Oven-Roasted Turkey Drumsticks with Garlic Paprika Butter Recipe
This recipe features oven-roasted turkey drumsticks coated in a flavorful butter rub infused with garlic, onion, paprika, and spices. Perfect for a hearty and juicy meal, these drumsticks come out with crispy skin and tender meat thanks to careful roasting and resting techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Turkey Drumsticks
- 4 turkey drumsticks, 12 to 14 oz. each
Butter Rub
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep your equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and set aside.
- Set out the turkey: Remove the turkey drumsticks from the refrigerator to bring them closer to room temperature while you prepare the seasoning.
- Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully blended and smooth.
- Dry the turkey legs: Use paper towels to pat the turkey drumsticks dry on all sides to help the butter rub adhere better and promote crisp skin.
- Apply the rub: Using a pastry brush or your hands, evenly coat each drumstick with the butter mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Transfer to the baking sheet: Place the seasoned drumsticks onto the prepared baking sheet spaced out evenly for proper roasting.
- Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, loosely tent the drumsticks with aluminum foil to prevent the skin from browning too quickly without sealing in steam.
- Continue baking: Roast for an additional 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is safely cooked through and juicy.
- Let rest and serve: Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute for moist, tender meat before serving.
Notes
- Cook time: Cooking time will vary based on the size of drumsticks; larger legs will take longer. Adjust butter quantities accordingly to coat evenly.
- Rest time: Essential for juicy meat. Do not skip the 10-minute resting period after roasting.
- Roasted turkey legs and thighs: This method works well for roasting turkey thighs with drumsticks. Adjust cook time for weight and size, ensuring 165°F internal temperature.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days after resting to room temperature.
- Reheating: Reheat wrapped in foil in a 275°F oven for 35-45 minutes. For crispy skin, pan-fry in lightly oiled skillet over medium heat after reheating.
- Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in refrigerator before reheating as described.
