Go Back
Close-up of oven-baked turkey rib with sticky barbecue glaze on a plate

Best Turkey Ribs Recipe Oven

Lina
Discover the Best Turkey Ribs Recipe Oven for juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs packed with flavor. Easy, healthy, and perfect for any dinner occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs:

  • 2 to 3 pounds turkey ribs fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps ribs moist

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika use smoked for extra depth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar for subtle sweetness and caramelization

For Baking:

  • ½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth keeps ribs moist during baking
  • Aluminum foil to trap steam and keep ribs tender
  • Baking dish or sheet pan with a rack for even cooking

Optional Finishing Touch:

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce use your favorite for brushing during the final minutes

Ingredient Notes:

  • Turkey ribs: These can sometimes be labeled as "turkey rib portions." Ask your butcher if you don’t see them in the meat aisle.
  • Olive oil: A light coating goes a long way in sealing in moisture and helping the dry rub adhere.
  • Brown sugar and spices: The mix of sweet and savory builds layers of flavor creating that crave-worthy crust as the ribs roast.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Your Oven
  • Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow approach ensures the ribs stay juicy and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Prep the Ribs

  • Pat the turkey ribs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and encourages a beautiful crust to form as they cook.

Make the Dry Rub

  • In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and brown sugar. This blend gives the ribs a savory-sweet balance with just the right amount of kick.

Season the Ribs

  • Drizzle olive oil over the ribs, rubbing it in with your hands to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the dry rub all over, pressing it gently into the meat so every bite is full of flavor.

Arrange in the Baking Dish

  • Place the ribs in a baking dish or on a sheet pan lined with foil. If you have a wire rack, use it to lift the ribs slightly—this helps them cook more evenly.

Add Moisture and Cover

  • Pour the water or broth into the bottom of the pan to create steam during baking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the moisture and keeps the ribs from drying out.

Bake Low and Slow

  • Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, depending on the thickness of your ribs. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone with little effort.

Optional Finish: Broil or Sauce

  • If you like a bit of char or want to add barbecue sauce, remove the foil and brush the ribs with your sauce of choice. Broil for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Rest Before Serving

  • Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite more flavorful.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 35g
Keyword baked turkey ribs, Best turkey ribs recipe oven, oven-roasted turkey ribs