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–+ servings
A photo of oven roasted turkey legs and turkey thighs with apple slices

Oven Braised Turkey Legs

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Author: Michelle Goth
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.
5 from 1 rating
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloved, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon minced garlic)
  • 3 pounds turkey legs, fresh drumsticks or thighs, bone-in, skin on
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the braising liquid:

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups turkey stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 apple, red delicious, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • fresh herbs for garnish, rosemary, thyme, parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Pat the turkey legs dry with a paper towel, then season the turkey legs and thighs with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • In a large Dutch oven or deep oven-safe skillet with a top, add olive oil and heat on medium heat.
  • Add onion to the olive oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion has softened and is fragrant. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds, do not allow the garlic to burn. Remove and set aside on a plate to rest.
  • Increase the burner temperature to medium-high heat. Add the turkey skin-side down. Sear the turkey for about 4 minutes per side, then set aside on a plate to rest.
  • Reduce the burner temperature to low.
  • Add sliced apples to the bottom of your Dutch oven, then evenly sprinkle nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice over the apples. Add cooked onions and garlic.
  • Add apple cider to the Dutch oven, then add the seared turkey.
  • Pour turkey stock around the turkey legs until the liquid level comes up halfway around the turkey legs. It should not completely cover the turkey. You may use less than 2 cups depending on the size of your Dutch oven.
  • Cover the Dutch oven, then roast the turkey legs in your preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
  • Remove the cover, and roast uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  • The turkey is done when a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the leg.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs

Notes

The turkey drippings from this recipe make delicious gravy! Melt 1/2 stick of butter on medium-low in a non-stick skillet. Add 1/4 cup all purpose flour and stir gently to make a paste. Add 2 cups of the pan drippings and whisk vigorously until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serving: 1, Calories: 660kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 59g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 204mg, Sodium: 966mg, Potassium: 1087mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 44IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 76mg, Iron: 6mg
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