Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

One Sunday, I decided to give a classic comfort food a twist and try out my version of smothered turkey wings in the crockpot. The result?

A dish so full of flavor, it quickly became a family favorite! As I watched my kids take their first bites, I could tell this was going to be a regular in our weekly rotation.

The tender turkey wings smothered in savory gravy, combined with the ease of using a slow cooker, makes this recipe a winner every time. If you’re looking for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner, you absolutely have to try this slow cooker turkey wings recipe!

What Makes My Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe Unique?

This recipe takes traditional smothered turkey wings to the next level by infusing them with rich, savory flavors that come from slow-cooking the wings in a mixture of seasonings and vegetables.

What makes my recipe stand out is the balance of spices—nothing too overpowering, but just enough to elevate the natural flavor of the turkey wings.

Instead of relying on a store-bought gravy, I make my own creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender meat. Plus, using the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making it the ultimate easy dinner for busy families!

Ingredients List For Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own delicious smothered turkey wings in the crockpot:

• 4-5 large turkey wings (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (look for a halal version)
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening the gravy)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions and variations you can consider:

• Turkey Neck Recipe: If you prefer turkey necks, you can swap the wings for turkey necks for a different texture and flavor. The cooking time will be similar.
• Vegetable Alternatives: Feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to your crockpot for extra flavor. They’ll blend in beautifully with the sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Alternative: If you want to avoid mushrooms, you can use cream of chicken or a halal alternative to keep the gravy creamy.
• Spices: For a spicier kick, add a little cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to your seasoning mix. This will bring a bit of soul food flair to your smothered turkey wings recipe.

Smothered Turkey Wings Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Turkey Wings

Start by washing the turkey wings thoroughly under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Dry turkey wings help the seasonings stick better and ensure that the skin gets crispy in the cooking process. Once dry, use a sharp knife to cut off any excess skin or fat around the wings.

Step 2: Season the Turkey Wings

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously over the turkey wings. Make sure to coat every part of the wings with these flavorful spices. This step is key to getting that deep, savory flavor right into the meat.

Step 3: Sear the Turkey Wings (Optional)

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned turkey wings in batches (if necessary) and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. While this step is optional, it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Crockpot

Transfer the turkey wings to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and any additional veggies you might be using (carrots or celery work great). Pour the chicken broth and the cream of mushroom soup over the wings. Use a spoon to stir the soup and broth together until it creates a smooth mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Turkey Wings

Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let the wings cook for about 6-7 hours, or until the turkey is tender and the meat starts to fall off the bone. If you’re short on time, you can set the crockpot to high for about 4 hours.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Once the turkey wings are fully cooked, you’ll want to thicken the gravy a little. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this into the gravy in the crockpot, stirring well to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Smothered Turkey Wings

• Overcooking the wings: While the slow cooker makes it easy to let the wings cook for hours, don’t leave them too long, as they can become overly dry. It’s important to monitor the cooking time and remove them when they’re tender but not falling apart.
• Not searing the turkey wings: Skipping the searing step means missing out on a deeper flavor. While you can skip it, I highly recommend it for a richer, more flavorful result.
• Using too much salt: Since the chicken broth and onion soup mix can be salty, be mindful of how much extra salt you add to avoid overpowering the dish.

Smothered Turkey Wings Serving and Presentation Tips

While smothered turkey wings crockpot easy recipes are delicious on their own, you can elevate their presentation by serving them with a few special touches:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
• Serve on a platter: Arrange the wings in a single layer and drizzle the gravy generously over the top.
• Serve with mashed potatoes: The gravy will pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, or you can serve it alongside some fluffy rice or cornbread.

How to Serve Smothered Turkey Wings

Smothered turkey wings are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few options:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the savory gravy, making them a perfect match for the turkey wings.
• Collard greens: For a classic soul food meal, serve with a side of collard greens or green beans.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm, flaky cornbread is a great way to mop up the delicious gravy.

Extra Recipe Tips for Smothered Turkey Wings

• Make ahead: You can prepare the turkey wings and season them the night before, then refrigerate them. The next day, just pop them in the crockpot, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the wings for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Double the recipe: This dish is so popular, you might want to make a larger batch for a family gathering or meal prep. Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the wings and gravy!

FAQs

What do you eat with smothered turkey wings?

Smothered turkey wings are delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, collard greens, or cornbread for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Why do you soak turkey wings in vinegar?

Soaking turkey wings in vinegar helps to clean them and remove any residual odor. It also tenderizes the meat, making it easier to cook.

Why are my turkey wings tough?

If turkey wings turn out tough, it’s likely because they were cooked at too high a temperature or for too short a time. Slow-cooking at low heat allows the wings to become tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This smothered turkey wings crockpot recipe is one of those meals that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family gathering, the rich flavor and ease of cooking will make it a favorite in your home. With its tender, flavorful meat and creamy, savory gravy, it’s a comfort food classic that you’ll be proud to serve. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!