed creating this recipe and are confident you’ll love it, too. After you’ve tried it, share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Interested in trying more turkey-based dishes? Give these a try:

Frequently asked questions

Yes, turkey is keto-friendly. It’s a good source of protein and low in carbs, which makes it an excellent option for a low-carb diet.

A turkey leg of about 3 pounds should be roasted for about 2 hours and 15 minutes at 355°F (180°C).

Turkey legs are generally low in carbs. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked turkey leg meat contains approximately 0-1 grams of carbohydrates.

Yes, you can use a whole turkey for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the turkey, and make sure to coat it well with the butter mixture.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey leg is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. You’ll make the best turkey leg recipe every time.

📖 Recipe

Sliced roasted turkey leg and a drumstick on a silver plate.

Roasted Turkey Legs

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This Roasted Turkey Legs recipe is a simple, keto-friendly way to enjoy succulent meat with crispy skin, perfect for any occasion.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword low carb, roasted turkey legs, thanksgiving, turkey legs recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2 15

Total Time 2 25

Servings

Calories 662kcal

Ingredients

1 turkey leg approximately 3 pounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups turkey or chicken broth
½ teaspoon rosemary chopped
½ teaspoon thyme chopped
½ teaspoon sage chopped
Sea salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).
Pat the turkey leg dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, chopped herbs, sea salt, and black pepper.
Rub the butter mixture over the turkey leg and transfer it to a roasting pan with a rack.
Pour 1 ½ cup of turkey or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast the leg for 2 hours 15 mins, basting it with broth every 45 minutes.
Let the roasted turkey leg rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving.

Video

Nutrition

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