This Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs recipe is so simple to throw together – it’s perfect if you want to skip cooking a whole turkey! Instructions on how to make gravy is included.
Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs
I’m the type of person who during the holidays wants a turkey dinner but do not want to put myself through the process of cooking an entire turkey. Ideally, someone else makes turkey haha but sometimes it just doesn’t work out like that!
Previously on the blog, I’ve shared how to make turkey in the air fryer and Instant Pot but since not everyone has the counter space for an extra appliance, I’m sharing how we can easily roast some turkey in the oven.
While for the other recipes, I used turkey breasts, today I’m using bone in skin on turkey thighs just to change things up a bit. This makes around 4 servings but you can easily double this with a second pan in the oven.
So how long do you roast turkey thighs? I had a combined of 1.5 lbs of turkey thighs and I roasted it in the oven for 35 minutes. When I did a quick search on Google, it said it would be around 15 minutes per pound of turkey but it was in relations to a whole turkey. When I tried baking the turkey thighs for the suggested 23 minutes, the internal temperature indicated that it wasn’t cooked yet.
What You’ll Need To Roast Turkey Thighs in the Oven
- I use a square 9″ baking dish
- turkey thighs — bone in skin on
- seasoning: paprika, garlic powder, and salt
- fresh herbs: thyme and rosemary
- olive oil — or oil of your choice.
- butter — I recommend using unsalted butter.
- flour
How To Roast Turkey Thighs in the Oven
- Heat your oven to 400F.
- Bring your turkey thighs to room temperature and make sure it has been pat dry.
- Mix together the turkey season and coat your turkey thighs with it.
- Place your thighs into your baking dish and add one cup of chicken broth to the dish.
- Roast in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature has hit 180F/82C. Broil for 2-3 minutes to make the skin extra crispy if you choose to.
- When done, remove the turkey thighs and have it rest on the side before slicing. Pour the liquid from the baking dish through a strainer and set aside.
- While the turkey is resting, on your stove top in a sauce pan on medium heat, add in butter and slowly mix in flour until fully incorporated. Once incorporated, slowly whisk in the strained liquid from the baking dish. Whisk until your gravy has thickened to your liking. Season with additional salt and pepper if you desire.
- Slice the turkey thighs and serve with the gravy.
Looking to Change up the Flavours of this Simple Roasted Turkey Thighs Recipe?
Here are some seasoning swap ideas:
- lemon, garlic, and rosemary
- rosemary, paprika, maple syrup, mustard, garlic
- butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, dried basil, garlic
Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb turkey thighs (2), bone in skin on
Turkey Seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp thyme
- 2 tbsp rosemary
For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400F.
- Bring your turkey thighs to room temperature and make sure it has been pat dry.
- Mix together the turkey seasoning and coat your turkey thighs with it.
- Place your thighs into your baking dish and add one cup of chicken broth to the dish.
- Roast in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature has hit 180F/82. Broil for 2-3 minutes to make the skin extra crispy if you choose to.
- When done, remove the turkey thighs and have it rest on the side before slicing. Pour the liquid from the baking dish through a strainer and set aside.
- While the turkey is resting, on your stove top in a sauce pan on medium heat, add in butter and slowly mix in flour until fully incorporated. Once incorporated, slowly whisk in the strained liquid from the baking dish. Whisk until your gravy has thickened to your liking. Season with additional salt and pepper if you desire.
- Slice the turkey thighs and serve with the gravy.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
More Recipes for the Holidays
- Peanut Thai Chili Brussels Sprouts
- Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Dutch Oven Chicken
- Instant Pot Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Easy Air Fryer Broccoli
Other places to connect with me
Instagram: @carmyshungry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmyycom
Email: [email protected]
Shawn says
When does the olive oil come into play? I can assume, but consistent directions would be great.
Carmy says
Hi Shawn, the olive oil is listed under SEASONING and thus would be used alongside the paprika, garlic powder, salt, butter, thyme, and rosemary. Have a great day and enjoy your turkey.