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Easy One-Pan Turkey Drumstick Recipe

written by

Bethany Fisher

posted on

April 2, 2025

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Everyone has those hectic days when no one has time to spend hours in the kitchen, so we all need quick and easy meals in our back pocket. This one-pan meal (inspired by a combo Liz Straight likes to make for their family) combines the sweet and savory flavors from thyme, sweet potatoes, balsamic, garlic, onion, and goat cheese. It serves about 3-4 people, takes about 20 minutes to prep, dirties only a few dishes, and is packed full of flavor, so it’s a winner!

A bonus to turkey is that it is actually cheaper per pound than chicken is, and can be substituted for chicken in just about any recipe! And it is packed with a wide range of minerals and B vitamins.

This recipe uses turkey drumsticks, which is the most economical cut of turkey we carry (and dare I say the tastiest?). But you can substitute whatever cut of turkey is your favorite and adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Easy One-Pan Turkey Drumstick Recipe:


Ingredients:

2 turkey drumsticks (I used 2 - 2.5 lbs drumsticks)

3 Tbsp. butter, tallow, or lard

4 sweet potatoes

1 small onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves

½ tsp. Garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh arugula

Crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Balsamic vinegar or glaze

Chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300.

2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then slice the onion. Combine both in a 9x13 pan. Add in the minced garlic, thyme leaves, and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Melt the butter, tallow, or lard in a small saucepan. Add a couple tablespoons to the sweet potato mixture (make sure to reserve some for your turkey drumsticks). Mix everything together.

3. Pat your drumsticks dry. Rub the rest of your melted fat of choice onto the drumsticks, then sprinkle on the garlic powder and some salt and pepper. Nestle the drumsticks in the pan with the sweet potatoes.

4. Place in your preheated oven and cook for about 80-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 F.

5. Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool a bit. Then add in your fresh arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and pecans. Mix it up, and drizzle the balsamic over the top.

6. And you’re done!

I made this at work on a day when I didn’t have any leftovers in my fridge to bring for lunch. It was super quick and easy to whip up, but still a very satisfying, delicious meal. 

Another variation you can do with this is to substitute butternut squash instead of the sweet potatoes. Your choice!

Enjoy!

~Bethany

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