Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

Smothered Turkey Wings
Tender, fall-off-the-bone smothered turkey wings are a must-make comfort meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again, especially if you’re a fan of flavorful baked turkey wings covered in rich gravy. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just craving something hearty, this turkey wings recipe will deliver!

These smothered turkey wings are similar to my popular smothered chicken wing recipe, but using turkey wings gives the dish an even richer flavor. When you bake turkey wings in the oven, the slow-cooking process allows the meat to become tender and buttery soft. The best part? The gravy! This traditional southern gravy starts with a roux and is finished with chicken stock and milk, making it creamy and full of flavor. It’s the kind of gravy you’d want on your table for Thanksgiving or anytime you’re in the mood for baked turkey wings with gravy.

If you’re wondering how to make turkey wings fall off the bone, this recipe will show you exactly how. The slow baking process is key. But if you’re short on time, you can cook the turkey wings in a pressure cooker or slow cooker and then finish them in the oven to get that crispy skin we all love. Whether you’re making smothered turkey wings in the oven or trying slow-cooked turkey wings, you’ll get delicious results every time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the turkey wings:

• 2 lbs turkey wings
• Olive oil (a drizzle)
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp garlic paste

For baking:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped

For the gravy:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Herbes de Provence
• ½ chicken bouillon cube (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place all the chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onion, celery, and carrot) in a baking dish in a single layer.
3. In a separate bowl, season the turkey wings with olive oil, spices, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the seasoned wings on top of the vegetables.
4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

For the gravy:

1. While the turkey wings are baking, make the gravy.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and add the flour. Whisk for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking, and then season with spices.
4. Add the milk or cream and the bay leaf. Bring the gravy to a simmer and taste for salt. Adjust if needed.
5. The gravy is ready when it’s smooth and slightly thick.

Back to the turkey:

1. After 1 hour of baking, remove the foil and bake the turkey wings uncovered for another hour at 375°F (190°C).
2. Once done, pour the gravy over the turkey wings and mix everything well.
3. Put the wings back into a single layer and bake for 1 more hour, uncovered.
4. The wings are ready when they’re golden brown, the veggies are tender, and the gravy is thickened.

How to Make Smothered Turkey Wings in the Oven
For perfectly tender smothered turkey wings in the oven, slow cooking is the best method. By baking at a lower temperature, you give the wings time to absorb the flavors of the seasoning and vegetables while becoming tender enough to fall off the bone. If you’re short on time, consider cooking smothered turkey wings in a crockpot or slow cooker and finishing them off in the oven for that signature crispy skin. Learning how to cook turkey wings to perfection isn’t hard; it just takes a little patience!

You can also make baked turkey wings with gravy by using the same recipe and slightly adjusting the cooking time if you’re working with larger wings. Cooking turkey wings in the oven at a lower temperature helps achieve the best results. This technique works well with roasted turkey wings too. Whatever method you choose, you’ll be enjoying a delicious turkey wings meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Notes:

• Choose medium-to-large turkey wings, as smaller ones may cook too quickly and dry out.
• You can speed up the process by cooking the wings in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot and finishing them in the oven.