How Long to Bake Turkey Legs at 400ºF? Oven Recipe!

How Long to Bake Turkey Legs at 400ºF? Oven Recipe!

If you’re looking for a delicious oven recipe to cook your turkey legs at 400ºF, look no further! This easy tutorial will show you how long to bake them and produce tender and juicy results. Try it out today!

Do you have turkey legs in your oven? If so, how long do you cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

This is a question that people often ask, and it depends on a few factors.

The size of your turkey legs, the type of oven you have if you stuff them, and how long they have been marinating all play a role in cook time.

The answer to that may surprise you! Keep reading to find out the answer.

What is the best temperature to bake turkey legs?

Turkey legs cooking time and temperature

When it comes to cooking a turkey, there are many different factors to consider. One important question is what temperature to bake the turkey legs. 

The answer to this question largely depends on personal preference. But in general, 400 degrees is the best temperature to bake turkey legs.

How long to bake turkey legs at 400ºF?

How long to bake turkey legs at 400ºF

When it comes to cooking a turkey, there are many variables to consider. However, 400 degrees Fahrenheit is usually a good place to start when it comes to baking turkey legs.

Turkey legs should be cooked for 55 minutes to an hour and above at this temperature.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the legs, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness before removing them from the oven.

In addition, basting the legs with butter or olive oil can help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.

You’ll soon find the perfect way to cook juicy, delicious turkey legs with a little trial and error.

How long to bake turkey legs at 350ºF?

A lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, is preferred by some people for cooking turkey legs.

If you choose to cook your turkey legs at this temperature, they will need to cook for longer. In general, turkey legs should cook for about 2 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should I bake turkey legs at 350ºF or 400ºF?

As with any cooking, there is no right or wrong answer when choosing the perfect temperature for baking turkey legs.

It depends on your preferences and what you are looking for in the end result.

Some people prefer a lower temperature for a longer period of time and one benefit of a lower temperature is that it helps to prevent the turkey legs from drying out.

On the other hand, others opt for a higher temperature for a shorter period as it can help to ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which method you prefer. If unsure, you can always start with a lower temperature and then increase the temperature if necessary.

How Long to Bake Turkey Legs at 400ºF? Oven Recipe!

How to Bake Turkey Legs at 400ºF

Turkey legs are a delicious and easy-to-prepare option for a Thanksgiving feast or any other big meal. This recipe will show you how to bake turkey legs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in tender, juicy meat that will have your guests return for seconds.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Turkey legs
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dried sage
  • 1/2 cup White wine
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Rub turkey legs with olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Place turkey legs in a roasting pan.
  • Pour white wine and chicken broth over turkey legs.
  • Bake turkey legs for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.
  • An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • When the turkey legs are done, remove them from the roasting pan and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Notes
  • This recipe is for four turkey legs. If you want to bake a whole turkey, increase the baking time to about 3 hours.
  • You can baste the turkey legs with pan juices every 20 minutes if you like.
Keyword How long to bake turkey legs at 400ºF

Should I wrap the turkey legs in aluminum foil?

You can choose to wrap the turkey legs in aluminum foil, but it’s not necessary. If you choose to wrap them, do so loosely so that the steam can escape.

Can I use an oven bag to cook the turkey legs?

You can, but it’s not necessary. Oven bags help to keep the turkey legs moist during cooking, but they’re not essential. If you’d like to use one, simply place the turkey legs in the oven bag and then pour in the white wine and chicken broth. 

Cook the turkey legs according to the recipe instructions.

When they’re done, let the oven bag cool for a few minutes before snipping off one end and carefully removing the turkey legs. They should be nice and moist!

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. You can also add vegetables to the roasting pan if you like. You can add some chopped vegetables to the roasting pan, such as carrots, celery, and onions, infusing additional flavor into the meat. 

You can use apple cider or even water if you don’t have white wine. Chicken broth can be replaced with beef broth or vegetable broth.

Tips and tricks for a better recipe

Spices for this recipe

First of all, if you want your turkey legs to be extra juicy, brine them overnight before cooking.

  • For crispy skin, cook the turkey legs at a higher temperature for the first 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to finish cooking.
  • Basting the turkey legs regularly with the pan juices will help to keep them moist.
  • If you want to stuff your turkey legs, do so before cooking by placing the stuffing inside the leg cavity.
  • To avoid your stuffing falling out during cooking, secure it by trussing the turkey leg with the butcher’s twine.
  • For even more flavor, try marinating your turkey legs in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices before cooking.
  • If you’re short on time, you can cook your turkey legs in a slow cooker set on low for 6-8 hours.
  • For a flavor boost, try roasting your turkey legs on a bed of fresh herbs.
  • Make sure the turkey legs are cooked using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve your roasted turkey legs with your favorite side dishes and delicious gravy.
  • Leftover turkey legs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Finally, reheat leftovers by cooking in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated.

Final Words

The simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic holiday dish is roasting turkey legs, and the best part is that anyone can easily follow the instructions. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. 

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.