Description
This recipe for roasted turkey drumsticks delivers tender, flavorful dark meat with perfectly crisped skin. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of classic herbs and spices, coated with a butter and olive oil rub, and slow-roasted to ensure juicy, moist meat. Finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy exterior, these drumsticks make an ideal hearty meal for two.
Ingredients
Turkey Drumsticks
- 2 turkey drumsticks (approximately 1 pound each)
Seasoning Rub
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (regular, smoked, or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and turkey: Remove the turkey drumsticks from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature as you preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place a metal baking rack on a large rimmed sheet pan to allow for even roasting and air circulation around the drumsticks.
- Make the butter rub: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and olive oil with kosher salt, granulated garlic, paprika, dried sage, thyme, and crushed rosemary. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful herb butter mixture.
- Apply the rub: Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Carefully separate the skin from the meat halfway down the drumstick without tearing it. Smear some of the butter rub underneath the skin directly onto the meat. Then, pull the skin back over and press it into place. Cover the outside of the skin and ends of the drumsticks with the remaining butter rub, ensuring full coverage.
- Roast the turkey: Place the prepared drumsticks on the baking rack and roast in the 400°F oven for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C), flip the drumsticks, and continue roasting for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check when the thickest portion reaches 175°F (79°C) for safe doneness and juicy meat, as turkey drumsticks tolerate slightly higher temperature for moistness.
- Crisp the skin (optional): If you prefer crispy skin, switch the oven setting to BROIL at the end of cooking. Broil the drumsticks briefly until the skin browns to your liking, then flip them and crisp the other side. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Allowing the turkey drumsticks to come to room temperature before roasting helps them cook more evenly.
- Using a metal baking rack promotes even heat circulation and crispier skin.
- Cooking the drumsticks to 175°F ensures juicy dark meat since turkey dark meat is more forgiving than white meat.
- The combination of herbs and paprika in the butter rub enhances flavor and adds subtle smokiness.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra crispy skin.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
