How to Cook Juicy, Tender Turkey Drumsticks in the Oven

Turkey drumsticks are a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to cooking a whole turkey. The legs have more fat and collagen than the breast meat, keeping them incredibly moist and flavorful when cooked properly. With just a few simple steps, you can have oven-baked turkey drumsticks with crispy skin and fall-off-the-bone meat in under 2 hours.

Ingredients for Baked Turkey Drumsticks

To make baked turkey drumsticks for 4-6 people you will need:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on turkey drumsticks (about 1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or dried herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary

How to Prepare Turkey Drumsticks for Baking

Rinse the turkey drumsticks under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Make sure the skin is very dry as this helps it get crispy in the oven.

Place the legs in a baking dish and lightly brush or rub all over with olive oil or melted butter This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning

Generously season both sides of the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning or dried herbs of choice. Rub the seasoning evenly into the meat.

You can also let the legs marinate for added flavor. Simply coat with seasoning, cover, and refrigerate for 2-24 hours before baking.

How Long to Bake Turkey Legs

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, then flip legs over and bake 20 minutes more. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Turkey legs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reached 165°F at the thickest part. The total roasting time is typically 60-75 minutes for 1 pound drumsticks or up to 90 minutes for very large legs.

Tips for Baked Turkey Drumsticks

• Tenting foil over the pan halfway through prevents over browning

• Basting with turkey stock or melted butter keeps the meat moist

• Letting legs rest 10 minutes before serving allows juices to reabsorb

How to Tell When Turkey Drumsticks Are Done

Turkey drumsticks are fully cooked when:

• The internal temperature reaches 165°F
• The juices run clear when pierced with a fork
• The meat has pulled away from the end of the bone
• The leg moves easily when twisted at the joint

Undercooked drumsticks will have pink, bloody juices. If needed, return to oven and continue roasting until fully cooked through.

Use an instant read thermometer to easily check temperature when the minimum cook time has been reached. Do not rely on time alone.

Serving Ideas for Baked Turkey Drumsticks

The rich, savory turkey legs pair deliciously with many classic holiday side dishes like:

• Roasted vegetables – potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts
• Stuffing or dressing
• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Dinner rolls

They also complement hearty fall sides like:

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Cornbread

Get creative with fun turkey drumstick meal combinations perfect for dinner any time of year.

Storing Leftover Turkey Drumsticks

Cooked turkey legs will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven or by steaming until warmed through.

For longer freezer storage up to 4 months, tightly wrap legs in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

The rich leg and thigh meat of turkey drumsticks makes them a delicious, budget-friendly alternative to cooking a whole turkey. With proper seasoning and following key tips like using a meat thermometer, you can easily roast tender, juicy oven-baked turkey drumsticks at home any time of year.