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Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Flavorful and tasty, these oven roasted turkey thighs are the perfect main dish for Thanksgiving and the holiday season (especially when you don’t want to roast a whole turkey!). They go well drizzled with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy and served with your favorite side dishes. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.

Sliced oven-roasted turkey thighs on a round plate.

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Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here, and in this season which is so special, there is so much that I am thankful for – and I give thanks for everything and everyone who has been so amazing during this time.

During this period where we get to gather with family and friends, it’s time to celebrate!

Turkey Thighs for the Holiday Season!

While a whole roast turkey is a typical highlight at Thanksgiving dinner or most holiday dinners, sometimes you don’t exactly want to roast the whole bird.

And here’s where this turkey thighs recipe comes in handy – it’s the perfect alternative to a whole turkey especially if you’re having a small holiday dinner.

Up close view of sliced turkey thighs.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for making these oven roasted turkey thighs are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
  • Easy to Make: This roast turkey recipe only needs 5 minutes of prep time, and then you can let the oven do the rest of the work, and the thighs are ready in a little over an hour! It’s the perfect Thanksgiving dinner solution!
  • Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this roast turkey thigh recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this roasted turkey thighs recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredients for roasted turkey thighs laid out on board.

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs (Step by Step):

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 380F.

2. Combine Butter and Condiments

Instead of a turkey brine, we’re making a seasoning with butter.

In a bowl, mix the dairy-free butter with the salt and condiments until well combined.

Butter and condiments mixed in bowl.

3. Spread Butter Over Turkey Thighs

Use a spatula to spread an even, thin layer of butter on both sides of the turkey thighs.

Marinated turkey thigh on white plate.

4. Roast Until Ready

Transfer the seasoned turkey thighs to a baking dish or baking sheet. Add broth. Cover with aluminum foil and place the thighs in the oven. Bake for 60 minutes for a large thigh, and 45 minutes for two small thighs. 

(TIP: If you want crispier skin, remove the aluminum foil 10 minutes before cooking.)

Freshly roasted turkey thigh in baking dish.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the oven-roasted turkey thigh hot, sliced, with your favorite turkey gravy or cranberry sauce. The roasted pan drippings can be used to prepare the turkey gravy.

Turkey gravy drizzled over sliced turkey.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

  • Turkey: I used a large turkey thigh, but you can use 2 smaller thighs if you prefer. Alternatively, you may also use turkey drumsticks or turkey legs.
  • Swap Turkey for Chicken: If you’re not a fan of turkey, you can make this with chicken thighs as well.

Recipe FAQs:

How to Store Leftover Turkey Thighs

To store any leftovers, place the roasted turkey meat in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a few minutes before eating.

A plate of sliced turkey meat

Other Thanksgiving Recipes to Make:

Gluten-Free Side Dishes to Enjoy

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Flavorful and tasty, these oven roasted turkey thighs are the perfect main dish for Thanksgiving and the holiday season (especially when you don’t want to roast a whole turkey!). They go well drizzled with turkey gravy and served with your favorite side dishes. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.


Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 380F.
  2. Combine Butter and Condiments: In a bowl, mix the dairy-free butter with the salt and condiments until well combined.
  3. Spread Butter Over Turkey: Use a spatula to spread an even, thin layer of butter on both sides of the turkey thigh.
  4. Roast Until Ready: Transfer the turkey thigh to a baking dish. Add broth. Cover with aluminum foil and place the thighs in the oven. Bake for 60 minutes for a large thigh, and 45 minutes for two small thighs.  (TIP: If you want the turkey to be more crispy on top, remove the foil 10 minutes before cooking.)
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, sliced, with your favorite turkey gravy. The roasted turkey drippings in the pan can be used to prepare the turkey gravy.

Notes

Turkey Thighs: I used a large turkey thigh, but you can use 2 smaller thighs if you prefer. Alternatively, you may also turkey drumsticks or turkey legs.

Broth: This recipe uses vegetable broth, but you can also use chicken broth or turkey broth if you prefer.

Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free, but if you are not lactose-intolerant go ahead and use regular butter instead.

Spices/Condiments: To add plenty of flavor to this turkey thighs recipe, I’ve used a mix of ground paprika, granulated garlic, ground coriander and poultry seasoning. Other possible seasonings include onion powder, ground black pepper, ground cayenne pepper etc.

Storing: To store any leftovers, place the roasted turkey meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a few minutes before eating.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Felicia,

    Yay! the holiday season is here with Christmas around the corner.

    Your idea of roasting just the thigh or part of the turkey to cater for a smaller gathering is great. In this option, we can season the meat to give the slightly but just as yummy flavor as an alternative to stuffing the whole turkey.

    Happy holidays!
    Mum