This Oven Baked Turkey Legs recipe is cooked low and slow, wrapped in foil and seasoned with mouthwatering spices. This is the best way to cook fall-off-the-bone drumsticks.
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Where to Buy Turkey Legs
Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year-round. Many retailers only carry them seasonally around fall. A local butcher is usually really helpful.
More Ideas on How to Season Them
I like to season these with Creole Seasoning and smoked paprika. Feel free to use any of your favorite spices or blends.
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
How to Make Baked Turkey Legs
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place sliced onions and green peppers into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Rub the spices into the legs and add them to the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake.
The Best Way to Cook Fall Off the Bone Turkey/ Cook Time and How Long to Cook
You have to cook turkey low and slow to get it tender and fall off the bone. I bake these for at least 2 hours at 300 degrees, covered in foil and then for another 30 minutes uncovered to get crispy skin. Cooking them for 2 hours will give you fall of the bone turkey.
Alternatively, you can reduce the cook time by around 30 minutes by baking them covered at 350 degrees. I find the turkey isn’t as juicy using this temperature.
How to Add Gravy
Check out my Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe. Follow the instructions for how to make the gravy and add it to your turkey legs.
How to Tell When the Turkey is Done
You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
How Do You Keep Them From Drying Out
Cooking the drumsticks low and slow does the trick. The turkey will produce drippings while it cooks with the onions and green peppers which will help keep it moist.
How to Store Them
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
My favorite ways are to use the air fryer (350 degrees until warm) or the oven (350 degrees until warm). You can microwave them if you wish.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover drumsticks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the legs overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Pair With These Recipes
Southern Soul Food Mac and CheeseBaked Crab LegsSeafood Mac and CheeseSouthern Cornbread DressingSouthern Candied Sweet PotatoesSouthern Mustard GreensSouthern Okra and TomatoesSouthern Style Green Beans
More Turkey Leg and Turkey Wing Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey WingsAir Fryer Turkey LegsSmothered Turkey WingsBaked Turkey WingsStuffed Turkey LegsSmoked Turkey Wings
More Turkey Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey BreastSlow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey BreastCrockpot Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey BreastTraeger Smoked TurkeyLeftover Turkey ChiliLeftover Turkey NachosLeftover Turkey Wild Rice SoupTurkey Bone Broth RecipeInstant Pot Turkey BreastTurkey and Cheese Sliders
Pair these with our Turkey Graving From Drippings or Yellow Gravy Without Drippings recipes.
