Description
Southern-style Smothered Turkey Wings baked low and slow in an onion-rich brown gravy until fork-tender. Simple ingredients, big comfort—perfect for cozy weeknights or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Wings:
- 3 lb turkey wings, split at the joints if desired
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or ½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp dried sage)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (baby Bella or cremini)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 fresh sprigs)
- ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped parsley or sliced green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Pat the turkey wings very dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and cayenne.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey wings.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the wings in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add onions and carrots; cook 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook 3–4 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to coat.
- Slowly whisk in the warm chicken stock until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the turkey wings and any juices to the pot. Spoon the gravy and vegetables over the top. Cover with lid or double layer of foil.
- Bake in the oven for 2½–3 hours until the wings are very tender and reach 190–200°F near the joints.
- Uncover during the last 15–20 minutes of baking to caramelize the wings and reduce the gravy.
- Remove from oven and set over low heat. Remove the bay leaf and stir in half-and-half or heavy cream. Warm gently for 1–2 minutes (do not boil).
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the seasoned wings sit for 30 minutes before searing.
- You can use bone-in turkey drumsticks or thighs if wings are unavailable.
- To thicken gravy further, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for a few extra minutes after baking.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread to soak up the gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 145mg