Name: Roast Turkey Thighs with Herb Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 turkey thighs (bone-in, skin-on; about 1.5 lbs each); 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, smashed; ½ cup white wine or chicken broth; 2 tbsp pan drippings or butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken or turkey stock (plus more as needed); ½ tsp dried sage or poultry seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryMain Courses, Meat, Turkey

Roast Turkey Thighs with Herb Gravy captures the flavor and heartiness of a full Thanksgiving bird in a more manageable, weeknight-friendly format. Turkey thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breast meat and roast beautifully with crispy skin and aromatic herbs. The drippings create a built-in gravy, packed with rich, herby goodness.

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time20 minsCook Time1 hr 15 minsTotal Time1 hr 35 mins

For the Turkey

2 turkey thighs (bone-in, skin-on; about 1.5 lbs each)

2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, smashed

½ cup white wine or chicken broth

For the Herb Gravy

2 tbsp pan drippings or butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken or turkey stock (plus more as needed)

½ tsp dried sage or poultry seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat turkey thighs dry and place them on a cutting board.
Rub all over with olive oil or butter, then season with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Arrange & Roast

In a roasting pan or baking dish, scatter onion slices and smashed garlic on the bottom.
Place turkey thighs skin-side up on top of the vegetables.
Pour white wine or broth into the pan base.
Roast uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reads 170°F (77°C) and skin is crisp and golden.

Make the Herb Gravy

Remove turkey and let it rest while making the gravy.
Pour pan drippings into a small saucepan. If needed, add butter to make 2 tablespoons of fat.
Whisk in flour and cook over medium heat, stirring for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly add stock, whisking until smooth.
Stir in sage or poultry seasoning, and simmer until thickened (5–7 minutes). Season to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or stuffing
Great with a side of cranberry sauce or a green bean almondine

Tips & Variations

Use boneless turkey thighs for quicker roasting (~50–55 min).
Add halved baby potatoes or carrots to the pan for a one-dish meal.
Deglaze with a splash of apple cider for a fall twist on the gravy.

Ingredients