Sometimes I have a taste for a turkey dinner but I don’t want the work of cooking a full turkey. When that happens I pull out my go to recipe for Baked Turkey Legs. As the creator behind Soul Food Cooking, I have spent years developing Southern-style family recipes that are soulful, and comforting. These oven-baked turkey legs are seasoned just right then baked in a creamy gravy until they are perfectly tender. So whether you want a hearty Sunday dinner or looking for an easy holiday turkey alternative, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal prep. Let me walk you step-by-step through how to make this classic soul food favorite right at home.
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Ingredients
*The complete list of ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this blog post.
- Turkey Legs: naturally rich, meaty, and full of flavor
- Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soup: creates a rich, savory gravy that keeps the turkey moist while it cooks.
- Onion: bring sweetness and flavor to the dish
- Celery: aroma and depth to the turkey as it bakes. It also enhances the savory flavor of the gravy and gives a subtle vegetable balance.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These pantry staples provide the foundation for that classic homemade Southern taste.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme adds warmth and a hint of herbal earthiness. It pairs perfectly with poultry and enhances the natural flavor of the turkey and gravy.
- Paprika: Paprika adds mild smoky sweetness and helps give the turkey legs beautiful color as they roast.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey Wings in place of Turkey Legs
- 1 Can of Cream of Chicken and 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom if you cannot find the combo version
- Feel free to add additional veggies such as red or green bell peppers.
What You Will Need
Watch the Video
👩🏾🍳 Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven & Turkey
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Rinse turkey legs and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season Generously
In a bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Rub seasoning blend evenly over turkey legs.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread chopped onions and celery in the bottom of a baking dish.
Place turkey legs on top.
4. Make the Creamy Gravy
Whisk together cream of chicken & mushroom soup with water until smooth.
Pour mixture over turkey legs.
5. Bake Low & Slow
Cover tightly with foil.
Bake 1 hour uncovered then 30 minutes covered until the meat is nice and tender.
What to Eat with Baked Turkey Legs
These turkey legs pair perfectly with so many side dishes. I have list below a few of my favorite soul food sides that I commonly pair these turkey wings with. In addition to these side, a simple pot of white rice and a side of cornbread would complete your soul food plate.
Soul Food Classics
- Slow Cooker Collard greens
- Fried Cabbage
- Green beans with potatoes
- Southern candied yams
- Cornbread dressing
How to Store Leftover Turkey Legs
Refrigerator
To store your Southern turkey legs in the refrigerator, make sure they have completely cooked. Place them in an airtight container with the gravy. These turkey legs can last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
To store in the freezer, make sure your legs are completely cooled then place them in separate freezer safe bags or containers along with it’s gravy. Label your container or bag with the date. Turkey legs can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat:
Thaw overnight in fridge. Warm in oven at 300°F for 20–30 minutes, or until heated through.
These turkey legs are a delicious delight. They are great any time of the year to bring you the taste of the holiday and comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes This recipe works perfectly with wings, thighs, or drumsticks.
Yes you can make a homemade gravy instead by combining chicken broth, flour along with the dripping from your turkey.
Cover tightly with foil and bake slowly. The gravy also helps keep the meat juicy.
Yes! Red or green bell peppers or potates are a great addition to this dish.
Seasoning 4–24 hours ahead makes the flavor even deeper.
Tender Baked Turkey Legs
6
servings15
minutes1
hour30
minutes550
kcal1
hour45
minutesTender baked turkey legs cooked in a creamy gravy until juicy and tender.. Easy family comfort food perfect for Sunday dinner or holidays!
Ingredients
6 turkey legs
2 cans cream of chicken & mushroom soup
22 oz water (use soup cans to measure—about 2¼ cans)
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Turkey Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rinse turkey legs and pat dry.Then in a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Season turkey legs generously on all sides with the spice blend.
- Add the chopped onions and celery to the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Place the seasoned turkey legs on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken & mushroom soup with water. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the turkey legs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour covered then 30 minutes uncovered, or until turkey is tender and falling off the bone.
Recipe Video
Notes
- You can season the turkey legs ahead of time and allow them to sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Turkey wings can be a great alternative to the turkey legs for this recipe.
