Herb-roasted turkey thighs are a delicious and flavorful alternative to a whole turkey for a smaller gathering or a cozy meal. The combination of herbs and spices creates a juicy and tender dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make herb-roasted turkey thighs step by step, so you can enjoy this classic dish at home.
Ingredients for Herb-Roasted Turkey Thighs
For the Turkey:
- 4 turkey thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Herb Rub:
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Roasting Pan:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
How to Make Herb-Roasted Turkey Thighs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Thighs
- Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the turkey thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Herb Rub
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the turkey thighs.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan
- Arrange the sliced onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Place a rack over the vegetables in the roasting pan.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey Thighs
- Place the seasoned turkey thighs on the rack in the roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey thighs in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the turkey thighs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve the herb-roasted turkey thighs with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
About the Main Ingredients
Turkey Thighs
Turkey thighs are dark, flavorful, and juicy. They are perfect for roasting and offer a more manageable portion size compared to a whole turkey.
Herbs and Spices
The combination of dried thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano, along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt, creates a robust and aromatic herb rub that flavors the turkey thighs beautifully.
Vegetables
Onions, carrots, and celery add depth of flavor to the dish and create a flavorful base for the turkey to roast on.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the roasting pan, which helps keep the turkey thighs juicy and flavorful.
