These roasted turkey drumsticks are brushed with a savory butter-and-olive-oil rub, seasoned with classic herbs and spices, and roasted until tender. They’re an easy, budget-friendly addition to a holiday table or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Turkey drumsticks are a smart choice when feeding a crowd. They cost less than a whole bird, cook faster than roasting an entire turkey, and are always popular with kids and teens. This recipe highlights dark meat flavor and requires minimal hands-on time.
Over the years I’ve roasted many turkeys and tried other cuts like turkey breast in the slow cooker and oven-roasted turkey breast. For households that prefer dark meat, roasted drumsticks are an excellent option to supplement your Thanksgiving spread or stand alone as the main course.
This recipe is written for two drumsticks but scales easily to serve larger groups. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or a small dinner, roast drumsticks deliver great flavor with very little fuss.
Table of contents
- Ingredient Notes
- Turkey Drumsticks vs. Turkey Legs
- How to Make Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
- Tips for the Best Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
- Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions
Ingredient Notes
- Turkey drumsticks: Many grocery stores stock drumsticks in the fall and through the holidays. The recipe is written for 2 drumsticks (about 1 pound each) and can be multiplied as needed.
- Butter and oil: Use softened salted butter combined with olive oil to make a spreadable rub that helps the seasonings adhere under and over the skin.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, granulated garlic or garlic powder, dried rubbed sage, dried thyme, dried crushed rosemary, and paprika. Regular paprika adds color and a subtle pepper note, while smoked paprika gives a pleasing smoky depth. Use half-and-half if you prefer a milder smoky flavor.
Turkey Drumsticks vs. Turkey Legs
The drumstick is the lower portion of the turkey leg. The whole leg includes both the drumstick and the thigh. This recipe uses drumsticks, but you can substitute whole turkey legs if you prefer; adjust cooking time as needed for the larger cut.
How to Make Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
- Combine softened butter, olive oil, and all seasonings in a small bowl.
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin about halfway down each drumstick and spread a little of the butter mixture under the skin.
- Pull the skin back into place and coat the outside of the drumsticks with the remaining butter rub, making sure the ends are covered.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes. Lower the oven to 325°F, flip the drumsticks, and continue roasting 25–30 minutes more, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 175°F.
Tips for the Best Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
Prepping: Let drumsticks sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Pat them dry so the butter rub adheres and the skin browns evenly.
Use a wire rack: Roasting on a wire rack lets fat drip to the pan and promotes crisper skin. Line the pan with foil for easier cleanup.
Internal temperature: Dark meat benefits from a slightly higher finish temperature than white meat. Cook drumsticks to 175°F so the juices are clear and the meat is fully tender.
If you want extra-crispy skin: Finish briefly under the broiler to brown the skin, flipping to crisp both sides. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or serve cold.
- Freezing raw drumsticks: Buy extra when available and freeze for future meals. Vacuum-sealed drumsticks keep up to 9 months; wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag, use within 4–6 months to reduce freezer burn.
Serving Suggestions
For a large spread: Use drumsticks to bulk up a holiday menu alongside a roast turkey, beef tenderloin, glazed ham, or pork loin.
For a small Thanksgiving or weeknight meal: Let roasted drumsticks be the star with simple sides like stovetop stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted squash, and dinner rolls for a classic, comforting plate.
Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 2 turkey drumsticks, approximately 1 pound each
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika, regular or smoked (or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
Instructions
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Remove drumsticks from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack on a large rimmed sheet pan.
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Mix butter, olive oil, and seasonings in a small bowl; set aside.
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Pat the drumsticks dry. Lift the skin partway down each drumstick and spread a little of the butter mixture under the skin. Smooth the skin back and coat the exterior with the remaining rub, including the ends. Place the drumsticks on the prepared rack.
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Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Lower the oven to 325°F, flip the drumsticks, and roast another 25–30 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 175°F. Dark meat benefits from this slightly higher final temperature.
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For crispier skin, briefly broil to brown the surface, flipping to crisp both sides. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate calculated using generic ingredients and may vary. Refer to ingredient labels for more accurate results.
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