Smothered turkey wings are a classic Southern dish that’s beloved for its rich, savory flavor and tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. This recipe takes turkey wings to the next level, coating them in a flavorful gravy that’s infused with herbs and spices. When served alongside sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread, smothered turkey wings make for the perfect comfort food meal.
If you’re looking for a turkey recipe that’s full of flavor and simplicity, you’ve found it. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special holiday feast, this dish is sure to impress. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making smothered turkey wings, provide tips for perfecting the dish, and offer suggestions for tasty sides and desserts.
Ingredients for Smothered Turkey Wings
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create your smothered turkey wings. The secret to the dish’s flavor lies in a blend of seasoning and the rich, savory gravy that envelops the wings.
Turkey Wing Ingredients:
- 6-8 turkey wings (cut into sections)
- 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1-2 tbsp Creole seasoning (for a bit of heat)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 1 tbsp Accent (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 1 onion, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced thin
- ½ stick unsalted butter, sliced thin
Gravy Ingredients:
- Pan drippings from the turkey wings
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock (or turkey stock for added richness)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for making the roux
This combination of seasonings and ingredients will deliver a full-bodied, rich gravy that takes the turkey wings to a whole new level.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smothered Turkey Wings
The beauty of smothered turkey wings lies in the slow, tender cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the meat. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve.
1. Prepping the Turkey Wings
Start by preparing your turkey wings for seasoning. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and then pat dry with paper towels. This ensures that the wings cook evenly and the skin crisps up nicely.
- In a small bowl, mix together the poultry seasoning, Creole seasoning, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and celery salt. If you want a deeper flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each turkey wing, making sure to coat both sides. Be generous with the seasoning for full flavor.
- Next, layer the seasoned turkey wings in a large roasting pan. Place the wings in a single layer, so they cook evenly.
2. Baking the Turkey Wings
Now that your wings are seasoned, it’s time to bake them to start the process of tenderness:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. This will allow the wings to cook through and become tender. During this time, the juices from the turkey will release, creating a flavorful base for your gravy.
- Halfway through the baking, check on the turkey wings. If needed, spoon some of the turkey juices over the wings to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
- After 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove the foil and allow the wings to cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This will help them brown slightly on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
3. Making the Gravy
While the wings are baking, you can start preparing the gravy that will smother the turkey wings. Here’s how to make a perfectly smooth, flavorful gravy:
- Once the turkey wings are done, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Carefully pour the pan drippings into a separate bowl, making sure to leave any solid bits behind.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. The roux is the base of your gravy, so cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a golden brown color. This step helps develop the flavor of the gravy.
- Slowly add the chicken stock to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy starts to thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to make sure the gravy is full of flavor.
- Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, pour it over the turkey wings, ensuring the wings are completely covered.
4. Smothering the Turkey Wings
- Cover the pan with foil again and return it to the oven. Bake the turkey wings with the gravy for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and allow the wings to cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. This step will help the gravy thicken even more and create a slightly caramelized layer on top of the turkey wings.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the wings rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time ensures that the juices settle back into the meat, making it even more tender.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Turkey Wings
To take your smothered turkey wings to the next level, here are some tips that will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Season liberally: Turkey wings are quite large, and they can handle generous amounts of seasoning. Don’t be shy about the spices – they will create a flavorful crust.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and seasonings bring out the best flavors in this dish. Avoid using pre-ground spices whenever possible.
- Low and slow: Cooking the wings at a low temperature for an extended time ensures that they stay moist and tender. Don’t rush this step!
- Extra flavor in the gravy: For an added depth of flavor, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce into the gravy while it simmers. A bit of smoked paprika can also add a lovely smokiness.
- Rest the wings: Let the turkey wings rest before serving. This helps the meat absorb the gravy and remain juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered turkey wings are the star of the meal, but they pair beautifully with a variety of Southern sides. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich, savory gravy from the turkey wings. The potatoes act as a sponge, soaking up all that delicious gravy.
2. Collard Greens: Tender collard greens add a bit of bitterness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich turkey wings. Their slight crunch balances the softness of the wings.
3. Cornbread: Fluffy, golden cornbread is a perfect accompaniment. Its slight sweetness helps to cut through the richness of the turkey wings and gravy.
4. Rice: Serve your smothered turkey wings over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will absorb the extra gravy, making every bite satisfying.
For dessert, try these Earl Grey Cookies, which offer a light, aromatic finish to your Southern-inspired meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use whole turkey wings instead of cut wings?
Yes, you can absolutely use whole turkey wings. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the wings cook through properly. You’ll need about 1.5 hours instead of the usual 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of chicken stock?
If you don’t have chicken stock, you can substitute with turkey broth or vegetable broth. Turkey broth will give you a richer, deeper flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well for a lighter version.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover smothered turkey wings should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wings for up to 3 months.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the turkey wings and gravy the day
before, refrigerate them, and then reheat them in the oven when ready to serve. This can actually make the flavors even better, as they have more time to develop.
Final Thoughts
Smothered turkey wings are a delicious, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Southern comfort food to your table. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion. Be sure to serve your turkey wings with sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, or cornbread to round out the meal. And if you’re looking for dessert, Earl Grey Cookies are a perfect sweet treat to follow.
Enjoy this timeless dish, and feel free to experiment with the recipe to make it your own!
