No need to roast a whole turkey for a small gathering! Herb-butter Roasted Turkey Thighs are tender, juicy, packed with flavor. The perfect choice for an intimate Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner over the holidays.
If you want turkey but don’t want to roast an entire bird, Roasted Turkey Thighs are the answer!
Simple, easy and beautifully moist, this recipe is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner, roommates, or anyone looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner for 2.
Turkey thighs are packed with flavor and stay juicy when cooked right, thanks to their dark meat and higher fat content compared to other cuts.
Here, I use a simple blend of butter, smoked paprika, garlic, sage, and thyme to create a comforting, herby crust.
The butter helps keep the meat moist while enhancing its natural flavor, and a touch of smoked paprika adds just the right hint of warmth and depth.
As the turkey roasts, the butter and herbs infuse the meat with rich flavor, and the broth in the baking dish helps keep everything moist, creating a perfect mix of tender meat and, if you choose, crispy skin.
You’ll want to save every last bit of those pan juices—they’re incredibly flavorful for drizzling over the finished dish or using in gravy.
I love this recipe for how easy it is without feeling like I’m cutting corners. Once you pop the thighs in the oven, most of the work is done.
I’ll often take those 40-55 minutes of cook time to prepare simple sides, like mashed potatoes, Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon, Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, and Buttered Cabbage, so the entire meal comes together seamlessly.
Roasted turkey thighs bring everything you love about a classic turkey dinner to the table in a way that’s easy, manageable, and completely delicious.
They’re perfect for smaller meals and make an excellent choice whether you’re prepping for a mini holiday meal or just craving a cozy, flavorful dinner.
Jump to:
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Perfect for Two: Designed for two servings, this recipe is ideal for intimate holiday gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Turkey thighs are often more affordable than other cuts of meat, making this recipe wallet-friendly without sacrificing taste.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and fuss, these Roasted Turkey Thighs are a great option for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Feast: The blend of smoked paprika, garlic, sage, and thyme infuses the turkey with a depth of flavor that's truly remarkable.
- Versatile: Customize the seasoning to your liking and pair it with your favorite sides for a unique twist every time.
Ingredients
- Turkey Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Keeps the turkey moist and adds flavor to the pan drippings. If you don’t have broth, water works, but the taste may be lighter.
- Butter: Room temperature butter is easy to spread and keeps the turkey moist. You can substitute with olive oil if you prefer.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth that complements the turkey's richness.
- Garlic Powder: For subtle savory notes that mingle well with the other spices.
- Dried Sage: Brings classic holiday flavors; fresh sage also works, though you’ll need a bit more.
- Dried Thyme: A favorite herb for turkey, it adds depth and aroma.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and helps crisp the skin.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add some lemon or orange zest to the butter for a zesty, citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the turkey thighs for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a perfect side, soaking up the delicious turkey juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, cheesy brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes pairs beautifully.
- Cranberry Sauce: For a touch of holiday flavor, serve with cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette offers a lighter contrast to the hearty turkey.
Prepping Fresh Turkey Thighs
Prepping Fresh Turkey Thighs: A Quick Guide
- Clean Hands: Start with clean hands. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before handling the turkey thighs.
- Separate from Other Foods: Keep raw turkey thighs away from other foods in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cutting Board: Use a dedicated cutting board for the turkey, or sanitize the board thoroughly after use.
- Thaw Safely: If the turkey thighs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator, not on the countertop, to avoid bacterial growth.
- Dispose of Packaging: Discard the turkey packaging immediately and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that it came into contact with.
- Pat Dry: Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Discard the paper towels immediately.
- Avoiding Splatter: Be cautious not to splatter any turkey juices on surrounding surfaces. Clean up promptly if any spills occur.
- Safe Storage: Refrigerate or cook the turkey thighs promptly. Do not leave them at room temperature for an extended period.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this roasted turkey thighs recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Add the butter to a small bowl, along with herbs, spices and salt. Stir well to mix.
Spread the herb and spice butter over the turkey thighs and place them into a baking dish.
Pour the broth into a baking dish, cover with a lid or foil and place into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes at 380°F for small thighs, or 55 minutes for a large thigh, or until they are cooked through.
Halfway through cooking, baste the turkey thighs by spooning the liquid over the thighs.
To check it’s done: An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
If you would like the skin to be crispy, remove the lid or foil and for the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy; turkey is done at 165°F through the thickest part.
- Crispy Skin: Remove foil in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
- Baste for Moisture: Basting halfway through cooking helps keep the thighs juicy.
- Adjust for Size: Cooking times vary based on thigh size, so adjust as needed.
- Broth Choice: Use chicken or vegetable broth, or add white wine for extra flavor.
FAQ
You can, but bone-in thighs have more flavor and tend to stay juicier. If you use boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
To achieve crispy skin, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.
📖 Recipe
Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 turkey thighs bone-in, skin-on (or 1 large thigh)
- ¼ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 380°F.
- Add the butter to a small bowl, along with herbs, spices and salt. Stir well to mix.
- Spread the herb and spice butter over the turkey thighs and place them into a baking dish.
- Pour the broth into a baking dish, cover with a lid or foil and place into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40 minutes for small thighs, or 55 minutes for a large thigh, or until they are cooked through. Halfway through cooking, baste the turkey thighs by spooning the liquid over the thighs.
- To check it’s done: An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- If you would like the skin to be crispy, remove the lid or foil and for the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
Notes
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy blending with the herbs and spices.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip the basting step; it keeps the turkey thighs moist and flavorful during roasting.
- Crispy Skin: To achieve that coveted crispy skin, uncover the dish for the final 10 minutes of cooking. Keep a watchful eye to avoid over-browning.
- Temperature Check: Invest in an instant-read thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection without any guesswork.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Stacey
I love how simple and flavorful this is. The crispy skin is the best part!
Casey
This is perfect for me this Thanksgiving! My daughter and I will be alone this year for the first time and I don't want to make a huge dinner. I also don't want to go out. This is just right.
Kristine
Thank you for this recipe! I only cook for my husband and I most nights and struggle to find small dinner recipes. These turkey thighs were incredible too! Loved them.
Shelby
It's so nice to have a recipe for a smaller portion of turkey. These were absolutely delicious, too!
Justine
This was so delicious! Turkey came out juicy and tender, and it was just the right amount for us!
Basia P
Thanks for sharing this recipe. So simple and yet so much flavor, this is a keeper for me.