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Roasted Turkey Legs With Ghee

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This roast turkey dish offers a succulent alternative to cooking a whole bird, focusing on the flavourful dark meat of the drumsticks and thighs. By using ghee for basting, the skin achieves a golden, crisp finish while the meat remains tender and juicy. The addition of sliced onions in the roasting pan creates a savoury base that infuses the turkey with a gentle sweetness as it cooks at a high temperature.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this recipe prioritises high-quality protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying choice for a nutritious Sunday lunch or festive gathering. Resting the meat is essential, allowing the juices to redistribute for a superior texture. Serve these roasted turkey legs alongside a generous portion of steamed green vegetables or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-balanced and wholesome meal.

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Ingredients for Roasted Turkey Legs With Ghee

  • 2 whole bone-in turkey legs (about 2.3kg total) from a 15-7.7kg turkey, drumsticks and thighs separated

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 120ml ghee, divided

  • A large roasting pan with a rack

How to make Roasted Turkey Legs With Ghee

Toss turkey drumsticks and thighs with salt and place in an airtight container. Chill, covered, 8–24 hours.

Preheat oven to 260°C. Arrange onion in roasting pan and top with rack. Remove turkey from container, pat dry, and transfer to rack, skin side up. Drizzle with 45ml ghee.

Roast 15 minutes. Turn pieces and baste with 1 tablespoon ghee. Roast 15 more minutes, then turn pieces and baste again with 1 tablespoon ghee. Roast 5 more minutes, baste with 1 tablespoon ghee, then continue cooking until the thickest part of meat registers 68°C on an instant-read thermometer, 5–10 minutes more. Let rest at least 10 minutes (the internal temperature will rise to 74°C).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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