Slow-cooked turkey wings in a savory sauce, garnished with herbs

Hearty & Healthy Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings

Name: Hearty & Healthy Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Turkey wings (fresh, skin-on for better flavor); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits); 1 piece Onion (medium, chopped); 3 pieces Garlic cloves (minced, fresh); 2 pieces Carrots (medium, chopped); 2 pieces Celery stalks (chopped); 2 cups Low sodium chicken broth (preferably homemade or store-bought); 1 tsp Dried thyme; 1 tsp Dried rosemary; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 piece Bay leaf

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

easy

6 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs8gram

Fat15gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey wings (fresh, skin-on for better flavor)4 pieces
Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits)2 tbsp
Onion (medium, chopped)1 piece
Garlic cloves (minced, fresh)3 pieces
Carrots (medium, chopped)2 pieces
Celery stalks (chopped)2 pieces
Low sodium chicken broth (preferably homemade or store-bought)2 cups
Dried thyme1 tsp
Dried rosemary1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
Bay leaf1 piece

This healthy slow-cooked turkey wings recipe is designed for home cooks seeking a flavorful protein that's tender and nutritious. Using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The slow cooking process renders the turkey wings fall-off-the-bone tender while keeping them juicy and flavorful. Ensuring to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees safety and tenderness. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD (€11), £9, or ₹900. The dish provides about 350 kcal per serving, fitting well in a balanced diet. The recipe complexity is easy, with total time about 6 hours 30 minutes (including slow cooking).

Preparation instructions

Prepare Ingredients

1Wash your hands thoroughly before handling ingredients. Rinse turkey wings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (helps in searing). Chop onion, carrots, celery, and mince garlic. Keeping a clean workspace is crucial to avoid cross-contamination.

Sear Turkey Wings

2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add turkey wings and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step enhances flavor and locks in moisture.

Transfer to Slow Cooker

3Place the seared turkey wings into your slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf on top.

Add Broth and Cook

4Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, covering the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 6 hours.

Check Doneness & Safety

5After 6 hours, check the turkey wings' internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for poultry is 165°F (74°C). Ensure juices run clear with no pinkness. If not reached, cook for an additional 30 minutes and recheck.

Serve & Enjoy

6Once fully cooked and safe, remove turkey wings from slow cooker. Serve warm with cooked vegetables or your preferred side dish.

Cooking Tips

1You can add vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes for a complete meal in the slow cooker.

2If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove turkey and vegetables, then simmer liquid in a pan to reduce until desired consistency.

3Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet or frying pan
Meat thermometer
Chopping board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Spoon for stirring

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey wings (4 pieces) – around $7 (~€6.5, £5, ₹525). Look for fresh, skin-on wings for better flavor and texture.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) – about $0.50 (~€0.45, £0.40, ₹40) for required amount; buy a good quality bottle for health benefits.
[ ] Onion (1 medium) – approximately $0.30 (~€0.28, £0.25, ₹22); choose firm, dry-skinned onions.
[ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) – roughly $0.15 (~€0.14, £0.12, ₹10); select firm bulbs without mold.
[ ] Carrots (2 medium) – about $0.40 (~€0.37, £0.32, ₹30); pick firm, bright orange carrots.
[ ] Celery stalks (2 stalks) – around $0.50 (~€0.45, £0.40, ₹40); look for crisp, fresh stalks without browning.
[ ] Low sodium chicken broth (2 cups) – approximately $2 (~€1.85, £1.60, ₹150); choose low sodium to control salt levels.
[ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10 (~€0.09, £0.08, ₹8); check expiration date for freshness.
[ ] Dried rosemary (1 tsp) – $0.10 (~€0.09, £0.08, ₹8); smelling the herb before buying is helpful.
[ ] Salt & black pepper – already in pantry or <$0.05 (~€0.04, £0.04, ₹4)
[ ] Bay leaf (1 leaf) – $0.05 (~€0.04, £0.04, ₹4) Total Estimated Cost: $12 (~€11, £9, ₹900)

FAQ

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

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey wing without touching the bone. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C). Also, the juices should run clear and there should be no pink flesh.

Can I cook this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a low oven temperature (about 275°F or 135°C) in a covered roasting pan, cooking for about 3-4 hours until tender and reaching safe internal temperature.