Turkey Drumsticks Recipe

Looking for a turkey drumsticks recipe that’s both simple and flavorful? This roasted turkey drumstick recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, holiday feast, or a special gathering, these turkey drumsticks are easy to prepare and always a crowd pleaser. The turkey drumsticks are seasoned with a blend of herbs, roasted to golden perfection, and result in juicy, tender meat that’s full of savory flavor. Follow this easy recipe and you’ll have the perfect turkey drumstick recipe every time.

Description

turkey drumstick recipe are a delicious and hearty choice for a satisfying meal, and this turkey drumsticks recipe will show you how to cook them to perfection every time. Roasting turkey drumsticks is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare this cut of meat. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or just a weeknight dinner, these turkey drumsticks are sure to impress.

The key to a great turkey drumsticks recipe is ensuring that the meat stays moist while developing a crispy, flavorful skin. The marinade, which is a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness from honey, infuses the drumsticks with flavor, ensuring they stay tender throughout the roasting process. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and other seasonings helps create a delicious crust on the skin.

You can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste or create variations by adding spices like paprika for a smoky flavor, or a little cayenne for heat. Some people even like to brine the drumsticks before cooking for extra moisture. But no matter how you prepare them, roasting is the best method to bring out the rich, savory flavor of turkey drumstick recipe .

The recipe below takes you through every step, from seasoning to roasting, to ensure you achieve perfectly cooked drumsticks that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. This easy to follow recipe yields flavorful turkey drumsticks that will be the star of your meal.

Ingredients

4 turkey drumsticks (about 1.5 lbs each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for basting)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle of the oven.
Prepare the Drumsticks:
Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. This will help ensure the skin gets crispy during roasting.
Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Season the Turkey Drumsticks:
Rub the marinade mixture all over the turkey drumsticks. Make sure the drumsticks are evenly coated with the seasoning. For extra flavor, you can let them marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking, but this is optional.
Roast the Drumsticks:
Place the seasoned drumsticks on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan. If you want to keep the turkey moist, you can add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan for basting. Roast the drumsticks for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Baste the Drumsticks (Optional):
Halfway through cooking, you can baste the turkey drumsticks with some of the pan juices to help keep them moist and flavorful.
Crisp the Skin (Optional):
If you prefer extra-crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve:
Once the turkey drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy meat.

Notes

Marinating Time: If you have time, marinate the turkey drumsticks for 1-2 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.
Basting: Adding chicken broth to the pan can help keep the turkey moist, especially if you don’t want to baste the drumsticks manually.
Crispy Skin: To achieve an extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Serving Suggestions: These turkey drumsticks go great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. The USDA recommends 165°F (75°C) for safe turkey consumption.
Spices Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Try adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for an extra kick.