Jamie Oliver Turkey Drumsticks

If you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner, these Jamie Oliver Turkey Drumsticks are the answer. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a bold spice mix, they bring serious flavor without requiring tons of prep. I made them on a weeknight when I needed something satisfying and easy, and they totally hit the spot. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 900g / 2 pounds turkey drumsticks (turkey legs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp chili powder

How To Make Jamie Oliver Turkey Drumsticks

Preheat the Oven:

Start by heating your oven to 220°C (450°F). A hot oven is key to getting that golden, crisp skin we all love.

Mix the Seasoning:

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and chili powder. Stir in the olive oil to create a thick, spiced paste. This blend smells amazing even before it hits the oven!

Coat the Turkey:

Pat your turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick better and makes the skin crispier. Then, brush the drumsticks all over with your spice and oil mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Bake Until Crisp:

Place the coated drumsticks in a roasting pan and bake them uncovered for 25 minutes. The high heat helps create a deep golden crust.

Cover and Finish Cooking:

After 25 minutes, loosely cover the pan with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This ensures the inside cooks through without the outside drying out. You’re looking for an internal temp of 75°C (165°F).

Rest and Serve:

Once they’re done, take them out and let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve warm with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted veg, or even a crisp salad all work beautifully.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made these Jamie Oliver Turkey Drumsticks on a rainy Wednesday night, and the smell alone was enough to make the evening feel cozy and special. My partner and I devoured them with buttery corn and roasted sweet potatoes. What I really love is how little effort it takes to get such big, bold flavor—no brining, no marinating overnight, just straight-up goodness in under an hour.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the turkey dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—aim for 75°C (165°F).
• Mix spices with oil so they coat the meat evenly and help it stay juicy.
• Don’t skip resting time—just five minutes makes a big difference in tenderness.
• Double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want easy leftovers.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Turkey Drumsticks

In the Fridge:

Let the drumsticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer:

Wrap cooled drumsticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place drumsticks on a baking tray, cover with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for extra crispiness!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 337
• Carbs: 1g
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 20g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fibre: 0.3g
• Sodium: 690mg (approx.)

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Totally! Chicken legs or thighs work great. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s more flavorful than spicy. The chili powder adds warmth, not heat. Want it hotter? Add cayenne!

Can I marinate these in advance?
Yes! You can coat them in the spice mix a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What sides go best with these turkey drumsticks?
Roast potatoes, steamed greens, or even coleslaw make great companions. You could also pair them with rice or flatbread for a heartier meal.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check the internal temp to be safe.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Turkey Clementine
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Stew
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Butter Cranberries