Name: Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490248H25M14S
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2–3 lb turkey wings (split into sections, if whole); 2 tbsp butter or oil (for searing); 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2–3 tbsp all‑purpose flour (for gravy); 3 cups chicken or turkey broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped celery or bell pepper (for extra flavor)

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Smothered Turkey Wings are a soul-warming, savory dish where tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey wings are baked in a rich, oniony gravy. This Southern-style comfort food is slow-cooked to perfection, and I love how the flavors deepen with every bite. It’s the kind of hearty meal that makes the house smell amazing and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how comforting and flavorful these smothered turkey wings are. The turkey turns incredibly tender as it bakes in a thick, seasoned gravy that’s packed with herbs, spices, and caramelized onions. It’s a one-pan, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or anytime I want something that sticks to the ribs in the best way possible. Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Turkey wings (split into sections if whole)
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
All-purpose flour (for gravy)
Butter or oil
Chicken or turkey broth
Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried thyme
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: celery, bell peppers, or fresh herbs for added flavor

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I season the turkey wings generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
In a large skillet, I sear the turkey wings in a bit of oil until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step adds great flavor to the final dish.
I transfer the seared turkey wings to a large baking dish or roasting pan.
In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the sliced onions until they’re soft and golden. I add the garlic and cook for another minute.
I stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes to form a roux. Then, I slowly whisk in the broth until smooth and thickened into a gravy. I add Worcestershire sauce if using, and taste to adjust the seasoning.
I pour the gravy over the turkey wings in the baking dish, making sure they’re well coated.
I cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the turkey is very tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
I uncover during the last 20–30 minutes if I want a slightly thicker gravy or more browning on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sliced bell peppers and celery to the gravy for more texture and flavor. For a spicy version, I add cayenne or hot sauce to the seasoning. When I want extra depth, I stir a splash of heavy cream into the gravy at the end. And for even richer flavor, I use turkey drippings if I have them on hand.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the wings and gravy in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F or gently on the stovetop. This dish also freezes well — I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

FAQs

Can I use whole turkey wings?

Yes, but I prefer cutting them into sections for even cooking and easier serving. Most butchers will split them for me if I ask.

Can I skip the searing step?

I don’t recommend skipping it — searing adds a lot of flavor and helps the wings hold up in the gravy during long baking.

What if my gravy is too thin?

If it’s too thin after baking, I simmer it uncovered on the stove or in the oven for another 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken it.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes. I sear the turkey and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours until tender.

What goes well with smothered turkey wings?

I serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or collard greens — anything that can soak up that delicious gravy.

Conclusion

Smothered Turkey Wings are the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — deeply flavorful, tender, and absolutely satisfying. I love how the slow cooking turns simple ingredients into something rich and comforting, making it a favorite for family dinners or holiday tables. Once I make it, it’s a recipe I return to again and again.