Description
This recipe for Perfectly Roasted Turkey Thighs yields juicy, tender, and flavorful meat that is the highlight of any holiday table. The turkey thighs are seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and paprika, then roasted to golden perfection with butter, onion, celery, and thyme. This dish offers a delicious balance of lean protein and rich flavor, making it a satisfying and memorable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasoning
- 2-3 pounds (900-1400g) turkey thighs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
Herb Butter Mixture
- 4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons (10g) garlic, minced
- 5 leaves sage, minced
- 3 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon (4g) parsley, chopped
- 2 sprigs thyme, minced
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey thighs evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant herb butter mixture.
- Season the Turkey Thighs: Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the herb butter liberally over and under the skin of each thigh to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange Vegetables: Place the quartered onion and chopped celery in the bottom of a roasting pan to create a flavorful bed for the turkey and to add moisture during roasting.
- Roast the Turkey Thighs: Place the buttered turkey thighs on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the turkey thighs from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring juicy and tender results.
Notes
- Turn your traditional holiday dinner into an unforgettable memory with deliciously juicy roasted turkey thighs.
- The thighs offer a rich, juicy option by holding a fair amount of fat, while still providing a lean high-protein portion.
- Using fresh herbs and garlic in the butter enhances flavor and tenderness, delivering a savory and aromatic roast.
- Resting the meat after roasting is critical for maintaining juicy, tender results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100 g
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 990 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 134 mg
