Turkey drumsticks are a fantastic alternative to cooking a whole turkey. They’re budget-friendly, perfect for smaller families, and packed with rich, juicy dark meat that’s full of flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a turkey drumstick so that it’s tender, juicy, and has crispy skin, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into easy, foolproof methods to roast turkey drumsticks that will impress your family and friends.
Why Choose Turkey Drumsticks?
– Perfect for small gatherings: A whole turkey can be overwhelming if you’re cooking for just a few people. Drumsticks offer a manageable portion size.
– Budget-friendly: Drumsticks cost less than a whole bird but still deliver plenty of meat.
– Rich flavor: Dark meat is naturally juicy and flavorful, making drumsticks a tasty choice.
– Versatile: You can roast, braise, or slow cook them with your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Turkey drumsticks (about 1 pound or 500g each)
– Olive oil or melted butter
– Salt and pepper
– Paprika
– Garlic powder
– Dried thyme or rosemary
– Optional: chicken or turkey stock, vegetables (carrots, celery, onions) for roasting and making gravy
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey Drumsticks
1. Prepare the Drumsticks
Start by patting the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rubbing the seasoning under the skin will boost the flavor even more.
2. Brown the Drumsticks (Optional but Recommended)
Heat some oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed ovenproof pan or Dutch oven. Brown the drumsticks on all sides over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives the skin a nice golden color.
3. Roast in the Oven
Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Place the browned drumsticks on a roasting rack inside a rimmed pan to allow air circulation, which helps crisp the skin. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes to brown the skin further.
After that, loosely cover the drumsticks with foil to prevent the skin from burning and continue roasting for another 30 to 40 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption, but resting will bring it up to the ideal 170°F (77°C).
4. Let the Meat Rest
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.
Bonus: Make a Delicious Gravy from the Roasting Juices
While the drumsticks rest, you can make a simple gravy:
– Remove some of the roasted vegetables (if you added any) from the pan.
– Blend the remaining vegetables and pan juices until smooth.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Return the reserved vegetables to the gravy and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
This gravy is a perfect accompaniment to your turkey drumsticks and adds a rich, savory touch to your meal.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Drumsticks Every Time
– Use a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooking or drying out the meat, check the internal temperature near the bone.
– Don’t skip resting: Resting the meat is crucial for juicy results.
– Crisp skin: For extra crispy skin, finish roasting uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
– Customize seasoning: Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices, like smoked paprika, cayenne, or sage.
Alternative Cooking Method: Simple Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
If you want a fuss-free method, here’s a quick approach:
– Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
– Pat drumsticks dry and brush with melted butter.
– Rub with a seasoning mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.
– Place on a rack in a roasting pan and spray lightly with oil.
– Roast uncovered for 20 minutes until browned.
– Cover loosely with foil and roast for another 30 minutes until juices run clear and thermometer reads 160°F.
– Rest covered for 10 minutes before serving.
This method requires no flipping or basting and still delivers juicy, flavorful drumsticks with crispy skin.
Turkey drumsticks are a delightful, easy-to-cook option for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a festive holiday meal, these methods will help you create tender, juicy turkey drumsticks with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Enjoy your delicious turkey drumsticks!