Slow cooked BBQ turkey wings on a plate with BBQ sauce and garnish

Tender and Juicy Slow Cooked BBQ Turkey Wings

Name: Tender and Juicy Slow Cooked BBQ Turkey Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Turkey wings (fresh or thawed, skin on); 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 1 tsp Onion powder; 0.5 cup Water or chicken stock (for slow cooker base)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

easy

4 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat25gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey wings (fresh or thawed, skin on)4 pieces
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)1 cup
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper0.5 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Water or chicken stock (for slow cooker base)0.5 cup

This recipe guides you through slow cooking turkey wings to perfection with a delicious BBQ sauce. Slow cooking ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the BBQ sauce adds a smoky, tangy flavor. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12, €11, £9, and ₹960. The dish contains about 450 calories per serving, making it a flavorful but reasonably hearty meal. It's suitable for a standard diet and perfect for a beginner to medium skill level home cook. The entire process, including preparation and cooking, takes about 5 hours. This recipe prioritizes food safety by providing internal cooking temperatures and handling advice to ensure the turkey wings are safely cooked and delicious.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Turkey Wings

1Pat dry the turkey wings with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning if searing. Safe handling: wash your hands before and after touching raw poultry, and clean any surfaces the raw wings touch to avoid cross-contamination.

Season the Turkey Wings

2In a bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey wings. The spices add flavor and create a delicious crust.

(Optional) Sear the Turkey Wings

3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the turkey wings for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step develops flavor through browning but is optional if you're short on time.

Place Wings in Slow Cooker

4Place the seasoned (and seared, if you chose) turkey wings in the slow cooker. Pour water or chicken stock into the slow cooker base to provide moisture for slow cooking.

Slow Cook the Wings

5Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 4.5 hours. During cooking, the turkey wings will become tender and juicy. For safety, use a meat thermometer towards the end to check the internal temperature. Safe internal temperature for turkey is at least 74°C (165°F).

Add BBQ Sauce

6In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey wings with BBQ sauce and let them cook uncovered. This allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize a bit, enhancing flavor.

Finish and Serve

7Once cooked, make sure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more moist and tender.

Cooking Tips

1If you want a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.

2For a thicker BBQ sauce glaze, reserve some sauce, brush it on in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 200°C after slow cooking.

3Ensure the slow cooker is not overfilled; leave space for air to circulate for even cooking.

4Always use a clean plate when handling cooked wings to avoid cross-contamination.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Skillet (optional for searing)
Tongs
Meat thermometer
Brush (for BBQ sauce)

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey wings (4 pieces) ~ $8, look for fresh or thawed ones with skin on for best flavor.
[ ] BBQ sauce (1 cup) ~ $2. Choose a tangy and smoky brand or your favorite homemade mix.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) ~ $0.50, extra virgin is preferable for flavor.
[ ] Garlic powder (1 tsp) ~ $0.20, get fresh and fragrant powder.
[ ] Smoked paprika (1 tsp) ~ $0.30, check aroma to ensure freshness.
[ ] Salt (1 tsp) ~ Negligible cost.
[ ] Black pepper (0.5 tsp) ~ Negligible cost, freshly ground recommended.
[ ] Onion powder (1 tsp) ~ $0.20, choose finely ground for even seasoning.
[ ] Chicken stock or water (0.5 cup) ~ water is free; stock adds flavor, around $0.30.

Total cost approx.: $12.50

FAQ

What internal temperature should turkey wings reach to be safe to eat?

Turkey should reach an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to eat and all harmful bacteria are killed.

Can I cook turkey wings in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake turkey wings at 180°C (350°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until they reach the safe internal temperature, basting with BBQ sauce near the end.

How do I avoid cross contamination when handling raw turkey wings?

Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw poultry. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, and clean surfaces with hot soapy water.