These Southern Smothered Turkey Wings are full of flavor and love! Tender turkey wings are cooked low and slow in a delicious, savory gravy that makes your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who can resist juicy turkey wings swimming in gravy? I love serving this dish with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Wings: These are the star of the dish! If turkey wings aren’t available, chicken thighs or drumsticks can work as a substitute, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Seasoned Salt: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re watching your salt intake, try using a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of regular salt instead.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dredging and thickening. You can replace it with cornstarch or gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just be cautious with the measurements, as they might thicken faster.
Chicken Broth: This adds a savory base to the gravy. Vegetable broth can be a great substitute for a lighter flavor, or homemade stock if you have it on hand.
Milk or Heavy Cream: For a richer sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use low-fat milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be sure to check the flavors to keep it balanced!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Browned Turkey Wings?
Getting your turkey wings perfectly browned creates a great flavor base! It’s all about patience and the right temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or drippings.
- Don’t crowd the wings; give them space in the pan. This helps them brown instead of steam.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once browned, remove them to avoid overcooking while you work on the gravy.
A little tip: If you have time, letting the wings rest for a few minutes before cooking can help them brown better!
Southern Smothered Turkey Wings with Savory Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey Wings:
- 4-6 turkey wings (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon drippings
For The Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into strips
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 1 hour of cooking time, giving a total of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll spend some time seasoning, browning, and simmering everything to perfection. A comforting meal, ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
Start by rinsing the turkey wings under cold water and then pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Next, season the wings evenly with seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This gives the turkey wings a wonderful flavor boost.
2. Dredging the Wings:
Take a shallow dish and fill it with flour. Dredge each turkey wing in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This will help create a nice, crispy exterior once cooked.
3. Browning the Wings:
Heat the vegetable oil or bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the turkey wings, allowing them to brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step locks in all the delicious flavors. Once browned, remove the wings from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook these for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened. This adds a lot of flavor to your gravy!
5. Making the Gravy Base:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well until everything is coated. This will thicken your gravy nicely when we add the liquids.
6. Adding Liquids and Seasonings:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or cream). Stir constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and thyme, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens up nicely, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Simmering the Wings:
Now, nestle the browned turkey wings back into the skillet, covering them with the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, put a lid on the skillet, and let them simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the wings are tender and fully cooked through. Give them a stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.
8. Adjusting Seasoning:
Once the wings are cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add some fresh or dried parsley on top for a nice pop of color and taste!
9. Serving:
Serve your smothered turkey wings hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to soak in. Enjoy a comforting meal filled with love and flavor!
This recipe results in tender, flavorful turkey wings bathed in a rich, creamy gravy, making it a true Southern comfort classic! Enjoy every bite! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey wings, but it’s essential to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a quicker method, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a few hours.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a great alternative and provides a lighter flavor. You can also use homemade stock if you have it available!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a bit of gravy or water, cover, and heat over low until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sautéed vegetables and gravy up to a day in advance, just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy, add the browned turkey wings, and simmer until heated through. It will be just as delicious!
