Roasted Turkey Thighs (Plus VIDEO)

Why Roasted Turkey Thighs Work for a Juicier Main Course

First, turkey thighs are dark meat and, therefore, have more fat, which carries flavor. The higher fat content also makes juicier meat. Plus, turkey thighs are more forgiving when you overcook them. While the turkey breast meat dries out when overcooked, the oven-roasted thighs are even more tender.

Ingredient List

1. Turkey Thighs -The show’s star has the classic turkey flavor with all the juicy goodness the thigh meat is known for. Turkey legs also work well in this recipe. Season them with a little S&P before making the herb butter.
2. Herb Butter – Butter, garlic, sage, rosemary, paprika, and parsley deliver added juiciness and the poultry seasoning vibes Thanksgiving is known for.
3. Veggies – Onions and celery seasoned with thyme add a tasty touch. Feel free to add potatoes and carrots for a one-pot meal.

How to Roast Turkey Thighs in the Oven

Prep Turkey Thighs

• Rinse turkey thighs with water, then pat dry with paper towels. (Photo 1)
• Season the thighs with salt and pepper, slipping salt under the skin where possible.
• Herb Butter – Combine butter, minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and parsley. (Photo 2) Refrigerate the herb butter until ready to use. You can make it a day or so ahead.
• Butter Turkey – Loosen up the turkey skin by carefully running your fingers between the skin and the meat; the skin is very fragile, so be careful not to tear it up. Generously rub the thighs with the herb butter combination. Refrigerate until ready to roast (up to 24 hours ahead). (Photo 3)

Roast Turkey Thighs

• Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
• Assemble – Place onion, celery, and thyme in a 3-quart baking dish, then place the thighs on top. (Photo 4)
• Roast the turkey thighs for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F (163℃). Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74℃) in the thickest part of the thigh (an hour or more, depending on the size of your turkey thighs). (Photos 5-6)
• Tent – If the thighs are browning too fast, tent them with foil to prevent over-browning. 
• Rest – Remove from the oven and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before carving so the juices settle back into the meat. Reserve turkey drippings for homemade gravy.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables.

Recipe Variations

1. Replace the classic poultry seasoning blend with Jamaican jerk, Creole, or Italian seasonings.
2. This recipe works great for roasted chicken leg quarters, thighs, and legs. Just reduce the cooking time to compensate for the smaller bird.
3. Add more veggies to the mix. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc. The more, the merrier.

Tips for Juicy Turkey Thighs

1. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes so the juices can reabsorb.
2. Slice up the turkey as needed. The more you slice off, the quicker it will dry out.
3. Don’t waste those drippings. 😱 Turn them into a flavorful gravy to smother your mashed potatoes.

Make-Ahead and Leftovers

Prep the turkey thighs a day or two in advance, and bake them when ready to enjoy. If you need to roast them ahead, the skin will lose its crispiness. Simply remove it (I can’t resist eating it right then), cool the meat, remove it from the bone, and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days or the freezer for 3-4 months. Many recipes take advantage of precooked meat.

What Goes With Turkey Thighs

A good turkey meal always includes the best sides. Whether it’s the holidays or you’re in the mood for some juicy roasted turkey thighs, mashed potatoes and homemade gravy are always great partners.

Seasoned rice is excellent if you want a change from potatoes. Other fabulous sides are broccoli and candied sweet potatoes. And, of course, pumpkin pie for dessert.

More Amazing Thanksgiving Recipes to Try

1. Smoked Turkey Legs
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
3. Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham
4. Green Bean Casserole
5. Pecan Pie

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated with additional tips and gorgeous photos