turkey thighs are a flavorful and economical choice for a main dish, especially when roasted to achieve crispy skin.
This recipe pairs crispy skin with a sweet and herbaceous orange and sage glaze that elevates the natural richness of the meat.
easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasting turkey thighs with the skin on results in a crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender meat inside.
- The orange and sage glaze adds a fresh and aromatic sweetness that complements the savory turkey.
- Using a oven-safe pan allows easy browning on the stovetop before finishing in the oven, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.
Crispy Turkey Thighs with Orange and Sage Glaze
Roast turkey thighs to crispy perfection and glaze them with a vibrant orange and sage sauce for a sweet, herbaceous main dish.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 40 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 crispy turkey thighs with glaze
Ingredients
- 4 turkey thighs, skin on (about 6-7 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Thighs Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Turkey Thighs Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey thighs skin side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
- Make the Orange and Sage Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, chopped sage, and minced garlic.
- Roast and Glaze the Turkey Pour the glaze over the turkey thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, basting once or twice with the glaze, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish the Glaze Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the turkey thighs to a plate and tent with foil. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat and stir in butter to the pan juices. Let the glaze simmer and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Pour the thickened glaze over the turkey thighs and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey thighs reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Patting the skin dry before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon dried sage if needed.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the turkey and glaze to a baking dish before roasting.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftover turkey in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
Consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety.
Reheat turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey drumsticks instead of thighs?
Yes, turkey drumsticks can be used and will benefit from similar cooking times and methods to achieve crispy skin and tender meat.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze mixture ahead, but cook the turkey thighs fresh for best texture. Reheat leftovers thoroughly before eating.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
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