The smell of smothered turkey wings in a cozy kitchen is deeply nostalgic. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, filled with love and tradition. This guide aims to bring that warmth to your table, inviting you to enjoy every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, making smothered turkey wings is rewarding. This guide covers the history of soul food and various recipes for delicious results. Let’s start this tasty journey together, making sure every meal is tender, juicy, and unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Oven temperature: 325°F
- Calories per serving: 300kcal
Why Smothered Turkey Wings are the Perfect Comfort Food
Smothered turkey wings are a beloved part of Southern cuisine. They are known for their hearty taste and tender meat. This smothered turkey wings soul food recipe is perfect for family meals or cozy nights.
Enjoying turkey wings and gravy is a treat. The wings, brined for three hours, are incredibly juicy. Using precut wing flats saves you about 30 minutes of prep and 2 hours and 20 minutes of cooking time.
This recipe stands out because of the turkey and the amazing gravy. The gravy is made from pan drippings, a roux, and chicken stock. It pairs perfectly with the turkey wings. You’ll use neutral oil and a mix of seasonings like sage powder and smoked paprika. This makes the gravy a great match for the tender turkey.
Ingredients You Need for the Best Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe
To make a delicious smothered turkey wing recipe, you need the right ingredients. Use high-quality turkey wings, a strong spice blend, and fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to make your own gravy for the best flavor.
Turkey Wings
Start with fresh or frozen turkey wings for a tasty dish. Turkey wings are affordable and very satisfying. Plan for 4 servings, adjusting as needed for a bigger crowd.
Make sure to clean and dry the turkey wings well. Cook them until they reach 185-200 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures they are tender and fall-off-the-bone.
Spice Blend
A good spice blend is key to flavor. For your smothered turkey wings, mix:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Creole seasoning
These spices add amazing flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Aromatic Vegetables
Aromatic vegetables are essential for a smothered turkey wing recipe. Use:
- Onion
- Bell pepper
These veggies add depth and richness to the dish. They also make the gravy even better.
Homemade Gravy
The gravy is what makes this recipe special. You’ll need:
- Drippings from the turkey wings
- Flour
- Chicken stock
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom roasted garlic soup
Using turkey wing drippings makes the gravy rich and flavorful. Simmer until it thickens for a smooth gravy.
This smothered turkey wing recipe is also great for a turkey wings crockpot recipe. It’s perfect for slow-cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Smothered Turkey Wings
Ready to make a dish that everyone will love? Follow these steps for smothered turkey wings that are sure to please. You’ll learn how to make delicious smothered turkey wings every time.
Prepping the Wings
First, clean your turkey wings under cold water. Dry them with paper towels for a crispy texture. Use 6 whole turkey wings or 7 without tips for the best results.
Put the turkey wings in a large mixing bowl. This step gets them ready for seasoning.
Seasoning and Baking
Season the turkey wings with your special spice mix. Make sure they’re evenly coated for rich flavors. Place the wings on a baking sheet and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover the wings with foil and bake for 90 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes to get a golden brown color.
Make sure the turkey wings reach 165 degrees F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked safely and well.
Making the Gravy from Scratch
While the wings bake, start making the gravy. You’ll need butter, flour, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and cream. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour until smooth.
Slowly add turkey stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until it thickens.
For extra flavor, add the pan drippings to the gravy.
Combining the Wings and Gravy
Once the wings are baked, pour the gravy over them. Make sure each wing is well-coated. Cook for an extra 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Your smothered turkey wings are now ready. Serve with Southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, and mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
| Nutritional Content per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 523 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Alternative Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker and Oven-Baked Turkey Wings
When making smothered turkey wings, you can choose between a slow cooker or the oven. Each way gives different textures and tastes. You can pick what you like best and how you like to cook.
Slow Cooker Method
The slow cooker is great for those who like easy cooking. Start by dusting your turkey wings with flour. Brown them in a skillet to keep the flavors in, then put them in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cook onions and mushrooms in the skillet until they’re soft. Make your gravy with butter, flour, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and cream. Pour it over the turkey wings. Cook on low for about 6 hours until the meat is tender.
Oven-Baked Method
Oven baking brings out a rich, roasted taste. Preheat your oven to 275°F. Season your turkey wings with spices like salt, smoked paprika, and thyme. Put them in a big roasting pan.
Add about 3 cups of water to keep the wings moist. Roast for about 2 1/2 hours. Make sure they reach 165°F to be safe. To crisp the skin, broil for five minutes before serving.
Discover more tips and recipesto improve your turkey wing cooking!
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Smothered Turkey Wings
No meal of smothered turkey wings is complete without the right sides. Choosing the perfect sides can make your meal even better. Here are some tasty options to try.
Classic Southern Cornbread
Classic Southern cornbread is a perfect match for smothered turkey wings. Its sweet and crumbly texture contrasts beautifully with the meat. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in about 25 minutes.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a nutritious and tasty side dish. They’re cooked with smoked turkey wings, onions, garlic, and spices. This slow-cooked dish brings a rich flavor that pairs well with turkey wings. It takes about an hour to prepare, but it’s worth it.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They add a smooth, buttery texture to your meal. Easy to make, they’re ready in just 30 minutes. They soak up the gravy from the turkey wings, making every bite delicious.
| Side Dish | Difficulty Level | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Southern Cornbread | Easy | 25 minutes |
| Collard Greens | Easy | 1 hour |
| Mashed Potatoes | Easy | 30 minutes |
Whether you choose cornbread, collard greens, or mashed potatoes, these sides will make your meal unforgettable. They add variety and balance to your dish.
Conclusion
Creating this turkey wings recipe is a fun way to enjoy a tasty tradition. It’s all about the flavors. Start by prepping and seasoning the wings, then make the gravy from scratch. Every bite of your smothered turkey wings will be amazing.
Make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F. Slow-cook the wings until they reach 165°F. This way, they’ll be tender and juicy.
This guide shows how to marinate the wings overnight. Use a roasting rack for even heat. The spices like paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper make it delicious. Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Classic Southern Cornbread for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for three months. This way, you can enjoy this comfort food anytime. With these steps, you’ve got a recipe that adds warmth to any meal. Try it out and impress your loved ones. For more tasty dishes, check out Alice Springs Chicken from this link.