Tender Slow-Cooked Lemon Turkey Wings
Nutritional value per serving
Calories420kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat25gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Turkey wings (fresh, not frozen; choose plump, pink skin, avoiding discoloration)4 piece
- Lemon (fresh, firm with bright color, thin-skinned is juicier)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh, firm, with no mold)4 piece
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
- Chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)1 cup
- Fresh thyme (or dried thyme, if fresh unavailable)1 tsp
- Salt (to taste)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
This slow-cooked lemon turkey wing recipe is perfect for home cooks who want to prepare a flavorful and tender meal with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, the turkey wings become juicy and infused with a bright lemony taste. The dish costs around $8 (USD), €7, £6, or ₹600 for the whole recipe, making it an affordable option. Each serving contains approximately 420 kcal and is suitable for a balanced diet. Preparation is straightforward and the cooking time allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a delicious meal that's easy to share with family and friends. Food safety is emphasized with recommended cooking temperatures to ensure your meal is both tasty and safe to enjoy.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the turkey wings and marinade
1Rinse the turkey wings under cold running water, pat dry with paper towels. Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning surfaces and your hands immediately after handling raw poultry. Zest the lemon, then juice it. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Mix the marinade
2In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
Marinate the turkey wings
3Place the turkey wings in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more flavor infusion.
Prepare the slow cooker
4Set your slow cooker to low heat. Transfer the marinated turkey wings along with the marinade into the slow cooker. Arrange wings in a single layer for even cooking.
Slow cook the turkey wings
5Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the turkey wings reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing without touching the bone to check doneness. The meat should be tender and juices run clear.
Serve and enjoy
6Carefully remove the turkey wings from the slow cooker. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or extra thyme if desired.
Cooking Tips
-Avoid using frozen turkey wings unless fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking.
-If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the wings in a baking dish covered with foil at 150°C (300°F) for about 2.5 hours, checking temperature accordingly.
-Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
-To achieve crispier skin, briefly broil the cooked wings in the oven for 3-5 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (or slow cooker insert)
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Tongs or spatula
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey wings (Approx. $6) - Choose fresh, plump wings with no discoloration.
- [ ] 1 Lemon (Approx. $0.50) - Look for firm with bright skin and avoid soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (Approx. $0.30) - Fresh, firm bulbs without sprouting.
- [ ] Olive oil, extra virgin (Approx. $1 for the amount used) - Select high-quality for best flavor.
- [ ] Chicken or turkey broth, low sodium (Approx. $0.50) - Check label for low salt content.
- [ ] Fresh thyme or dried (Approx. $0.50) - Fresh herbs offer better aroma.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (Pantry staples)
Estimated total cost: $8
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey wings for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before starting, to ensure even cooking and safety.
How do I check if the turkey wings are cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 75°C (165°F). The meat should also be tender and juices should run clear.
Can I substitute lemon with another citrus?
Yes, you can use lime or orange zest and juice as substitutes, which will provide a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
Is it necessary to marinate the wings?
Marinating helps infuse the lemon and herb flavors deeply into the meat and keeps it moist during slow cooking, but if short on time, you can cook them directly with the marinade.