The BEST Turkey Thigh Confit (with Bright Citrus Mustard Glaze)

Tender, succulent, and full of deep, rich flavor, turkey thigh confit is a luxurious twist on traditional poultry dishes. This version lightens things up without sacrificing the comforting essence of confit. Slow-cooked to perfection, the turkey becomes irresistibly tender, while a bright citrus mustard sauce brings balance with zesty and tangy notes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a standout holiday dish, this recipe is a celebration of flavor done smartly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – The slow cooking process delivers ultra-tender, juicy meat.
Bold & Balanced Flavors – Rich turkey meets zesty citrus and tangy mustard for a refined finish.
Lighter Take on a Classic – Confit gets a modern refresh with less fat and more focus on natural flavors.
Great for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and reheated without losing its magic.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Thigh Confit:

• 2 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orange juice

For the Citrus Mustard Sauce:

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: zest of 1 orange for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Thighs:

1. Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the thighs skin-side down until golden, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Flip the thighs, add garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, chicken broth, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer.

Slow-Cook the Turkey:

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Cover the skillet tightly and transfer it to the oven.
3. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the turkey is tender and nearly falling off the bone.
4. Remove turkey thighs from the liquid and set aside to rest. Discard herbs and garlic.

Make the Citrus Mustard Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish:

1. Spoon the warm citrus mustard sauce over the turkey thighs.
2. Garnish with fresh orange zest or chopped herbs if desired.
3. Serve alongside steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a green salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g

Tips for Success

• Low and Slow Wins – Don’t rush the cooking time. The low oven temperature is key to perfect texture.Sear for Flavor – Browning the skin before baking deepens the flavor and adds color.
• Bright Sauce, Big Impact – The citrus-mustard combo cuts through the richness and adds an elegant finish.
• Rest Before Serving – Let the turkey rest 5–10 minutes after cooking for the juices to redistribute.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish brings together the richness of traditional confit with smart adjustments that cut back on unnecessary fat. Using a flavorful braising liquid instead of cooking solely in oil, and pairing with a bold citrus sauce, the result is both comforting and light. Each bite offers savory depth with a bright, tangy contrast that keeps your palate refreshed.

Turkey thigh confit with citrus mustard sauce is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. With tender, fall-apart meat and a fresh, zesty finish, this recipe is both satisfying and sophisticated. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to the table—without overindulgence.