Description
Delight in perfectly roasted turkey thighs, juicy and tender with a flavorful herb butter rub that enhances every bite. This recipe transforms the richly flavored turkey thigh into a succulent dish featuring garlic, sage, rosemary, and smoked paprika, ideal for a memorable holiday meal or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasoning
- 2-3 pounds (900-1400g) turkey thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
Herb Butter
- 4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
- 5 leaves sage, minced
- 3 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon (4g) chopped parsley
- 2 sprigs thyme, minced
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine unsalted butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Season Turkey Thighs: Pat turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Generously rub the herb butter mixture all over each turkey thigh, making sure to cover under the skin where possible for maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange Vegetables: Place the quartered onion and chopped celery evenly on the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish. These will act as a flavorful bed and drip catcher during cooking.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the buttered turkey thighs on top of the vegetable bed. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear, turning once midway for even cooking.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the turkey thighs from the oven and let them rest loosely covered with foil for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
Notes
- Roasting turkey thighs with the skin on helps retain moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
- Using a mix of fresh herbs and spices in the butter adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Resting the meat after roasting is crucial for juicy results.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F to guarantee safety and optimal texture.
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
