Easy Apple Cider Roasted Turkey Legs

There’s no need to make an entire turkey when you can make delicious turkey drumsticks. Give each guest a deliciously braised whole turkey leg for Thanksgiving dinner!

I’ve always been a fan of white meat turkey smothered with stuffing and gravy, but my husband has turned me into a dark meat lover over the years! When we have a smaller Thanksgiving dinner, I skip making a big turkey, and instead I make these easy roasted turkey legs!

The juicy meat is simply the best, and it’s so hard to mess up. This turkey drumstick recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients that honor the season, onion, apples and warm, fragrant spices.

For this juicy turkey leg recipe, I do a quick sear on the stovetop, then add onions, apples, turkey stock, apple cider and seasonings to finish the tender turkey legs in the oven.

I think braising in liquid is at a lower temperature is the best way to keep the turkey legs moist and tender!

This recipe calls for both turkey legs and turkey thighs, since they’re typically packaged together. You will need to separate them at the joint if they’re still connected.

You can absolutely substitute and use only turkey legs or turkey thighs, just grab 4 of them!

While I know that most of you will make this for Thanksgiving, it’s truly easy enough for weeknight dinner. If giant turkey legs are on sale at the grocery store this fall, grab four of them and make this easy dinner for your family!

These Onion and Apple Roasted Turkey Legs are the perfect main course for a small holiday dinner, whether it’s Thanksgiving of Christmas! It’s fun and elegant, and you don’t have to spend any time carving up a whole turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will I need to complete this recipe?

To make this oven-roasted turkey leg recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• fresh turkey legs (or thighs)
• apple cider
• turkey stock (sub chicken stock, chicken broth or vegetable stock)
• olive oil (or butter)
• red onion
• red delicious apples
• nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, parsley or other fresh herbs for garnish

I love that this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and gives you the most succulent meat!

Slow Cooker Option

If you want to make your turkey legs in the slow cooker, you’ll need to follow the recipe steps as written through step #6! Then, transfer to the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or high for 6-8 hours.

Equipment Needed

You will need a large Dutch oven or an oven-safe deep skillet with a lid. If you do not have a Dutch oven, you can always sear the turkey legs in a skillet, then transfer them to a casserole dish for the oven.

Make sure to seal the dish with aluminum foil if you don’t have a lid!

What does braised mean?

Braised meat, such as this apple braised turkey legs and thighs, is meat that has been seared in oil before being slowly cooked in liquid. If you love this recipe, you’ll love my Mustard and Beer Braised Pork Ribs!

Substitutions for this Roasted Turkey Legs recipe

This roast turkey legs recipe has plenty of ways to customize it! Here are a few suggestions:

• Substitute red onion with yellow, white, or sweet onion.
• Substitute the allspice with pumpkin pie spice.
• Substitute the red delicious apples with granny smith apples for a stronger flavor.
• Use homemade apple cider instead of store-bought.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika and onion powder to the turkey for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub for turkey to add a bit of savory heat.
• Use turkey broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of the turkey stock.

Can I freeze this after making it?

Yes, you can make these apple braised turkey legs and thighs and then freeze them in an airtight and freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.

You’ll want to thaw them completely in a refrigerator first before reheating and serving.

Can I make this using turkey breast?

Yes, you can make this apple braised turkey legs recipe with a turkey breast as long as the turkey breasts are skin on because you’ll need to sear the skin. Seared crispy skin is not only delicious, it helps seal in the juices!

How can I make the turkey juicier?

You can make a juicier turkey by brining the turkey legs in a sea salt solution for at least 12 hours before cooking. This seals in moisture and helps the meat retain its juices during the cooking process. But it’s totally optional!

What should I serve with roasted turkey legs?

Check out this post for my favorite Thanksgiving recipes! It has a list of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, cocktails, more delicious turkey recipes, and Thanksgiving appetizers.

Some of my favorite sides for these turkey legs include Southern Green Bean Casserole, Thanksgiving Stuffing or my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes.

If you have apple cider leftover, use it for a festive cocktail! I recommend this Apple Cider Martini, Apple Cider Mimosas or Caramel Apple Sangria. This Caramel Vodka Martini would also be excellent!

For dessert, pair with fall flavors. For GF guests, try this Gluten Free Apple Cake.

Or I like my Cinnamon Pie, Maple Blueberry Crisp, Brown Sugar Cheesecake or Easy Pumpkin Cake! Each of these recipes is perfect paired for the Thanksgiving holiday!

What should I do with leftover turkey?

Save leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you have leftovers, you can make these Turkey Cranberry Sliders or substitute turkey for the chicken in this Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole.

And, you can save the drumstick bones to make turkey stock!

Can I make this recipe with chicken legs?

Yes, you will need about 3 pounds of chicken drumsticks. You can also check out these Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs.