Crockpot turkey wings are one way to cook tender, juicy slow cooked turkey that’s fall off the bone delicious. A simple slow cooker recipe with a delicious gravy to go with the dish. Onions and peppers, along with a special spice blend all make up this crockpot recipe.
Recipe Highlights
- How they taste: Slow cooker turkey wings are perfectly comforting and a savory recipe. The spice blend used on the turkey has a little brown sugar and chilies in it. Therefore, you’ll get the spice with a touch of sweetness. They aren’t spicy at all. The aromas of the green bell pepper and onion work their way into the meat of the turkey. You can not only have the scent flowing through your home but you’ll taste them in every bite.
- Skill level: These crockpot turkey wings are a leave it and forget it type recipe. Slice up the veggies, season the wings and toss them in the crockpot. Anyone can make this recipe without issues.
- Storing: These wings will keep for 4-5 days when stored properly in a sealed container. You can even freeze them for later with no issues.
Ingredient tips
- Turkey: It’s very likely your turkey wings will come whole. Leave them that way. To add, the typical crockpot will fit about 3-4 turkey wings this way.
- Veggies: Use your veggies to support the turkey wings and keep them out of the water. That is the reason I say add them first. If you season the wings then pour the broth all them all the seasoning will wash off. There is room to add more veggies or peppers to your liking in the crockpot if you want to play around with ingredients.
- Seasonings: Most seasonings you will have on hand such as garlic, salt and pepper. Some that you may need to look for are smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder and cayenne pepper.
- Cornstarch: You may want a thicker gravy at the end. The gravy will be very loose so doubling the cornstarch will be necessary for a thicker gravy for serving.
How to make crockpot turkey wings
- Season the turkey wings with the spice blend provided or one of choice.
- Slice up the veggies, then add them to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the leftover seasoning over the veggies.
- Mix together the cornstarch and broth then pour over the veggies. Then, place the seasoned turkey wings on top of the bed of veggies.
- Allow the slow cooker turkey wings to cook on high for 4-5 hours. When finished, allow to cool a bit before serving.
Chef’s tips
- When starting out the amount of liquid won’t seem like enough. But, after and hour or two when the ingredients heat up everything will release water and the turkey will release it’s juices. This will add to the liquid in the bottom.
- Put the turkey wings on top of the vegetables. Because they are are crockpot turkey wings you can crowd them a little bit. But, putting the wings on top of the vegetables will allow the seasoning not to get washed off in the juice at the bottom.
- Do not toss out the juice and veggies once the crockpot turkey wings are done. This is a flavorful gravy that can be used to add to all of your classic side dishes served with this recipe.
- Cooking times will vary but this recipe should only take 4-5 hours to bring the turkey wings up to temp. If worried you are looking for 165F for turkey according to the USDA*.
Storing
This is very simple. Just wrap the crockpot turkey wings up in aluminum foil or place them into an airtight container. This is a great recipe to be frozen as well and should last a few months in the freezer.
For the leftover gravy or juice simply store in a bowl or jar. You can even freeze it along with the turkey wings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I thicken gravy in a crockpot?
There will be plenty of juices or drippings left in the bottom of the pot. This is the reason the cornstarch was added to help thicken this up to serve.
However, if you want even thicker gravy simple strain the drippings then in a pot make a cornstarch slurry in water and pour it in until the desired thickness is reached. Start out with 2 TB of cornstarch to 1/4 cup water.
What is the best seasoning for turkey wings?
A spice blend like the one provided is best. But, they also sell great blends in the grocery stores nowadays that you can use. Spice blends work well for turkey because poultry can be a little bland on its own.
Is it better to cook turkey wings in the slow cooker or oven?
From my experience you can do slow cooker or the oven. The main key is the heat. Cooking them too hot or too fast can make the meat a little tight even though they are tender. Moisture is also a big key in keeping them from drying out because turkey is so lean. Smothered wings are a good combination of both.
How long to cook turkey wings?
In the slow cooker, you’ll need about 4-5 hours. In the oven, they can be cooked a little faster when covered with foil. About 2-3 hours is what it takes in the oven.
Serving suggestions
The best options will be something like rice or mashed potatoes. This give you the chance to really utilize the gravy to flavor other dishes.
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Crockpot Turkey Wings
Ingredients
- 3 pound turkey wing
- 1 medium green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 5 sprig thyme
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (read instructions before adding)
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder
Instructions
- To start, whip together the seasoning mix (do not add cornstarch at this point). Then, pat the turkey wings dry.
- Next, generously season the turkey wings with the rub then set them to the side.You do not have to cut the drum and the flat unless you want to. This will not change anything if you do or don't.
- After you have seasoned the turkey wings, with all the leftover seasoning add in the cornstarch.
- Now, if you haven't sliced the onion and green bell pepper do it now. Take the slices and toss them in the seasoning miix with the cornstarch added.
- Grab your crockpot, turn the heat on high. This turkey wings will cook about 4-5 hours.
- Then, pour in the chicken broth in the bottom of the crockpot. Toss in all the coated onions and green bell peppers with the remains season. There will be some left so toss it in the water.
- Also, toss the sprigs of thyme in the water as well.
- Lastly, add the turkey wings directly on top of the sliced veggies. The areas that touch the liquid will have the seasoning washed away. But, thats not a problem because the seasoning will still work its way inside the wings as they cook.
- Before serving be sure to pull the stems from the thyme out of the crockpot.
Video
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
This is my 2nd time making this recipe. 1st time I made half the recipe. It was so delicious I had to make it again but made the full amount. My husband loves the way the turkey wings taste using this recipe. I’ll be making this often. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
This Crockpot Turkey Wings recipe is a true gem! The combination of spices, including smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne, creates a flavorful rub that infuses the turkey wings with depth and warmth. Placing the wings atop the seasoned onions and bell peppers not only prevents the seasoning from washing off but also allows the vegetables to contribute their own flavors, resulting in a rich, savory gravy.
savory