Hey y’all! If you love soul-warming comfort food that’s big on flavor and easy to make, then this Smothered Turkey Wings recipe is for you. Tender turkey wings are slow-baked and drenched in rich, savory gravy for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal. Each bite is juicy, seasoned just right, and smothered in velvety sauce you won’t want to resist. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe
- Delivers ultimate comfort with fall-off-the-bone, juicy turkey wings every time.
- Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions.
- Requires simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Rich, flavorful gravy soaks perfectly into mashed potatoes or rice.
- Easy, hands-off baking method means minimal fuss and prep.
Ingredients for Smothered Turkey Wings
- 4 large turkey wings (about 4 lbs), split at joints
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Smothered Turkey Wings
Prep the Turkey Wings
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub all over the turkey wings, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Sauté Aromatics & Assemble
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion slices for 4-5 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Scatter the sautéed onions over the turkey wings in the roasting pan.
Prepare the Gravy for Smothered Turkey Wings
- In the same skillet, add an extra tablespoon of oil if needed. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up brown bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the gravy evenly over the turkey wings and onions.
Bake and Serve
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the wings to brown and the gravy to thicken.
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Smothered Turkey Wings
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of your gravy.
- For extra depth, add a splash of homemade turkey stock instead of chicken broth.
- For crispier skin, broil uncovered for the last 3-5 minutes—but watch closely to prevent burning!
Variations on Smothered Turkey Wings
- Spicy Smothered Turkey Wings: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a bold kick.
- Creole-Style: Stir 1 tsp Creole seasoning into the gravy for southern flair.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy flavor and umami.
Required Equipment for Smothered Turkey Wings
- Large roasting pan or deep baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Aluminum foil
Storing Leftover Smothered Turkey Wings
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F, covered, or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Smothered Turkey Wings
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttery cornbread to soak up all the savory gravy.
- Pair with sautéed green beans, Southern-style collard greens, or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Don’t forget a crisp, refreshing salad to balance out the richness!
Pro Tips for Perfect Smothered Turkey Wings
- Pat turkey wings thoroughly dry before seasoning for optimal browning (learn why drying meat helps here).
- Cook your flour for the gravy until deeply golden—it brings out a nutty, rich flavor.
- Let turkey wings rest after baking to help juices settle and keep meat super moist.
Smothered Turkey Wings FAQ
- Can I use store-bought gravy instead?
- Yes, but homemade gravy is richer and lets you control the flavor and seasonings.
- What if I can’t find turkey wings?
- Use chicken wings or drumsticks—the cooking time may need to be reduced by about 20-30 minutes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- No, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; check out Celiac.org for more gluten-free tips.
Total prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs turkey wings, separated at the joint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
-
1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat turkey wings dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey wings for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
-
3Transfer the browned turkey wings to a large baking dish. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
-
4Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and add thyme, stirring until gravy thickens.
-
5Pour the onion gravy over the turkey wings, cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until turkey is tender.
-
6Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to lightly brown the top. Serve hot with extra gravy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
