Roasted turkey thighs are quicker, easier and more adaptable than a whole bird, and just as satisfying with their crisp, bronzed skin and tender meat. You can scale this recipe to feed as many as you're serving, or if you want to make extra for leftovers. Simply double, triple or even quadruple it, spreading out the thighs on your largest sheet pan. Or you can halve it to feed one. The quick-pickled onions and cranberries are a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat, and, with their fuchsia hue, a welcome bit of color on the plate.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories poultry, main course
Time 3h
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Finely grate 1/2 teaspoon zest from the lemon and put it in a small bowl with the garlic and thyme. Halve the lemon and squeeze 1 tablespoon of the juice into the bowl. Mix everything into a paste.
- Pat the turkey thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Smear turkey with the paste and place thighs on a plate. Refrigerate, uncovered, so the skin can dry out, for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Meanwhile, squeeze the remaining juice from the lemon halves into a medium bowl. Add the onion, cranberries, lime juice, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, tossing well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature, tossing occasionally, until the onions wilt and turn pink, 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate until serving. (These can be made up to 3 days in advance.)
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Put turkey thighs on a baking pan and dot with butter. Roast the thighs for 40 to 50 minutes, until the skin is crisp, the meat is cooked through and the juices run clear. (No need to rest here.)
- Serve turkey with a little of the cranberries and pickles on top, with herbs scattered over everything.
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Muhammad Sadiq
m-s89@hotmail.comThis recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the pickled cranberries and onions, and they always ask for seconds.
Horry mark
mark_h30@gmail.comI'm always looking for new recipes that are healthy and delicious. This recipe fits the bill! The turkey is lean and protein-packed, and the pickled cranberries and onions are a good source of antioxidants.
Alan Yates
a_yates39@hotmail.co.ukThis recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey. I made a turkey breast for Thanksgiving, and I used the leftovers to make this dish. It was just as good as when I made it with fresh turkey.
Steve Lane
s-l48@yahoo.comI love that this recipe uses simple ingredients. I always have everything I need on hand, so I can make it anytime.
Asim Asimali
a-asim5@yahoo.comThis recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal, but it's also special enough for a weekend dinner party.
Ikram Adde
a@hotmail.frI'm always looking for new ways to cook turkey, and this recipe didn't disappoint! The pickled cranberries and onions added a nice twist, and the turkey was cooked perfectly.
Emily DeShazer
emilydeshazer94@gmail.comThis recipe is perfect for a special occasion meal. It's elegant and delicious, and it's sure to impress your guests.
Charlotte Mbaly
c_mbaly67@gmail.comI've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a hit! My friends and family love it, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Rehman Asad
r.a74@hotmail.comI'm not a fan of dark meat, but this recipe made me a convert! The turkey thigh was so moist and flavorful, I couldn't get enough.
Nahian Rahman
nr@yahoo.comThis recipe was a bit time-consuming, but it was definitely worth it! The turkey was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the pickled cranberries and onions were a perfect complement.
SJ SAMIYA
sj@gmail.comI'm not sure why this recipe is called for two people, because it made enough food for four! I ended up freezing half of it for later.
India Bullard
bullard.india@hotmail.co.ukI was a bit skeptical about the pickled cranberries and onions at first, but I'm so glad I tried them! They added a really nice flavor to the turkey, and I loved the tartness.
Aristotle sochima
aristotle_s48@yahoo.comThis was my first time making pickled cranberries and onions, and I was really happy with the results! They were easy to make and added a nice pop of flavor to the turkey.
CarlJoesbury YouTube
y_c89@gmail.comI'm so glad I found this recipe! I love turkey, but I often find it to be dry and bland. This recipe was different - the turkey was moist and flavorful, and the pickled cranberries and onions added a nice tangy flavor.
Whitey Vandermerwe
vandermerwe-w33@yahoo.comI'm not a huge fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind! The turkey was moist and tender, and the pickled cranberries and onions added a nice tartness that balanced out the richness of the meat.
Adel Jouini
adel@hotmail.comThis recipe is a keeper! The turkey was so juicy and flavorful, and the pickled cranberries and onions were the perfect accompaniment. I will definitely be making this again soon.
Ms. Catherine
c65@yahoo.comI doubled the recipe since I had a bigger turkey thigh, and it was still great! I also added some extra vegetables to the roasting pan, like carrots and parsnips. Everything came out tender and flavorful.
Elizabeth Navarro
elizabeth77@yahoo.comI love trying new recipes, and I always appreciate those that are made for two people. This turkey thigh recipe was just what I was looking for! It was easy to follow and didn't take long to make. The pickled cranberries and onions added a nice tangy