Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy turkey legs, perfectly braised in a rich, flavorful broth that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Our Oven Braised Turkey Legs recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transforms a simple dish into a feast fit for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a comforting American classic that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 turkey legs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season turkey legs generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, rubbing the seasoning evenly over the entire surface of each leg.
- Heat a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the turkey legs until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove turkey legs from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add quartered onions and smashed garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Return turkey legs to the pot, arranging them on top of the onions and garlic. Pour chicken broth around the legs, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for approximately 2 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. The internal temperature of the turkey legs should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional: For crispy skin, remove lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking or briefly broil the legs.
- Serve hot, spooning some of the braising liquid and caramelized onions over the turkey legs.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pot: Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or an oven-safe pot to ensure even heat distribution while braising the turkey legs.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the turkey legs before braising adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- Season Generously: Be liberal with your seasoning. A good amount of salt, pepper, and thyme will enhance the flavor of the turkey, making each bite delicious.
- Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey legs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Crispy Skin Option: If you love crispy skin, remove the lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking or give the legs a quick broil to achieve that perfect texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the turkey legs to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Serve with Style: Spoon some of the braising liquid and caramelized onions over the turkey legs for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 64g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
