If you’re craving turkey but don’t want to deal with roasting a whole bird, turkey drumsticks are the perfect solution. These individual portions are fantastic for smaller gatherings or even just a satisfying meal for one or two people.
Cooking turkey drumsticks is also a budget-friendly and time-saving alternative to a whole turkey. Forget the all-day roasting process! These cook much faster and are often more affordable.
This guide will walk you through how to cook a turkey drumstick in the oven, guaranteeing perfectly roasted, juicy results every time.
Why choose turkey drumsticks?
If you’re looking for a tasty, easy-to-prepare meal, turkey drumsticks are a great choice. Here’s why:
- Simplicity and convenience. A single turkey drumstick is much easier to manage and cook than a whole turkey, especially if you have a small oven or limited cooking experience. Plus, they cook faster than a whole bird, making them a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
- Cost-effectiveness. Buying a turkey drumstick is more affordable than buying a whole turkey. It also cuts down on food waste, since you’re only cooking what you need.
- Flavor profile. Turkey drumsticks have that rich, dark meat flavor that so many people love. And who can resist that crispy, savory skin?
Gathering your ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients you need close at hand. Here’s a list to get you started:
Essential ingredients
- Turkey drumsticks: Look for drumsticks that are between 10 and 18 ounces each. Make sure they have the skin on and the bone in.
- Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter, but make sure it’s softened before you begin. Consider splurging on grass-fed butter like Kerrigold for a richer flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary and thyme are great choices.
- Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy flavor and helps the drumsticks brown.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper.
Optional ingredients for variations
- Dry rubbed sage, poultry seasoning, chili flakes, or parsley
- Garlic cloves, minced for extra garlic flavor
- Lemon juice, for brightness
Preparing the turkey drumsticks
Before you get started, here are the steps to take to prepare your drumsticks.
Get the drumsticks ready
First, pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is key if you want that crispy skin we talked about earlier.
Next, bring the drumsticks to room temperature. This helps the meat cook evenly.
Make the herb butter rub
In a bowl, mix softened butter, chopped rosemary and thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Apply the herb butter
Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey drumsticks. Then, rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the outside of the drumsticks. Make sure you cover every inch of the drumsticks to maximize the flavor.
Roasting the turkey drumsticks
Now comes the part where you roast those beautiful drumsticks to perfection.
Oven temperature and placement
First, preheat your oven to 325°F. While the oven is heating, grab a baking sheet and line it with foil. This makes cleanup much easier later on. Place the seasoned turkey drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
The foil method
For super moist meat, wrap each drumstick individually in foil. This helps trap moisture during the first part of the roasting process. Bake for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Checking for doneness
The best way to tell if your turkey is ready to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, being careful not to touch the bone. The turkey drumsticks are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Achieving crispy skin
For golden brown, crispy skin, remove the foil from the drumsticks. Increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the skin is just the color you like it. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Basting (optional)
For extra flavor and moisture, baste the drumsticks with the pan drippings during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This step is optional, but it can really enhance the flavor of the turkey.
Tips for perfect turkey drumsticks
Here are some pointers to help you get it right:
- Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to know whether your turkey is cooked properly, and it will help you avoid over- or undercooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Put the drumsticks in a single layer with space between them. This allows them to brown evenly.
- Let the turkey rest. Tent the cooked drumsticks with foil and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute so the meat is more tender.
- Use the drippings. Don’t throw away the pan drippings! You can use them to make a delicious gravy.
- Refrigerate uncovered. For extra-crispy skin, put the drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight without covering them.
Summary
Once you’ve cooked your turkey drumsticks to perfection, serve them with all your favorite sides. You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a green bean casserole!
Whether you’re looking for a simple Thanksgiving centerpiece or a satisfying weeknight meal, turkey drumsticks are an excellent choice.
Now that you know how easy and delicious it is to cook turkey drumsticks, why not try the recipe yourself? And if you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out!