Are you tired of dry, bland turkey that leaves you disappointed? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with these incredibly easy and mouthwatering roasted turkey thighs! In just over an hour, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. This foolproof recipe transforms simple ingredients into a succulent, flavor-packed dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 turkey thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the turkey thighs, ensuring complete coverage. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into the meat.
- Place the seasoned turkey thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each thigh for even cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Check the turkey thighs at the 45-minute mark. If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the turkey thighs rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped rosemary before serving. Slice and plate the turkey thighs with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Always pat the turkey thighs completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step ensures crispy, golden-brown skin that's irresistibly delicious.
- Don't be shy with the seasoning! Massage the spice blend thoroughly into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked turkey. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Letting the meat rest after cooking is non-negotiable. Those 10-15 minutes allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist.
- For extra flavor, try experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme or sage in addition to rosemary.
- If you want extra crispy skin, finish the thighs under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
