Smothered Turkey Wings – Immaculate Bites

What Are Smothered Turkey Wings?

Smothering is a Cajun and Creole cooking technique that transforms cheap cuts of meat into drool-worthy meals. The meat is slow-cooked in its own juices until tender and then served over rice. And, of course, everything (aka turkey wings) gets smothered in rich, homemade gravy.

Recipe Ingredients

1. Turkey Wings – A bit bigger and meatier than chicken wings, and the best part of the turkey, if you ask me.
2. Seasonings – Creole seasoning, turkey seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne powder infuse the turkey wings with bold, rich flavors. Then yellow onions and bell pepper add subtle sweetness and tang.
3. Roux – Butter is the ideal fat for making the perfect rue, and all-purpose flour turns into a delicious gravy when the next ingredient is added.
4. Broth increases the overall depth of flavor and creates a flavorful gravy.
5. Cream – For a truly decadent gravy, heavy cream is unbeatable.

How to Make Smothered Turkey Wings

Turkey Wings

• Prep Wings – Drizzle turkey wings with oil and rub it in with clean hands or a brush. Generously season turkey wings with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. (Photo 1)
• Combine Seasoning – In a small mixing bowl, add Creole seasoning, turkey seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix ingredients together until thoroughly combined. (Photo 2)
• Season Turkey – Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the turkey wings and rub it on them to coat evenly. (Photo 3)
• Bake – Transfer turkey wings to the prepared baking pan on a single layer. Add the onions and bell peppers to the pan. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. While the turkey wings are baking, prepare the gravy. (Photo 4)

Gravy

• Melt Butter – Melt butter in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
• Saute Veggies – Add onion, garlic, and thyme once the butter has melted. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, 2-3 minutes. (Photos 5-6)
• The Rue – Next, add a tablespoon of the remaining turkey seasoning and flour, stir to thoroughly combine, and cook until the raw flour taste is gone (about 2 minutes). (Photo 7)
• Add Liquid – Pour in the chicken broth while whisking, and then add heavy cream and continue whisking until combined. (Photo 8)
• Simmer – Cook the gravy for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
• Smother – Pour gravy on the turkey wings in the baking pan, cover the pan with foil again, and bake for 25-30 more minutes or until the wings are tender and cooked through. (Photos 9-10)
• Serve – Serve over warm rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

1. Try using smoked turkey wings for a delicious smoky BBQ flavor.
2. Give your wings a zesty, bright kick by adding lemon zest and fresh minced garlic to your seasoning mix.
3. Add your favorite mushrooms to the saucepan to make a super savory mushroom gravy for your turkey wings.

Tips and Tricks

1. Brine these babies for more tender, flavorful wings. Make your wet brine and soak your turkey wings for 4-5 hours or overnight. Then pat them dry before baking. Or you can dry brine them by rubbing them with salt and sliding some under the skin.
2. Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker for cooking the wings nice and slow for some super juicy and tender turkey. 
3. Did the gravy turn out a little lumpy?🤦🏿‍♀️ Blitz it in the blender for smooth-as-silk gravy to smother your turkey wings. No one will ever know.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make this deliciousness a day or two ahead, then reheat it in the oven for a quick and impressive meal. You can also store the turkey wings and gravy separately, then assemble and bake when ready to enjoy. 

Serving and Storage Instructions

This succulent smothered turkey wings recipe is best served hot with a heaping side of mashed potatoes and some green beans.

Leftovers last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or 3-6 months in the freezer. Reheat it in a 350℉/177℃ oven or a saucepan on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock. 

FAQs

What to Serve With Smothered Turkey Wings

This meal is a Louisiana masterpiece meant to go with rice. But you could serve it with garlic mashed red potatoes, seasoned rice, or skillet cornbread. Yum!

More Soul-Satisfying Southern Recipes to Try

1. Shrimp Etoufee
2. Easy Smothered Pork Chops
3. Gumbo
4. Southern Meatloaf
5. Po’Boy Sandwich

Conclusion

Smothered turkey wings are super easy and flavorful, thanks to the rich gravy. Would you like to stay up to date with my latest recipes? Then follow me on Instagram for the latest and greatest.😍

Watch How to Make It