Hey! Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that warms you up from the inside out? Look no further than our mouthwatering Smothered Turkey Wings recipe! Perfectly seasoned turkey wings, cooked low and slow in a rich and savory sauce until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender – it’s a Southern comfort food classic that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas.
Growing up in the heart of the South, I have fond memories of coming home to the comforting scent of smothered turkey wings along with Southern Cornbread and Southern Pot Roast wafting through the kitchen. It was a dish my grandmother would lovingly prepare, simmering the wings in her secret sauce until they were practically melting in your mouth. Those cozy Sunday dinners spent gathered around the table, sharing stories and savoring every delicious bite, are moments I’ll always cherish.
Now, I’m excited to share this cherished family recipe with you, along with some tips and tricks to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of home, our Smothered Turkey Wings recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking – because there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meal shared with loved ones.
What is Smothered Turkey Wings?
Smothered turkey wings are turkey wings that have been cooked slowly in a rich and flavorful sauce until they are tender and juicy. The sauce typically consists of ingredients like onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, which are simmered together to create a savory gravy-like coating for the turkey wings. The dish is called “smothered” because the wings are cooked in this sauce until they are completely covered and infused with its delicious flavors. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s popular in Southern cuisine.
Overview: How to make Smothered Turkey Wings?
To make smothered turkey wings, start by seasoning the turkey wings with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, brown the wings in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to give them a nice sear and lock in flavor. Once browned, remove the wings from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
Next, add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, along with herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, and paprika, to create a flavorful sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the turkey wings to the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce.
Cover the skillet and let the wings cook over low heat until they’re tender and the sauce has thickened, which usually takes about an hour or so. Serve the smothered turkey wings hot, spooning some of the delicious sauce over the top. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Oven
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 Turkey Wings
- 3 tbps Cooking Oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tbps Dried Thyme, Oregano
- 2 Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Season the Turkey Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Brown the Turkey Wings: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey wings in a single layer and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the browned wings from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dried thyme, oregano, paprika, and bay leaves. Optionally, add hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Wings: Return the browned turkey wings to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the turkey wings simmer gently in the sauce for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the wings are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, mix the flour with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to thicken it.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, mix the flour with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to thicken it.
- Serve: Once the turkey wings are cooked through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the bay leaves. Serve the smothered turkey wings hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
- Choosing Turkey Wings: Select turkey wings that are fresh or thawed if previously frozen. Look for wings that are plump and free of any unusual odors or discoloration.
- Seasoning: Be generous with the seasoning on the turkey wings before browning them. This will help enhance their flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Browning: Ensure the skillet or Dutch oven is hot enough before adding the turkey wings to achieve a nice brown sear. Browning adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable ingredients in the sauce based on your preferences. You can add carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a slurry of flour and water and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to help thicken it.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the turkey wings over low heat to ensure they become tender and juicy. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: Smothered turkey wings are delicious served with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread. The sauce also pairs well with vegetables like green beans or collard greens.
- Trimming: Before seasoning, you may want to trim any excess fat or skin from the turkey wings for a leaner dish.
- Marinating: For extra flavor, consider marinating the turkey wings in a mixture of herbs, spices, and a bit of olive oil for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish. For example, you can add rosemary, sage, or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
What to Serve with Smothered Turkey Wings?
What to do with Leftover?
- Turkey Wing Soup: Remove the meat from the bones and use it to make a flavorful soup. Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, along with broth and seasonings. Simmer until the flavors meld together for a comforting meal. Storage Tip: Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze in freezer-safe containers for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.
- Turkey Wing Tacos: Shred the leftover turkey meat and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with salsa, avocado, and cheese for a delicious twist. Storage Tip: Store leftover shredded turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Turkey Wing Sandwiches: Pile the leftover turkey meat onto crusty bread or rolls and add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a satisfying sandwich. Storage Tip: Store leftover turkey meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Turkey Wing Pasta: Chop the leftover turkey meat and add it to your favorite pasta dish. Toss with marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce for a quick and tasty meal. Storage Tip: Store leftover turkey meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Turkey Wing Salad: Slice the leftover turkey meat and add it to a salad with mixed greens, veggies, and your favorite dressing for a light and refreshing meal. Storage Tip: Store leftover turkey meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Turkey Wing Stir-Fry: Cut the leftover turkey meat into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with vegetables and your favorite sauce for a quick and flavorful dish. Storage Tip: Store leftover turkey meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Storage Tips: When storing leftover smothered turkey wings, make sure to cool them down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Divide the leftovers into smaller portions for easier reheating and serving. Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness. When reheating, ensure that leftovers are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken wings for turkey wings in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed since chicken wings are smaller and may cook faster.
Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
Q: How do I know when the turkey wings are done cooking?
A: The turkey wings are done cooking when they are tender and the meat easily falls off the bone. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the meat; if it goes in easily and the meat is tender, they’re ready to eat.