Easy Smothered Turkey Wings
Looking for a comforting Southern dish that’s full of flavor and simple to make? This smothered turkey wings recipe features juicy, oven-baked turkey wings topped with a rich and savory homemade gravy. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving a cozy meal that tastes like home. Whether you’re celebrating turkey season, planning a fall dinner, or just in the mood for some southern turkey wings, this recipe fits right in.
A SIMPLE SOUTHERN TURKEY WINGS RECIPE FOR FALL
When cooler weather arrives, many people start exploring new ways to enjoy turkey. Roasted turkey is always popular during the holidays, but there are many other ways to enjoy this flavorful bird throughout the season. This easy turkey wings recipe is a great alternative to a whole turkey, especially when cooking for a smaller group. If you’ve made herb-roasted turkey or baked turkey drumsticks, adding this turkey wings and gravy dish to your list is a natural next step.
If you’re wondering how to cook turkey wings with bold, comforting flavor, this dish offers a step-by-step method that’s easy to follow, even for beginners. And the best part? You only need a few ingredients from your pantry to make it happen.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SMOTHERED TURKEY WINGS RECIPE
- It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s great for the whole family.
- This recipe uses simple steps and pantry staples, so there’s no stress.
- The flavor is rich and satisfying, even picky eaters might ask for seconds.
- It’s a great way to use turkey outside of traditional holiday meals.
- Works well for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED TURKEY WINGS WITH GRAVY
To make this flavorful baked turkey wings with gravy dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- Turkey Wings: Fresh wings split into flats and drumettes are ideal.
- Vegetables: Chopped celery, onions, and red bell peppers add color and flavor.
- Seasonings: Use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
- Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the turkey wings.
- Butter and Flour: For making the roux, which thickens the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: Adds extra flavor—use low-sodium if preferred.
- Parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color to the finished dish.
VARIATIONS FOR TURKEY WINGS AND GRAVY
This southern turkey wings dish can be customized to suit your flavor preferences. Try these variations:
- Add extra heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Swap in Italian seasoning for a more subtle, herby flavor.
- Don’t have turkey wings? Use turkey thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken wings instead.
HOW TO COOK TURKEY WINGS WITH GRAVY
This easy turkey wings recipe is broken down into simple steps so you can follow along without confusion.
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 400℉ and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, parsley, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the Turkey Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry using a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and coat them with the seasoning mix. Rub well to ensure the spices cover each wing evenly.
- Add the Veggies and Broth: Arrange the seasoned turkey wings in a single layer in your baking dish. Add chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, and butter on top. Pour the chicken broth around the edges.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings.
- Make the Gravy: After baking, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan or skillet. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Adjust by adding water or broth if needed.
- Bake Again: Pour the thickened gravy over the turkey wings. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 more minutes. This allows the sauce to reduce and thicken further.
- Serve Hot: Once the wings are tender and the gravy is rich, remove the dish from the oven and serve warm.
STORING LEFTOVER SMOTHERED TURKEY WINGS
This turkey wings and gravy recipe makes great leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warm.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible but not recommended, as the texture of the turkey may change.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST SOUTHERN TURKEY WINGS
- Always pat dry the turkey wings before seasoning. This helps them crisp up.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the wings overnight in the fridge.
- Cooking times vary depending on wing size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165℉.
- When making the gravy, a mix of half-and-half with broth can add extra richness.
SERVING IDEAS FOR SMOTHERED TURKEY WINGS
This smothered turkey wings recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:
- Serve with steamed rice for a classic combination.
- Try with soft dinner rolls to soak up the savory gravy.
- Pair with Southern collard greens or fried cabbage for a traditional feel.
- Consider saffron rice for a colorful and flavorful option.
RECIPE FAQS
What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
Let it simmer to reduce or add a butter-flour roux to thicken it.
How do I thin gravy that’s too thick?
Stir in a bit of broth or water and whisk until the texture is right.
How can I tell if the turkey wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165℉ or higher.
Easy Smothered Turkey Wings
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Sauce pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb turkey wings split into flats and drums
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup broth
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- ½ medium onion chopped or julienned
- 1 bell pepper red or green, julienned
- 1 cup broth additional for gravy
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ and lightly grease a baking dish. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, parsley, paprika, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pat the turkey wings dry and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with oil and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the wings. Use your hands to ensure the wings are well coated on all sides.
- Arrange the wings in the greased baking dish in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Scatter the chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers over the wings. Add butter and pour in 1 cup of broth.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for at least 1 hour. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings.
- Once cooked, transfer the pan drippings to a skillet or saucepan. Add flour and whisk to combine. Simmer until the mixture thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if needed.
- Pour the prepared gravy over the turkey wings. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the wings to become extra tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Marinating the wings in advance (up to 24 hours) can enhance flavor. Store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Cooking time will vary depending on wing size—larger pieces may need more time.
- For a richer gravy, consider using a combination of broth and half-and-half when making the roux.
- Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.
Nutrition
If you’ve tried this Easy Smothered Turkey Wings or any other recipe on my website, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a 🌟 star rating and share your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. Thank you so much for visiting!
