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Juicy turkey drumstick recipe

Ultimate Turkey Drumstick Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Healthy


  • Author: ZACK
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Ultimate Turkey Drumstick Recipe is a delicious, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, holiday feast, or meal prep. Whether you prefer oven-roasted, grilled, or slow-cooked turkey drumsticks, this recipe ensures juicy, tender meat with a crispy, well-seasoned exterior. Packed with lean protein, turkey drumsticks are an excellent choice for a healthy yet hearty meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 24 turkey drumsticks (about 1.52 lbs each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water (for roasting or slow cooking)

Optional Marinade Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for tenderness)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (for umami)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and chili powder to create a seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated.
  4. For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).

Step 2: Cooking Methods

Oven-Roasting Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or roasting pan, leaving space between them.
  3. Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the pan to keep them moist.
  4. Cover with foil and roast for 40 minutes. Remove foil, then roast uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until skin is crispy.
  5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–200°C).
  2. Brush grill grates with oil and place drumsticks on the grill.
  3. Grill for 30–35 minutes, turning every 8–10 minutes.
  4. Baste with butter or marinade while grilling for extra moisture.
  5. Check internal temp (165°F/74°C), then remove and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Base Ingredients:

    • 24 turkey drumsticks (about 1.52 lbs each)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
    • ½ cup chicken broth or water (for roasting or slow cooking)

    Optional Marinade Ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for tenderness)
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (for umami)
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and chili powder to create a seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated.
  4. For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).

Step 2: Cooking Methods

Oven-Roasting Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or roasting pan, leaving space between them.
  3. Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the pan to keep them moist.
  4. Cover with foil and roast for 40 minutes. Remove foil, then roast uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until skin is crispy.
  5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–200°C).
  2. Brush grill grates with oil and place drumsticks on the grill.
  3. Grill for 30–35 minutes, turning every 8–10 minutes.
  4. Baste with butter or marinade while grilling for extra moisture.
  5. Check internal temp (165°F/74°C), then remove and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumsticks

  1. Place chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. Add seasoned turkey drumsticks on top.
  3. Pour in ½ cup broth and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
  4. For crispy skin, broil in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil turkey drumsticks for 5 minutes at the end of roasting or slow cooking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey drumstick
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Turkey Drumsticks, Roasted Turkey Legs, Grilled Turkey Drumsticks, Slow Cooker Turkey, Healthy Turkey Recipe, Thanksgiving Turkey, BBQ Turkey Legs, Keto Turkey