Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this smothered turkey wings recipe! This dish takes humble turkey wings and transforms them into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, impressing everyone with its rich flavors and tender meat. This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to follow, and delivers a healthy and satisfying meal. 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
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Season and Brown the Wings
Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the turkey wings on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. This step helps develop a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor. Remove the browned wings and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Smothering Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Braise the Wings
Return the browned turkey wings to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the turkey wings are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. For extra tender wings, consider simmering for 1.5 - 2 hours. Check occasionally and add a little more chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the turkey wings are cooked through, remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the smothered turkey wings over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. The rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over everything!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the sauce while simmering. Remove before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Carrots, celery, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also reheat beautifully!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe for smothered turkey wings is a surefire way to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s a perfect example of how simple, homemade cooking can lead to exceptional results. Enjoy!