Juicy BBQ Roasted Turkey Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat25gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) - look for fresh, plump drumsticks with unblemished skin4 pieces
- Olive oil - choose extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- BBQ sauce - use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce100 g
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)1 tsp
- Salt (kosher or sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Optional: chili powder for a spicy kick0.5 tsp
This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through making deliciously juicy BBQ roasted turkey drumsticks perfect for a comforting meal. Using basic kitchen tools and common supermarket ingredients, you'll get tender meat with crispy skin infused with smoky BBQ flavors. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €14, £12, and ₹1200, serving 4 people. Each serving is around 450 kcal. Suitable for an omnivore diet. Difficulty is easy. Cooking time totals around 1 hour 30 minutes including preparation and roasting.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the oven
1Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 400°F). This ensures a hot environment to crisp the turkey skin.
Prepare the turkey drumsticks
2Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp during roasting. This also reduces risk of food safety issues as moisture can interfere with browning.
Season the drumsticks
3In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey drumsticks evenly, coating them well. This adds flavor and helps create a tasty crust.
Arrange for roasting
4Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking tray lined with foil or in a roasting pan, skin side up. This setup allows easy cleanup and promotes even cooking.
Roast the drumsticks
5Roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the tray and brush the drumsticks generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safety.
Check doneness
6Use a meat thermometer to verify the thickest part of the drumstick reaches the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Proper temperature ensures the turkey is safe to eat and juicy. If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the meat near the bone: the juices should run clear, not pink.
Rest before serving
7Remove the turkey drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender when sliced.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw turkey and other ingredients.
2Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat every time.
3If you prefer a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning mix.
4Leftover turkey drumsticks can be refrigerated promptly and used within 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking tray or roasting pan
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Kitchen tongs or spatula
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional for lining)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey drumsticks (4 pieces) - Approximately $10. Look for fresh, unblemished drumsticks at the meat counter.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - Approximately $4. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (100g) - Approximately $2. Pick your favorite brand or smoky flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder (small spice jar) - Approximately $1. Fresh spices add great flavor.
- [ ] Paprika (small spice jar) - Approximately $1. Smoked paprika gives a nice BBQ taste.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - Usually on hand, but if not, cost varies.
Total estimated cost: Around $15
FAQ
What is the safe internal temperature for turkey drumsticks to be fully cooked?
The safe internal temperature for turkey drumsticks is 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part without touching the bone.
Can I use frozen turkey drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
How do I avoid dry turkey drumsticks when roasting?
Pat the skin dry, coat with oil and seasoning, roast at a high temperature, baste with BBQ sauce near the end, and let rest after roasting to retain juiciness.
Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?
While optional, a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature and to avoid overcooking.