Description
These turkey drumsticks are cooked to the perfect temperature, ensuring a juicy, tender, and flavorful bite every time. Using precise cooking methods and seasonings, you’ll achieve a delicious golden-brown crust while keeping the meat moist. Perfect for holiday feasts or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large turkey drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken or turkey broth (for basting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prep the Drumsticks: Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Brush them with olive oil and melted butter.
- Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the drumsticks.
- Bake: Place the drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour broth into the pan for added moisture.
- Cook to Temperature: Bake for about 90-105 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F (79-82°C) for optimal juiciness.
- Baste: Halfway through cooking, baste the drumsticks with the pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Broil for Crispiness: If you prefer a crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes at the end of cooking until golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 10 minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Marinate the drumsticks in the seasoning mix with olive oil for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before cooking.
- Temperature Guide: Cooking to 175-180°F (79-82°C) ensures juicy meat. Dark meat, like drumsticks, benefits from cooking slightly beyond 165°F to break down connective tissues.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: This recipe can also be made using an air fryer (cook at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes) or slow cooker (on low for 6-7 hours).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90-105 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey drumstick
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg