Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs (One-Pot Recipe)

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
8 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe

Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it’s fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can’t wait for you to make it! YUM!!!

| | | | | | | |
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Comforting Fall-off-the-bone Turkey Legs!

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird.

The last time I made these was for 2024 Memorial Day, and it was ah-mazing by all accounts! If you enjoy cooking with different parts of turkey meat then you are in luck. Check out my lemon pepper turkey wings, orange glazed turkey breasts, stuffed turkey breast, oven-baked whole turkey, and marinated turkey legs. Hear me when I say, you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good!!!

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Southern Smothered Turkey Legs Recipe in the Oven

The best thing is that this recipe is hands-free and one-pot. Add everything to the aluminum baking sheet or any baking pan, cover, and bake for almost three hours. When the time is up, you get turkey that is so tender and good that it’s falling off the bone! Also, you can easily increase this recipe to feed more friends and family as needed for that true Southern hospitality.

If you are hosting a large number of people on Thanksgiving or a family reunion, this recipe will save your life! You can make these turkey legs days and weeks ahead, then freeze them in that same foil you baked them with. And reheat them on the day off. There is no need to spend all day in the kitchen when you are hosting!!

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Can I Use Smothered Turkey Legs Instead of Whole Turkey for Thanksgiving?

Of course! In fact, I’ve done that before and every single one of my guests said it was the best decision ever. Try it! Additionally, you can bake smothered turkey legs ahead of time and reheat on the day off. Perfect for Thanksgiving meal prepping.

Can You Make This with Other Cuts of Turkey?

Yes, you absolutely can, so if you have turkey wings or thighs, this recipe is going to take them to a whole new level.

Why You Will Love This Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs Recipe:

  • It’s the easiest and most rewarding way to make turkey legs.
  • The meat falls right off the bone and is so tender. 
  • These flavors are finger-licking and phenomenal!
  • Since you just pop it in the oven, it’s a hands-off approach to dinner that pays off big!
  • Perfect turkey to make on Thanksgiving if you don’t wish to make a whole turkey
  • Such an easy turkey recipe that is excellent for beginner cooks
  • You can prepare these smothered turkey legs a day or even a week before. In other words, you can make it ahead, freeze it, and use it when ready. 
  • This oven-baked smothered turkey legs recipe is dairy-free! 
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs Recipe:

  • Turkey legs
  • Olive oil

To season the turkey:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder 
  • Salt 
  • Knorr Bouillon Seasoning
  • Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • Paprika 
  • Black pepper 
  • Chipotle pepper or smoked cayenne (I always use chipotle as its adds a unique taste)

Sauce/gravy ingredients

  • Chicken broth (or use 1½ teaspoons of Knorr Bouillon to 1 cup of hot water to make broth)
  • Flour

Optional but necessary ingredients:

  • Big red bell pepper (or any color; chopped)
  • Whole bulb of onion (chopped)
Make sure you have 4 lbs. of turkey legs and olive oil. Then gather the rest of these ingredients as specified.

How to Make Smothered Turkey Legs in the Oven (Step-by-Step)

Whether it’s Thanksgiving and you want an easy main dish that does turkey differently or you just want some turkey legs, here’s how to make this tasty recipe!

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400F

  2. Gather and Prep

    Gather your ingredients to keep everything organized, then begin prepping. You’ll clean the turkey legs and place them in a clean non-stick foil/aluminum baking sheet or any other baking dish. Chop the bell pepper and onion and set aside.Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it's fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can't wait for you to make it!

  3. Season the Turkey Legs

    Sprinkle olive oil on the turkey legs and rub it in, then sprinkle all the seasonings except the sauce ingredients. Wearing gloves or using clean hands, rub the dry spices into the turkey legs, ensuring each leg is seasoned properly.Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it's fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can't wait for you to make it!

  4. Make the Sauce

    Make the sauce/gravy by adding one tipping tablespoon of flour—two tablespoons if you want a thicker sauce—to the broth. Use a small whisk to mix properly, making sure there aren’t lumps.Make the sauce/gravy by adding one tipping tablespoon of flour—two tablespoons if you want a thicker sauce—to the broth. Use a small whisk to mix properly, making sure there aren’t lumps.

  5. Bake Your Seasoned Turkey Legs

    Sprinkle the chopped bell peppers and onions all over the meat. Then, pour the sauce/gravy/slurry all over the seasoned turkey legs. Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 2½ to 3 hours. Serve hot with your favorite sides. We served this with mashed potatoes and sometimes mashed sweet potatoes, creamy polenta, etc. See the “What to pair with turkey legs” below for other ideas.Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  1. Ensure to use well-seasoned chicken broth!
  2. If you don’t have broth, you can easily make it by adding 1½ teaspoons of Knorr Bouillon powder to 1 cup of hot water and stirring very well. This was actually what I did in this recipe, as I accidentally ran out of chicken broth.Then, add one tipping tablespoon of flour to make the sauce (slurry).
  3. Want a thicker sauce? Use two tablespoons of flour.
  4. I cooked these for exactly 2 hours 40 minutes and they came out tender, succulent, and finger-licking good. Check at 2 hours and 30 minutes to see if yours are ready or need more time. Depending on your oven type, you cook them longer (or even shorter) as your oven may work differently.
  5. Make sure to taste and adjust flavors before you finish cooking.
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

What to Pair with These Smothered Turkey Legs:

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

How to Store Baked Turkey Legs and Freezer Tips

Baked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 2 to 3 months. Ensure to store in a airtight container.

Oven-Baked Turkey Legs Variations and Substitutions

  • You can easily make this a gluten-free recipe by using gluten-free flour and swapping out any spices that may contain gluten.
  • If you don’t like turkey, you can use chicken legs, chicken thighs, or chicken wings.
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

FAQs for Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs:

Where to buy turkey legs?

You should be able to find turkey legs in the meat section at your local supermarket or by going to your local butcher.

How long to bake turkey legs?

Turkey legs take about 2 ½ to 3 hours to bake at 400F.

How to tell when the turkey is done?

Turkey needs to be cooked to the right internal temperature or else you’ll make everyone sick. Get your meat thermometer and check at the thickest point of the turkey legs for a reading of 165F.

Why are my baked turkey legs tough?

The meat can be tough if you haven’t cooked it long enough. However, I believe 3 hours is an excellent amount of time so your meat is tender and falls off the bone! Additionally, remember to cover the baking pan while the meat is cooking. And as always, check the internal temperature, and you will see if it needs more cooking time.

How do I keep turkey legs from drying out?

Use this recipe and you won’t be stuck with dry turkey legs. The gravy/sauce is what keeps that meat juicy and tender in every bite.

Do you cook turkey legs up or down?

It does not matter when you are cooking just the legs of the turkey, as long as all of the legs can fit into your baking dish without overcrowding. If you’re making a lot of these, it may be best to use 2 baking dishes to give all the legs space to cook.

Can you use chicken drumsticks?

Yes! In fact, if you can’t find turkey legs or you have chicken drumsticks you want to use up; they will be great with this recipe!

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs (One-Pot Recipe)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours; 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it’s fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can’t wait for you to make it! YUM!!!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 turkey legs (4lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

To season the turkey

Sauce ingredients

  • 1 cup chicken broth made from 1+1/2 teaspoon Knorr (Make one cup of chicken broth with hot water & Knorr)
  • 1 (tipping) tablespoon flour (or about 2 TBS if you want a thicker sauce/gravy)

Optional but necessary

  • 1 whole Big Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
  • 1 medium bulb of onion (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400F. 
  2. Gather and Prep. Gather your ingredients to keep everything organized, then begin prepping. You’ll clean the turkey legs and place them in a clean non-stick foil/aluminum baking sheet or any other baking dish. Chop the bell pepper and onion and set aside. Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it's fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can't wait for you to make it!
  3. Season the Turkey Legs. Sprinkle olive oil on the turkey legs and rub it in, then sprinkle all the seasonings except the sauce ingredients. Wearing gloves or using clean hands, rub the dry spices into the turkey legs, ensuring each leg is seasoned properly. Here is the simple turkey dish that will knock your socks off; it's fire!! An incredible, satisfying, and comforting smothered turkey legs baked in the oven until tender and falling off the bone is everything! You will never make turkey legs another way, whether for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or family get-togethers. This, indeed, is the turkey leg of your dreams, and I can't wait for you to make it!
  4. Make the Sauce. Make the sauce/gravy by adding one tipping tablespoon of flour—two tablespoons if you want a thicker sauce—to the broth. Use a small whisk to mix properly, making sure there aren’t lumps. Make the sauce/gravy by adding one tipping tablespoon of flour—two tablespoons if you want a thicker sauce—to the broth. Use a small whisk to mix properly, making sure there aren’t lumps.
  5. Bake Your Seasoned Turkey Legs. Sprinkle the chopped bell peppers and onions all over the meat. Then, pour the sauce/gravy all over the seasoned turkey legs. Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 2½ to 3 hours. Serve hot with your favorite sides. We served this with mashed potatoes and sometimes mashed sweet potatoes, creamy polenta, etc. See the “What to pair with turkey legs” below for other ideas. Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

Notes

Ensure to use well-seasoned chicken broth!

If you don’t have broth, you can easily make it by adding 1½ teaspoons of Knorr Bouillon powder to 1 cup of hot water and stirring very well. This was actually what I did in this recipe, as I accidentally ran out of chicken broth. Then, add one tipping tablespoon of flour to make the sauce (slurry).

Want a thicker sauce? Use two tablespoons of flour.

I cooked these for exactly 2 hours 40 minutes and they came out tender, succulent, and finger-licking good. Check at 2 hours and 30 minutes to see if yours are ready or need more time. Depending on your oven type, you cook them longer (or even shorter) as your oven may work differently. 

Make sure to taste and adjust flavors before you finish cooking. 

Make sure we are connected on YouTube. I share recipe and healthy lifestyle tips over there!

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

More Turkey Recipes To Try:

Want more dinner ideas? Check out Make Time For Dinner!

Finally, let’s connect on social media, am on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. If you like video recipes, then be sure to head over to my YouTube Channel. Share this post, and SAVE/PIN THIS IMAGE ON PINTEREST! ⤵️

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever with this one-pot turkey leg dish! Legitimately, the most comforting and hearty fall-off-the-bone oven-baked smothered turkey legs! A simple recipe of turkey legs baked in the oven results in the most extraordinary, cozy turkey dish you and your family will enjoy. The best is that you can actually make this any time of the year. However, I also enjoy making this during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving, when it is only us or when we have only a few guests. It is such an easy way to have turkey without cooking the whole bird. Hear me when I say, you will never make turkey legs another way if you try these oven-baked smothered ones! So effortlessly good! These turkey legs are dairy-free.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

Sharing is caring!

I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

You may Also Like

Creamy Pan-fried Salmon in Coconut Lime Garlic Sauce is calling! This is seriously the BEST Ever Coconut Lime Sauce Salmon Recipe! Salmon is quick and simple to cook, making it a great dinner, lunch, or brunch, especially when pressed for time! This salmon recipe isn't only quick to come together, but it is also tasty, nutritious, succulent, and satisfyingly impressive. This salmon recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free as well as dairy-free. Let's take a moment to clap it up for my creamy pan-fried salmon in coconut lime sauce. It is on a monthly rotation in my house. Serve it with coconut basmati rice, mashed sweet potatoes, or a side of your choice.Creamy Salmon in Coconut Lime Garlic Sauce (Low-Carb) Creamy roasted cauliflower soup is a perfect hearty soup recipe for every family member! Not only is cauliflower soup easy to make, but it requires only a few ingredients – cauliflower, onions, garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, chicken broth, and coconut milk! This soup is nutritious, healthy, and ideal for anyone on a special diet! This gluten-free and dairy-free roasted cauliflower soup is a flavorful, hearty soup that is excellent for fall and winter nights. Cheers to enjoying the most satisfying, cozy, tasty, flavorful cauliflower soup EVER!Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe (Dairy-free) Here is the BEST EVER chicken leg quarters with jerk seasoning! If you are tired of the mid chicken recipes we have out here on the internet, I feel ya. The best-tasting chicken that you will come back to over and over again is here! This super delicious and easy-to-make air fryer chicken quarters recipe is flavorful and finger-licking well! Amazingly, this chicken recipe requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry! If you don't know, chicken quarters comprise chicken legs (drumsticks) and thighs. You will need the chicken leg quarters with skin on for this recipe.Easy Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Quarters Recipe This roasted lamb leg has the perfect crust on the outside and is extraordinarily juicy, tender, and flavorful inside—literally the epitome of a flawless roast. The best part is that this lamb roast is super easy to make with only a few ingredients. Second, it doesn't require a special marinade. Furthermore, this roast leg of lamb recipe would be fantastic for a Sunday roast, Easter lunch, Christmas dinner, or better still, put this lamb recipe on your Thanksgiving dinner menu. #Roast #Lamb #legoflamb #Christmasrecipe #HolidayrecipeOven Roasted Bone-in Leg Of Lamb Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

NOTE: All comments are moderated before appearing on the site. Thank you for sharing your feedback!

8 Comments

  1. These Oven-Baked Smothered Turkey Legs turned out tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The gravy was rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!



    Reply

  2. This spice mix is sublime. It makes those legs tasty and comforting. The sauce is great on mashed potatoes.



    Reply

  3. This turkey leg recipe was easy to make and the sauce was finger-licking good!I really need to make turkey legs more often!



    Reply

  4. Great flavors in the baking sauce; the meat turned out very tender and fell off the bone. I will also make it with chicken next time.



    Reply