Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings with Rich Homemade Gravy
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Turkey wings (fresh or thawed; skin-on for best flavor)1.5 kg
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)2 tbsp
- Yellow onion, large (choose firm and heavy for best flavor)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh, firm, with no bruises)4 cloves
- Carrot (medium size, fresh and firm)1 piece
- Celery stalk1 piece
- Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium if possible)500 ml
- All-purpose flour (to thicken gravy)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)1.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground recommended)1 tsp
- Dried thyme1 tsp
- Bay leaf1 piece
Experience the comfort of tender, slow-cooked turkey wings paired with a rich and savory homemade gravy in this easy recipe perfect for home cooks of any skill level. This dish uses common ingredients and simple steps to deliver delicious flavors without fuss. The total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD / 11 EUR / 9 GBP / 900 INR. Each serving contains around 350 kcal, making it a satisfying entrée suitable for a balanced diet. The difficulty level is easy, and the active cooking time totals about 1 hour 45 minutes, including slow cooking. Safety tips include cooking turkey wings to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and ensuring proper handling to avoid cross-contamination.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
1Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic cloves. Chop the carrot and celery into small pieces. This preparation helps build a flavorful base for the dish.
Sear the Turkey Wings
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey wings, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown, which seals in flavor and enhances texture. This step usually takes 16 minutes total.
Transfer to Slow Cooker
3Place the seared turkey wings into your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, dried thyme, bay leaf, and pour in the broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Slow Cook the Turkey Wings
4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes. Slow cooking at low temperature allows the meat to become tender and absorb flavors. Check at the minimum time for doneness.
Check Internal Temperature for Safety
5Use a food-safe instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey wing without touching bone. The safe internal temperature for turkey is 74°C (165°F). If not reached, continue cooking and check every 10 minutes until safe.
Make the Gravy
6Carefully remove the turkey wings and vegetables to a serving dish, keeping warm. Mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to form a smooth paste (slurry). Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat, add slurry while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy
7Pour the gravy over the turkey wings or serve on the side. Enjoy your slow-cooked turkey wings with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips
1For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cooking broth.
2You can substitute turkey wings with chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time as needed.
3Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4Always use a clean thermometer and avoid touching bone to get accurate temperature readings.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Saucepan
- Spoon or whisk for stirring gravy
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey wings (~1.5 kg) - Approx. $8.50: Choose fresh or properly thawed wings with firm skin.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - Approx. $0.50 for quantity used: Look for a bottle labeled 'extra virgin' for best flavor.
- [ ] Yellow onion (1 large) - Approx. $0.30: Choose onions that are firm with no soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approx. $0.20: Avoid garlic with sprouts.
- [ ] Carrot (1 medium) - Approx. $0.20: Select firm, bright orange carrots.
- [ ] Celery stalk (1 piece) - Approx. $0.15: Look for crisp, bright green stalks.
- [ ] Chicken or turkey broth (500 ml) - Approx. $1.50: Use low sodium for better control of salt.
- [ ] All-purpose flour (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.10: Regular flour from any brand is fine.
- [ ] Salt (kosher or sea salt) - Approx. $0.05 for quantity used.
- [ ] Black pepper (ground) - Approx. $0.05.
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.10.
- [ ] Bay leaf (1) - Approx. $0.05.
Total approximate cost: $11.70
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey wings instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey wings, but make sure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can cook the turkey wings in a covered Dutch oven or heavy pot in an oven set to 160°C (325°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender, checking temperature for safety.
How do I know when the turkey wings are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F), and the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
Yes, adjust the amount of flour slurry accordingly. Use less flour for thinner gravy, more for thicker, and stir continuously while heating to avoid lumps.