Keto Thanksgiving Butter Basted Turkey Thigh

If a whole turkey for Thanksgiving is too much for your small family dinner, this recipe is the perfect addition to your Keto Thanksgiving menu. A large turkey joint is basted with a savory herb and garlic butter and cooked until golden and juicy. This easy main dish will pair well with just about any Thanksgiving side dish.

What turkey part can you use for this recipe?

For this recipe, we have used a large bone-in, skin-on turkey leg with the thigh attached. You can use separate thighs and legs or a whole crown. But most importantly, use bone-in and skin-on for ultimate flavor and juiciness.

How many servings does this Keto Thanksgiving turkey serve?

The number of servings depends on the size and weight of the turkey joint. We have used a large 1.5 kg (3 lbs) thigh, which would generously serve 4 people. You can use 2 or 3 joints to serve more people.

How to customize this recipe?

The flavor of this butter and herb-basted turkey is out of this world, but feel free to customize it to your liking. You can swap the butter for ghee or vegan butter, the garlic for onion or ginger, and the parsley and thyme for summer savory, coriander, or rosemary. Add lemon slices and fresh vegetables to the baking sheet with the meat to absorb the delicious juices.

What to do with turkey leftovers?

It's pretty common to have leftovers if you've prepared many Keto Thanksgiving recipes. Shred the leftover meat and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can add the shredded turkey to stews, salads, soups, or casseroles.

Can you use frozen turkey?

If you purchase frozen turkey legs and thighs, they must be fully thawed and at room temperature before attempting this recipe.