Turkey drumsticks are a flavorful, budget-friendly cut of meat that can be cooked in many delicious ways. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special occasion meal, learning how to cook turkey drumsticks properly will ensure juicy, tender meat with crispy skin every time. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you master cooking turkey drumsticks in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
– Turkey drumsticks (about 4 medium-sized, bone-in, skin-on)
– Butter or oil (for moisture and browning)
– Salt and pepper
– Your favorite herbs and spices (garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, etc.)
– Optional: vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for roasting and making gravy
Preparing Your Turkey Drumsticks
Start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because dry skin crisps up better in the oven. Next, season the drumsticks generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices. A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper works beautifully. Don’t forget to rub some seasoning under the skin for extra flavor.
Cooking Methods
Oven Roasting (Easy and Crispy)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the drumsticks on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Brush the drumsticks with melted butter or oil to keep them moist and help the skin crisp.
- Roast uncovered for about 35-40 minutes, then loosely cover with foil and continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- For extra crispy skin, uncover and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Braising and Roasting (Tender and Flavorful)
- Brown the drumsticks in a heavy ovenproof pot with some oil on all sides.
- Add chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) and a cup of low-sodium chicken or turkey stock.
- Cover and simmer on the stovetop for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast covered for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and roast for another 10 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Use the cooking liquid and vegetables to make a delicious gravy by blending and seasoning to taste.
Slow Cooking (Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender)
For a hands-off approach, slow cook turkey drumsticks in a crockpot with your favorite herbs, broth, and vegetables for 6-8 hours on low. This method yields incredibly tender meat but won’t give you crispy skin.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Drumsticks
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the internal temperature should be 160-170°F (71-77°C).
– Let the meat rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
– If you want crispy skin but are worried about burning, loosely cover the drumsticks with foil partway through cooking.
– Basting the drumsticks occasionally with their own juices or melted butter keeps them moist and flavorful.
– Adding tomato paste or herbs to the braising liquid enhances the depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey drumsticks pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also shred the meat for sandwiches or tacos the next day.
Cooking turkey drumsticks is straightforward and rewarding. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Turkey drumsticks are easy to prepare and versatile, making them a perfect choice for flavorful meals any time. Would you like recipes for specific seasoning blends or side dishes to go with your turkey drumsticks?