Tender Slow Cooked Turkey Wings: Juicy & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat20gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Turkey wings (fresh or thawed) - choose fresh or properly thawed frozen wings with no off smell1.2 kg
- Onion - medium, choose firm and unblemished1 piece
- Garlic cloves - fresh and firm, without green shoots3 pieces
- Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)500 ml
- Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika - for flavor and a mild smoky taste1 tsp
- Dried thyme or mixed herbs1 tsp
- Salt - adjust to taste1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground preferred0.5 tsp
This recipe guides you through slow cooking turkey wings until they are incredibly tender and packed with flavor. Slow cooking allows the collagen in the turkey wings to break down, making the meat juicy and easy to pull apart. Ideal for home cooks seeking a simple yet rewarding meal, this recipe uses common ingredients and standard kitchen equipment. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD (about €11, £9, ₹900). Each serving contains roughly 350 calories. The dish is suitable for a high-protein diet and is of easy difficulty. Total cooking time is about 6 hours and 20 minutes, including preparation.
Preparation instructions
Prepare Ingredients
1Peel and thinly slice the onion. Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in browning.
Brown the Turkey Wings
2Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey wings and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning adds flavor and color to the final dish.
Set Up Slow Cooker
3Place the browned turkey wings into the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the top.
Add Broth and Cook
4Pour the broth into the slow cooker, making sure wings are partially submerged. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the turkey wings are very tender. Internal temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
Check for Doneness
5At the end of cooking time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding bone. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Serve and Enjoy
6Remove the turkey wings from the slow cooker carefully. Serve hot with your favorite sides. You can spoon some of the cooking juices over the wings for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
1Ensure turkey wings are fully thawed if frozen to allow even cooking and avoid food safety issues.
2Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature to guarantee the turkey is safe to eat.
3Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces after handling raw poultry.
4If desired, add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
5For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight in your favorite spices and a little oil.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or Crock-Pot
- Skillet or frying pan for browning
- Tongs for handling turkey wings
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey wings (about 1.2 kg) - Choose fresh or fully thawed wings with no off smell.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Pick a firm onion with dry, papery skin.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3) - Choose firm cloves without green sprouts.
- [ ] Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (500 ml) - For added flavor and moisture.
- [ ] Olive or vegetable oil - For browning the wings.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) - Adds smoky depth.
- [ ] Dried thyme or mixed herbs (small jar) - For herbaceous flavor.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - For seasoning.
Estimated total cost: Approximately $12 USD.
Tip: Buy fresh poultry from a reputable source and check expiration dates.
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey wings directly in the slow cooker?
It is best to fully thaw frozen turkey wings before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the turkey wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be at least 74°C (165°F). The meat should also be tender and pull away easily from the bone.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery to cook alongside the turkey wings for a complete meal.