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:
- 2–4 turkey drumsticks (about 1.5–2 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
- Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and chili powder to create a seasoning rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated.
- For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
Step 2: Cooking Methods
Oven-Roasting Turkey Drumsticks
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or roasting pan, leaving space between them.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the pan to keep them moist.
- Cover with foil and roast for 40 minutes. Remove foil, then roast uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until skin is crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Grilled Turkey Drumsticks
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–200°C).
- Brush grill grates with oil and place drumsticks on the grill.
- Grill for 30–35 minutes, turning every 8–10 minutes.
- Baste with butter or marinade while grilling for extra moisture.
- Check internal temp (165°F/74°C), then remove and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumsticks
-
Base Ingredients:
- 2–4 turkey drumsticks (about 1.5–2 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
- Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and chili powder to create a seasoning rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated.
- For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
Step 2: Cooking Methods
Oven-Roasting Turkey Drumsticks
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or roasting pan, leaving space between them.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the pan to keep them moist.
- Cover with foil and roast for 40 minutes. Remove foil, then roast uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until skin is crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Grilled Turkey Drumsticks
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–200°C).
- Brush grill grates with oil and place drumsticks on the grill.
- Grill for 30–35 minutes, turning every 8–10 minutes.
- Baste with butter or marinade while grilling for extra moisture.
- Check internal temp (165°F/74°C), then remove and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Slow-Cooked Turkey Drumsticks
- Place chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add seasoned turkey drumsticks on top.
- Pour in ½ cup broth and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- 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