Are you tired of the same old turkey breast recipes? Look no further! Turkey thighs are a delicious and underrated cut of meat that can be cooked in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a comforting slow-cooked meal or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, we’ve got you covered. From classic roasted dishes to international-inspired flavors, our 18 juicy turkey thigh recipes will take your taste buds on a culinary journey.
In this article, we’ll explore a range of mouthwatering turkey thigh recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to spice up your weeknight routine, these recipes are sure to please. From sweet and sticky glazes to savory and spicy flavors, our collection has something for everyone.
Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs
Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best in turkey thighs. Garlic and herbs combine to create a savory, aromatic delight.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place turkey thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic-herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the turkey thighs.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Turkey Thighs
Transform your turkey thighs into a mouthwatering main course with this simple slow cooker recipe. With the perfect blend of sweet honey and tangy mustard, these tender and juicy turkey thighs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, mustard, and olive oil.
2. Add the turkey thighs to the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Smoked Turkey Thighs with Applewood
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these tender and flavorful smoked turkey thighs, infused with the sweet and smoky essence of applewood.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey thighs
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup applewood chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Place the turkey thighs in the smoker, leaving space between each thigh for even cooking.
5. Smoke the turkey thighs for 2-1/2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. During the last 30 minutes of smoking, add applewood chips to infuse the meat with a sweet and smoky flavor.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Balsamic Glazed Turkey Thighs
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of balsamic glaze on tender turkey thighs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in turkey thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
3. Season turkey thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Place turkey thighs in a baking dish and brush with the glaze.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Skin Turkey Thighs with Rosemary
Crispy Skin Turkey Thighs with Rosemary: A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional roasted turkey thighs!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs, bone-in, skin-on
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the turkey thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. Place the turkey thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each thigh.
5. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the turkey thighs, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey Thigh Curry with Coconut Milk
This flavorful curry is a perfect blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender turkey thighs. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey thighs
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add turkey thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 20-25 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Braised Turkey Thighs in Red Wine Sauce
A rich and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe is sure to impress with its tender, fall-apart turkey thighs smothered in a deep red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season turkey thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey thighs on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return turkey thighs to the pot; cover with a lid or foil.
7. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours, or until turkey is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Turkey Thigh Stew with Root Vegetables
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting stew, featuring tender turkey thighs and a medley of root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 turkey thighs (bone-in)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season turkey thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the turkey thighs over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove turkey from pot and set aside.
5. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced parsnip to the pot.
6. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Add chicken broth and red wine (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
8. Return turkey thighs to the pot and cover with a lid.
9. Transfer pot to preheated oven and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Grilled Turkey Thighs with Lemon Pepper
Elevate your grilled turkey game with this zesty and aromatic recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ. The tangy lemon pepper crust adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the rich and juicy turkey thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the turkey thighs with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Grill turkey for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the lemon pepper mixture evenly over the turkey thighs.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey Thigh Adobo with Soy and Vinegar
This Filipino-inspired recipe elevates turkey thighs with a rich and tangy adobo sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or rice vinegar work well)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the turkey thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
5. Place the turkey thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each thigh.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Thigh Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
A comforting and flavorful pie that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender turkey thighs, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce topped with a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound turkey thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the turkey, onion, and garlic until browned.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour the turkey mixture into the pie crust.
6. Top with another piece of pie crust (optional) or a simple pastry crust made from flour, butter, and water.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Turkey Thighs with Andouille Sausage
Elevate your turkey game with this bold and flavorful recipe, combining the richness of Andouille sausage with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in turkey thighs
– 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey thighs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey thighs until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the turkey to a baking dish and top each thigh with sliced Andouille sausage.
6. Pour chicken broth into the dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Thigh Tacos with Avocado Crema
Add some excitement to your taco Tuesday with this creative recipe, featuring tender turkey thighs and a rich avocado crema. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless turkey thighs
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado crema (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add turkey thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Remove turkey from marinade and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with sliced turkey, avocado crema, and desired toppings.
Avocado Crema:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Mash avocados in a bowl, then stir in sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Maple Glazed Turkey Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
Maple Glazed Turkey Thighs with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
A perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, these maple glazed turkey thighs pair beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 turkey thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Place turkey thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
7. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Turkey Thigh Ragu over Pappardelle
This hearty, comforting dish combines tender turkey thighs with a rich and flavorful ragu sauce, served over wide, flat pappardelle noodles. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 oz pappardelle noodles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season turkey thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown turkey thighs on both sides, then remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add wine, broth, tomatoes, and oregano. Stir to combine.
6. Return turkey to the pot, cover, and transfer to oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until turkey is tender.
8. Cook pappardelle noodles according to package instructions.
9. Serve ragu over noodles.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Turkey Thigh Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful turkey thigh kebabs, perfectly paired with a cooling tzatziki sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy summer dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound turkey thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Tzatziki sauce (see below)
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add turkey thigh pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread turkey onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey Thigh Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic
A flavorful and aromatic stir-fry that showcases the tender juiciness of turkey thighs, elevated by the warmth of ginger and pungency of garlic. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound turkey thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and snow peas; stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce and honey; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey Thigh Soup with Wild Rice and Mushrooms
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening, packed with tender turkey thighs, nutty wild rice, and earthy mushrooms. Let the aromas simmer away to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless turkey thighs
– 1 cup wild rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine turkey thighs, wild rice, chicken broth, onion, mushrooms, garlic, and thyme.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the turkey is tender and the rice is cooked.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your turkey game with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic roasted thighs to international-inspired dishes like Turkey Thigh Curry and Turkey Thigh Tacos, there’s something for every occasion. Savor the flavors of Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs or indulge in the sweetness of Maple Glazed Turkey Thighs with Sweet Potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight meals, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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