No need to roast a whole turkey for a small gathering! Our Roasted Turkey Thighs for two is a delicious, moist, and easy choice for an elegant intimate Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner over the holidays.
You don't need to prepare an entire turkey for a small gathering - try our Roasted Turkey Thighs for two recipe!
It's simple, easy and beautifully moist. It's the perfect choice for couples, roommates, or anyone looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner for two.
Even if you aren't feeding a crowd, you can still enjoy Roasted Turkey Thighs for Two over the holidays.
When there are only two of you for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you don't want to slave away in the kitchen, nor do you want to be deprived of the joys of a traditional holiday meal.
That's where our easy Roasted Turkey Thighs recipe come to the rescue. This recipe is designed for those cozy holiday celebrations with just the two of you, offering all the warmth, comfort, and deliciousness you'd expect from a festive spread but without the fuss.
Serve it up with Green Bean Casserole for Two, Stuffing for Two, a half batch of Gruyere Au Gratin Potatoes and some Cheesy Brussels Sprouts for a perfect Thanksgiving meal for two. Don't forget the Turkey Gravy!
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Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Perfect for Two: Designed for two servings, this recipe is ideal for intimate holiday gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Turkey thighs are often more affordable than other cuts of meat, making this recipe wallet-friendly without sacrificing taste.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and fuss, these Roasted Turkey Thighs are a great option for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Feast: The blend of smoked paprika, garlic, sage, and thyme infuses the turkey with a depth of flavor that's truly remarkable.
- Versatile: Customize the seasoning to your liking and pair it with your favorite sides for a unique twist every time.
Ingredients
- Turkey Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on turkey thighs are the stars of the show. You can also use one large thigh if that's what you have.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and helps to crisp up the skin.
- Smoked Paprika: This smoky, sweet spice adds depth and a lovely color to the turkey.
- Garlic Powder: For that classic savory flavor.
- Dried Sage: Sage brings an earthy, herbal note to the dish.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme's subtle floral aroma complements the turkey beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
- Chicken, Turkey, or Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and flavor to the roasting process.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Substitutions
- Turkey Thighs: If you can't find turkey thighs, you can use chicken thighs as a substitute. The cooking time might vary slightly.
- Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika can be used, but it won't have the same smoky flavor.
- Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs are a great substitute if you have them on hand. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
- Butter: Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add some lemon or orange zest to the butter for a zesty, citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the turkey thighs for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a perfect side, soaking up the delicious turkey juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, cheesy brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes pairs beautifully.
- Cranberry Sauce: For a touch of holiday flavor, serve with cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette offers a lighter contrast to the hearty turkey.
Prepping Fresh Turkey Thighs
Prepping Fresh Turkey Thighs: A Quick Guide
- Clean Hands: Start with clean hands. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before handling the turkey thighs.
- Separate from Other Foods: Keep raw turkey thighs away from other foods in your kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cutting Board: Use a dedicated cutting board for the turkey, or sanitize the board thoroughly after use.
- Thaw Safely: If the turkey thighs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator, not on the countertop, to avoid bacterial growth.
- Dispose of Packaging: Discard the turkey packaging immediately and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that it came into contact with.
- Pat Dry: Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Discard the paper towels immediately.
- Avoiding Splatter: Be cautious not to splatter any turkey juices on surrounding surfaces. Clean up promptly if any spills occur.
- Safe Storage: Refrigerate or cook the turkey thighs promptly. Do not leave them at room temperature for an extended period.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this roasted turkey thighs recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Add the butter to a small bowl, along with herbs, spices and salt. Stir well to mix.
Spread the herb and spice butter over the turkey thighs and place them into a baking dish.
Pour the broth into a baking dish, cover with a lid or foil and place into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes at 380°F for small thighs, or 55 minutes for a large thigh, or until they are cooked through.
Halfway through cooking, baste the turkey thighs by spooning the liquid over the thighs.
To check it’s done: An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
If you would like the skin to be crispy, remove the lid or foil and for the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure easy mixing with the herbs and spices.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip basting during the roasting process; it keeps the turkey thighs moist and flavorful.
- Crispy Skin: If you want crispy skin, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Temperature Check: Invest in an instant-read thermometer to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked without any guesswork.
FAQ
You can, but bone-in thighs have more flavor and tend to stay juicier. If you use boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
To achieve crispy skin, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.
📖 Recipe
Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 turkey thighs (bone-in, skin-on (or 1 large thigh))
- ¼ cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 380°F.
- Add the butter to a small bowl, along with herbs, spices and salt. Stir well to mix.
- Spread the herb and spice butter over the turkey thighs and place them into a baking dish.
- Pour the broth into a baking dish, cover with a lid or foil and place into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40 minutes for small thighs, or 55 minutes for a large thigh, or until they are cooked through. Halfway through cooking, baste the turkey thighs by spooning the liquid over the thighs.
- To check it’s done: An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- If you would like the skin to be crispy, remove the lid or foil and for the final 10 minutes of cooking time.
Notes
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy blending with the herbs and spices.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip the basting step; it keeps the turkey thighs moist and flavorful during roasting.
- Crispy Skin: To achieve that coveted crispy skin, uncover the dish for the final 10 minutes of cooking. Keep a watchful eye to avoid over-browning.
- Temperature Check: Invest in an instant-read thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection without any guesswork.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Stacey
I love how simple and flavorful this is. The crispy skin is the best part!
Casey
This is perfect for me this Thanksgiving! My daughter and I will be alone this year for the first time and I don't want to make a huge dinner. I also don't want to go out. This is just right.
Kristine
Thank you for this recipe! I only cook for my husband and I most nights and struggle to find small dinner recipes. These turkey thighs were incredible too! Loved them.
Shelby
It's so nice to have a recipe for a smaller portion of turkey. These were absolutely delicious, too!
Justine
This was so delicious! Turkey came out juicy and tender, and it was just the right amount for us!