Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Nothing compares to the joy of a family meal that fills the home with warmth, love, and wonderful aromas. Imagine this: a Sunday evening with your dear ones gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories over a beautifully plated dish of turkey wings. The crispy, golden-brown exterior of the Smothered turkey wings immersed in a rich, savory gravy—this dish is truly a standout.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Wings?
Although smothered chicken wings are well-liked, turkey wings are frequently preferred for this meal. Turkey wings are bigger and contain more meat than chicken wings, making them ideal for smothering. When simmered gently in a flavorful gravy, turkey wings turn juicy and tender, with the skin beautifully caramelized, making the perfect comfort dish.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Smothered Turkey Wings
Essential Ingredients

- Turkey Wings: The highlight of the meal is the fresh, oversized turkey wings. They ought to be substantial and properly trimmed to guarantee a tender consistency.
- Seasonings: A combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves are your essential spices.
- Chicken Broth: The sauce is prepared using chicken broth, which imparts rich flavor to the wings.
- Flour: Flour is utilized to make a roux that will enhance the gravy’s thickness.
- Olive Oil: This ingredient is utilized for browning the wings, resulting in a crunchy, golden surface.
Recipe Options
- Vegetables: Gravy frequently includes onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Spices: For a bit of heat, think about incorporating cayenne pepper, spicy sauce, or chili flakes.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley are great enhancements to the gravy.
How to Make Smothered Turkey Wings
Step 1 – Getting the Turkey Wings Ready

If you’re utilizing frozen turkey wings, ensure they are fully defrosted in the refrigerator. After thawing, wash them in cold water and dry them off using paper towels. This will guarantee they brown correctly
Liberally season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Allow the wings to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes so that the seasonings can soak into the meat.
Step 2 – Searing the Wings

Add olive oil to a large skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, add the turkey wings in portions. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it will hinder the wings from becoming crispy.
Brown the wings for approximately 4-5 minutes on both sides until the skin turns golden and crispy. Employ tongs to turn the wings and guarantee uniform browning.
Step 3 – Getting the Gravy Ready for Smothering

In the same pan, include diced onions, garlic, and peppers. Cook them in the remaining oil and turkey drippings for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are tender and aromatic.
Add the Broth: Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Incorporate thyme, bay leaves, and other seasonings as desired. Allow the gravy to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
Step 4 – Smothering the Wings and Cooking

Place the browned turkey wings back into the skillet. Ladle the gravy onto the wings, making sure they’re thoroughly coated.
Simmer: Put a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the wings to cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Baste: At intervals, baste the wings with the sauce to keep them moist and tasty during the cooking time.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Turkey Wings
- To enhance the taste, let the turkey wings sit in your seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight. This allows the seasoning to soak into the meat.
- Properly browning the wings is essential for taste. Take your time to achieve a golden crust, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Utilizing low and slow heat guarantees that the wings stay soft and soak up all the tastes from the sauce.
- If the gravy is overly thick, incorporate additional chicken broth to thin it down. If it’s too watery, let it simmer a little longer to become thicker.
How to Store and Reheat
Store smothered turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen wings overnight in the fridge if needed. Warm in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or use the stovetop with a little broth or gravy to keep them moist.
How to Serve Smothered Turkey Wings
- Serve smothered turkey wings hot, covered in their rich gravy.
- Pair them with classic comfort sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread to soak up the sauce.
- Collard greens, green beans, or roasted vegetables balance the meal with freshness.
- For a hearty Southern-style plate, add macaroni and cheese or candied yams.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor before serving.
More Recipe Suggestions
- How to Make a Baked Turkey Wings Taste Amazing
- Delicious Turkey Wings Recipe – Easy to Make
- How To Reheat Chicken Wings: 5 Easy Ways
- Savory Southern Smothered Turkey Wings
- The Best Smothered Turkey Wings

Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- Turkey Wings
- Seasonings
- Chicken Broth
- Flour
- Olive Oil
- Vegetables
- Spices
- Fresh Herbs
Instructions
Step 1 – Getting the Turkey Wings Ready
- If you’re utilizing frozen turkey wings, ensure they are fully defrosted in the refrigerator. After thawing, wash them in cold water and dry them off using paper towels.
- Liberally season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2 – Searing the Wings
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, add the turkey wings in portions.
- Brown the wings for approximately 4-5 minutes on both sides until the skin turns golden and crispy.
Step 3 – Getting the Gravy Ready for Smothering
- In the same pan, include diced onions, garlic, and peppers. Cook them in the remaining oil and turkey drippings for approximately 3-4 minutes
- Add the Broth: Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Incorporate thyme, bay leaves, and other seasonings as desired.
Step 4 – Smothering the Wings and Cooking
- Place the browned turkey wings back into the skillet. Ladle the gravy onto the wings, making sure they’re thoroughly coated.
- Simmer: Put a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the wings to cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
FAQ About Smothered Turkey Wings
Is it possible to utilize frozen turkey wings?
Absolutely! You may utilize frozen turkey wings, but ensure they are fully thawed prior to cooking. This guarantees they cook uniformly and do not expel extra moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Gravy?
If your gravy is overly thick, incorporate additional chicken broth or water to lighten it. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer to enable it to reduce and become thicker.
Is it possible to make Smothered Turkey Wings ahead of time?
Certainly! You can get the wings ready in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. When it’s time to serve, just warm them up gently on the stove.
How Much Time Is Required to Prepare Smothered Turkey Wings?
Cooking the wings takes roughly 1 hour following the browning process. The secret is to allow them to cook slowly until they’re extremely tender and can easily fall off the bone.
Conclusion
Prepared to create your own sauced turkey wings? Collect your ingredients, adhere to these instructions, and indulge in a meal you’ll always remember. And remember to share your experience in the comments below tell us how your wings came out!
