Slow-cooked honey-glazed turkey wings on a plate garnished with herbs

Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings

Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings
easystar
4 hourtime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories400kcal

Carbs25gram

Fat15gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Turkey wings - choose fresh or fully thawed, look for plump wings with no discoloration or odor4 piece
  • Honey - use pure, natural honey for best flavor1/4 cup
  • Soy sauce - choose low sodium if preferred3 tbsp
  • Olive oil - good quality extra virgin recommended2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves - fresh, peeled and minced3 piece
  • Apple cider vinegar - unfiltered is best but regular white vinegar works2 tbsp
  • Ground black pepper - freshly ground preferred1/2 tsp
  • Salt - kosher or sea salt recommended1 tsp
  • Water - clean, filtered if possible1/2 cup

This slow-cooked honey-glazed turkey wing recipe makes the turkey wings incredibly tender and infused with a sweet and savory glaze. It's a foolproof recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The slow cooking process ensures that the turkey wings are juicy, and the honey glaze adds a delicious rich flavor that everyone will love. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (13€ / £11 / ₹1200). Each serving provides about 400 kcal. This recipe fits well into a moderate diet and is simple enough for beginners. Total cooking time is 4 hours 30 minutes with low hands-on time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the turkey wings

1Rinse the turkey wings under cold running water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This reduces bacteria and moisture for better browning and texture. Place them in the slow cooker insert.

Mix the glaze and marinade

2In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This glaze will add sweet and savory flavors while keeping wings moist.

Add water and glaze to slow cooker

3Pour half a cup of water into the slow cooker to create steam and prevent drying. Then pour the honey glaze mixture evenly over the turkey wings, making sure all wings are coated for maximum flavor.

Slow cook the wings

4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook the turkey wings for 4 hours. This slow and gentle cooking makes the turkey tender and allows the glaze to soak in perfectly.

Check the internal temperature

5After 4 hours, use a food-safe meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wings, avoiding bone contact. It should read at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat per food safety standards. If not yet reached, continue cooking and checking every 15-30 minutes.

Optional glaze thickening

6If you want a thicker glaze, carefully remove the wings and pour the remaining cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens to your liking. Brush or drizzle this glaze over the wings before serving.

Serve and enjoy

7Transfer the turkey wings to a serving plate, spoon some glaze on top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your tender, flavorful, honey-glazed turkey wings!

Cooking Tips

1To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw turkey.

2If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the turkey wings in a covered roasting pan at 160°C (325°F) for about 2-3 hours, basting occasionally with glaze.

3For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.

4Make sure the turkey wings are fully defrosted before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker or crockpot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Meat thermometer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Saucepan (optional, for thickening glaze)

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Turkey wings (4 pieces) - Approx. $10. Choose fresh or fully thawed wings without any off smell.
  • [ ] Honey (1/4 cup) - Approx. $2. Use pure honey for best taste.
  • [ ] Soy sauce (3 tbsp) - Approx. $1. Choose low sodium if desired.
  • [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $1.50. Extra virgin for best flavor.
  • [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) - Approx. $0.50. Fresh and firm cloves are best.
  • [ ] Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50. Unfiltered preferred.
  • [ ] Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp) - Approx. $0.20.
  • [ ] Salt (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.10.

Total Approximate Cost: $15.80

Tips: When buying turkey wings, look for pinkish flesh and avoid wings that smell sour or have slimy texture. For garlic, choose bulbs without green shoots or soft spots.

FAQ

How do I know when turkey wings are fully cooked and safe to eat?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Turkey wings must reach at least 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part to be safe to eat.

Can I use frozen turkey wings directly in the slow cooker?

It is safer and better for texture to fully defrost turkey wings before cooking. Cooking from frozen may lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues.

Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can place the wings in a covered roasting pan and cook at 160°C (325°F) for 2-3 hours until tender and cooked through, basting with glaze occasionally.

How should I store any leftovers?

Store cooked turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.