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Smothered Turkey Wing Recipe

Smothered Turkey Wing Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

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!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Calories: 973

Ingredients
  

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 1/4 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
  • 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

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Brine
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

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.