These Southern Style Baked Turkey Wings are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. They get a nice, crispy skin while staying moist inside, making them a real treat for any meal.
Honestly, I love how easy these wings are to prepare! Just season, pop them in the oven, and enjoy that amazing smell while they cook. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Wings: The main star of this dish! If turkey wings are hard to find, you can use chicken wings or even drumsticks. They will have a different flavor but will still be tasty.
Olive Oil: This helps to sear the wings beautifully. You can use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer a richer taste. Just watch the heat to prevent burning.
Onion and Garlic: They add great flavor! Use shallots in place of onions for a milder taste, or garlic powder if you’re short on fresh garlic. Fresh is best, but don’t sweat it!
Spices: Smoked paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes are essential for that Southern kick. If you want to ease the spice, cut back on the cayenne, or swap it with sweet paprika for a milder flavor.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth. You can use vegetable broth or even water, though broth gives a richer flavor.
How Do I Get the Wings Crispy and Flavorful?
Achieving crispy, flavorful turkey wings can sometimes be tricky. Here’s how to master it:
- First, make sure to pat the wings dry. Removing moisture helps the skin get crispy during cooking.
- After seasoning the wings, sear them in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice crust.
- Bake covered with foil to start. This keeps the wings moist. Then, remove the foil at the end to let them bake uncovered for that perfect crispy skin.
With these steps, you’ll have great texture and flavor in your Southern Style Baked Turkey Wings!
Southern Style Baked Turkey Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey Wings:
- 3 lbs turkey wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time searing and seasoning the wings, and then let them bake while you enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven nice and warm by preheating it to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for slow-cooking those turkey wings to tender perfection!
2. Prepare the Turkey Wings:
Grab some paper towels and pat the turkey wings dry. This helps to get the skin nice and crispy later on. Next, in a large bowl, rub the wings thoroughly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), and crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure every part of the wings is coated! It’s going to create a fantastic flavor.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
4. Sear the Turkey Wings:
Now it’s time to add those beautifully seasoned turkey wings to the skillet. Sear them on all sides until the skin is a lovely golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. It not only enhances flavor but gives them a great texture.
5. Transfer and Pour the Broth:
Once the wings are nicely seared, remove them along with the onions from the skillet and transfer to a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice over the top. This will keep the wings nice and juicy!
6. Cover and Bake:
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep all that moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone with ease.
7. Crisp Up the Wings:
After the baking time, carefully remove the foil, then crank the oven temperature up to 400°F (200°C). Let them bake for another 20-30 minutes. This step is key for achieving that crispy, golden skin!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once they are beautifully crispy, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the wings rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, and rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your hot, flavorful Southern Style Baked Turkey Wings! Perfect for a family gathering or a comforting dinner at home!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. You can also use the cold water method: place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water until thawed. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if they’re still slightly frozen.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Each will add a slightly different flavor but will work beautifully for searing the wings.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) or the microwave, ensuring they’re warmed through for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Add More Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice levels according to your taste. You can add more cayenne for heat, or experiment with other spices like cumin, garlic powder, or even a barbecue rub for a different flavor profile!