Smothered Turkey Wing Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Name: Smothered Turkey Wing Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar; 6 turkey wing flats; 1 shallot, halved; 5 sprigs of fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves, broken in half; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/4 cup 1/4 plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 large sprig of rosemary; 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns; 2 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil; 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds; 1 celery stalk, sliced on the bias; Kosher salt to taste

Iris Miller February 27, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When you think of a hearty dish like smothered turkey wings, your mind likely wanders to mouthwatering sides that can elevate the meal. Think comfort food staples, like creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all the savory goodness, or perhaps a light and crisp coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Cornbread brings a sweet, fluffy element that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce. Don’t forget biscuits, too—they’re perfect for mopping up every last drop. And for a refreshing drink? A cold glass of sweet tea never hurts!

My Experience with Ingredients

Every successful dish starts with quality ingredients. I take pride in handpicking each item I use. For these savory turkey wings, I make a point to source fresh herbs, flavorful broth, and the kind of spices that pack a punch.

Shopping for individual components feels like a treasure hunt. Picture me strolling through the vegetable aisle, hand-feeling those ripe tomatoes, and checking for freshness on the herbs. It’s all about the details.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. I can tweak the ingredients for diverse tastes. You’ll soon find that this recipe encourages experimentation and spontaneity. Want to try it with a different broth? Go for it. Feel free to vary the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you’ve got hiding in the back of your fridge. That’s how I cherish the culinary adventure.

Ingredients List

For the Brine:

1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
6 turkey wing flats
1 shallot, halved
5 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 bay leaves, broken in half
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 large sprig of rosemary
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

For the Braise:

2 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola), divided
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 celery stalk, sliced on the bias
Kosher salt to taste

How to Make Smothered Turkey Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

Start by mixing the brine. In a medium bowl, combine the kosher salt, dark brown sugar, ginger, thyme, rosemary, and peppercorns. Add two cups of warm water. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Cool the mixture to room temperature.

Submerge the turkey wings in the brine and let them marinate for at least an hour—or overnight if you’re planning ahead.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Take a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.

Sauté until they soften and become translucent. This process can take about 5 minutes. Add in the carrots and celery. Stir frequently until the veggies begin to caramelize.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and the remaining oil until you form a paste. Gradually add the chicken broth to the pan, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the turmeric, black pepper, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken.

Step 4: Add the Turkey Wings

Remove the turkey wings from the brine, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully nestle the wings into the pan with the sauce. Make sure they’re well coated. If the sauce doesn’t entirely cover them, splash in a bit of extra broth or water.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and allow everything to cook for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Occasionally, check on the wings, giving them a gentle stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve Up Your Creation

Once the turkey wings are tender and the meat starts to pull away, you know it’s time to serve. Plate them up, drizzling the remaining sauce generously over each wing. I love to garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for an extra touch of color.

Recipe Notes

Turkey Wings: Rich in flavor and offers a juicy texture. If you can’t find flats, whole wings work just fine.
Kosher Salt: This salt dissolves well and enhances flavor without making dishes overly salty.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add depth and build layered flavors.
Chicken Broth: Homemade adds a distinct touch. For a low-sodium option, choose store-bought alternatives.

Recipe Variations

Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers or green beans can add additional texture and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Incorporate some crushed red pepper for a kick.
Make it Sweet: A splash of honey or maple syrup can amplify the sweetness.
Try Different Proteins: Substitute with chicken legs or thighs if turkey isn’t your preference.
Use Different Broths: Trying beef broth can create an entirely different flavor profile.
Herb Substitution: Swap in sage or oregano depending on your taste.

Conclusion

Cooking smothered turkey wings resonates with personal memories and showcases the beauty of home-cooked meals. This dish can bring family and friends together around the dinner table, and it never hurts to practice a bit of creativity along the way. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and remember—every dish tells a story. Try this recipe for yourself, and let those turkey wings whisk you away to your own fond memories. Happy cooking!

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Smothered Turkey Wing Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 983 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, smothered turkey wings! If you know me, you know they hold a special place in my culinary heart. This dish is more than just food; it’s a celebration of flavor and warmth. I remember the first time I tasted them.

My grandmother would spend the entire afternoon in the kitchen, the aroma slowly wafting through the house, drawing us all together. Nothing beats that sense of comfort.

What makes this recipe wonderful is how forgiving it is. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without feeling overwhelmed. Homemade ingredients shine; you can create something that feels gourmet but comes together with ease.

After experimenting with this recipe myself, I've found it easily adaptable, which is a win in my book. So, let's dive into the flavors that can transform your ordinary meal into a family favorite!