Slow cooked marinated turkey wings garnished with fresh herbs

Tender & Flavorful Slow Cooked Marinated Turkey Wings

Name: Tender & Flavorful Slow Cooked Marinated Turkey Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.2 kg Turkey wings (fresh or thawed); 3 tbsp Olive oil (preferably extra virgin); 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced (choose firm, fresh cloves); 4 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 2 tbsp Honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Ground black pepper; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Onion powder; 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1/2 cup Water or chicken broth (no added salt if using broth)

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medium

6 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs4gram

Fat21gram

Protein28gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey wings (fresh or thawed)1.2 kg
Olive oil (preferably extra virgin)3 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced (choose firm, fresh cloves)4 pieces
Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)4 tbsp
Honey or maple syrup2 tbsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Ground black pepper1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)2 tbsp
Water or chicken broth (no added salt if using broth)1/2 cup

This recipe guides you through slow cooking marinated turkey wings to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that easily falls off the bone. Marinating the wings adds depth and deliciousness, while slow cooking ensures they are cooked safely and perfectly. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900. Each serving contains about 350 kcal. This recipe suits those seeking a hearty, protein-rich meal and is rated easy to medium complexity with about 7 hours total time (including marinating and slow cooking).

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade

1In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until well blended. This marinade tenderizes and flavors the turkey wings deeply.

Marinate the turkey wings

2Place the turkey wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a covered dish. Pour the marinade over the wings and seal or cover them. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize.

Set up the slow cooker

3Pour the water or chicken broth into the slow cooker base. This liquid helps maintain moisture and prevents burning during slow cooking.

Add turkey wings to slow cooker

4Remove the turkey wings from the marinade, letting excess drip off (do not discard marinade yet). Place the wings in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the leftover marinade over the wings for enhanced flavor.

Slow cook the turkey wings

5Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours. This long, slow cooking process will break down connective tissue, making the wings tender and juicy.

Check internal temperature for safety

6Use a food-safe meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wings. They must reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption according to USDA guidelines for poultry.

Optional: Broil for crispy skin

7If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until skin crisps up. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Serve and enjoy

8Serve the slow cooked turkey wings hot, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips

1Always marinate turkey wings in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked wings.

3If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the wings at 160°C (325°F) covered with foil for about 2.5 hours.

4Reserve part of the marinade before adding raw wings if you want to use it as a sauce; otherwise, discard raw marinade to avoid foodborne illness.

5For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or Crock-Pot
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring spoons and cups
Resealable plastic bag or covered dish for marinating
Meat thermometer
Baking sheet (optional for broiling)

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey wings (~1.2 kg) - Approximately $8.50. Choose fresh or properly thawed wings with firm skin and no off-smell.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin preferred) - Approximately $0.50 for 3 tbsp. Select good quality oil stored in dark bottles.
[ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approximately $0.30. Pick firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
[ ] Soy sauce (low sodium) - Approximately $1.00 for 4 tbsp. Choose your favorite brand, preferably low sodium.
[ ] Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp) - Approximately $1.00. Opt for pure honey or syrup without additives.
[ ] Smoked paprika (1 tsp) - Approximately $0.20. Choose fresh, aromatic paprika.
[ ] Ground black pepper (1 tsp) - Approximately $0.10.
[ ] Salt (1 tsp) - Approximately $0.05.
[ ] Onion powder (1 tsp) - Approximately $0.10.
[ ] Lemon (for 2 tbsp juice) - Approximately $0.40. Use fresh lemons with bright skin.
[ ] Water or chicken broth (1/2 cup) - Approximately $0.05 for water or $0.30 if broth.

Total approximate cost: $12.30

FAQ

Can I freeze the cooked turkey wings?

Yes, allow the wings to cool completely, then package them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do I need to discard the marinade after marinating?

Yes, because the marinade contains raw poultry juices, it must be discarded or boiled thoroughly before using as a sauce to avoid foodborne illness.

Can I marinate the turkey wings for less time?

While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes in a pinch, for best flavor and tenderness, marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

How do I know the turkey wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F). The meat should be tender and juices run clear, not pink.