Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe that’ll impress your family and friends? Look no further! This smothered turkey wings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. Forget takeout – this homemade dish is surprisingly simple to make and offers a burst of deliciousness in every bite. Tender, juicy turkey wings smothered in a rich and savory gravy… what’s not to love? Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs turkey wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Wings
Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor and ensures a beautiful brown crust.
Step 2: Brown the Wings
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey wings on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This browning step adds depth of flavor and creates a nice sear. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the turkey wings from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Smothering Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Smother the Wings
Return the turkey wings to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the turkey wings are tender and easily fall off the bone. For extra tender wings, you can increase the simmering time. Check periodically and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the turkey wings are cooked through, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For deeper flavor, marinate the turkey wings overnight in a mixture of your favorite spices and a little oil.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Smothered Wings: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- BBQ Smothered Wings: Stir in ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Smothered Wings: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal option that offers a great balance of protein and flavor. Enjoy this amazing smothered turkey wings recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.