
Tender and Juicy Boiled Turkey Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Turkey wings (fresh or thawed) - Look for fresh or fully thawed wings without any off-smells or discoloration.2 pieces
- Water - To cover the wings in the pot.2 liters
- Salt - Enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.1 tbsp
- Black peppercorns - Whole for subtle aroma.1 tsp
- Garlic cloves - Peeled, for added flavor.3 pieces
- Bay leaves - For aroma.2 pieces
- Onion - Quartered, adds sweetness.1 piece
- Carrot - Chopped, adds a natural sweetness to broth.1 piece
- Celery stalk - Chopped, adds depth of flavor.1 piece

This recipe shows you how to boil turkey wings until they are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Boiling turkey wings is an easy cooking method that keeps the meat moist and is perfect for beginners. The total ingredient cost is approximately $8 (USD), €7 (Euros), £6 (Pounds), and ₹650 (Rupees). Each serving has around 350 calories. This dish is suitable for a standard omnivorous diet. The recipe difficulty is easy and the total cooking time is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prep Ingredients
1Gather all ingredients. Rinse turkey wings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove any surface contaminants. Preparing aromatics: peel garlic, chop carrot and celery, and quarter onion.
Fill Pot and Add Aromatics
2In a large pot, add 2 liters of cold water, salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, onion, carrot, and celery. Stir gently to combine. This forms the flavorful cooking broth for the turkey wings.
Add Turkey Wings
3Place the turkey wings gently into the pot making sure they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer Turkey Wings
4Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot loosely. Let the wings simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the wings become tender and juicy.
Check Temperature & Tenderness
5After 1 hour, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe poultry consumption. Also, test tenderness by gently piercing the meat: it should be easy to pierce and the meat should be soft.
Remove and Serve
6Once cooked through and tender, carefully remove the turkey wings from the pot. You can serve them as they are or use the flavorful broth for soups or sauces.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey wings reach a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to avoid undercooked poultry.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw turkey and vegetables, and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.
3For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the boiling water.
4Leftover broth can be strained and used as a base for soups or gravies.
5To save time, you can also pressure cook the turkey wings for about 30-40 minutes under high pressure.
Equipment
- Large cooking pot with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey wings (fresh or thawed), about 2 pieces (~$6): Choose wings that are fresh, with no unpleasant smell or discoloration.
- [ ] Garlic cloves, 3 pieces (~$0.50): Fresh, firm cloves without mold.
- [ ] Bay leaves, 1 small packet (~$1): Adds great aroma to broth.
- [ ] Onion, 1 piece (~$0.30): Firm, with dry skin.
- [ ] Carrot, 1 piece (~$0.20): Choose firm, vibrant carrots.
- [ ] Celery stalk, 1 piece (~$0.20): Crisp and fresh-looking.
- [ ] Black peppercorns, small container (~$0.50): Use whole peppercorns for best flavor.
- [ ] Salt, any type (~$0.10 worth): Use regular cooking salt.
Total approx cost: $8.80
FAQ
Can I boil turkey wings from frozen?
While it’s safer to thaw turkey wings before boiling to ensure even cooking, you can boil them from frozen. Cooking time will increase by about 50% and ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
How do I know when turkey wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing. It should read at least 74°C (165°F). The meat should also be tender and juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs for flavor?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or herbs like rosemary and thyme to enhance flavor.
Is it safe to save and reuse the broth?
Yes, after cooking, strain the broth and refrigerate or freeze it. Use within 3-4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen for best quality and safety.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooked turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before eating.