Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, fall-off-the-bone tender meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This crock pot turkey wings recipe is your answer. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that are also incredibly delicious and require minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe is a winner for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick dinner idea. Get ready to savor the incredible taste of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs turkey wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better if you choose to sear them.
- If desired, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey wings on all sides until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
Crock Pot Magic:
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seared (or unseared) turkey wings on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Pour the mixture over the turkey wings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the turkey wings are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone.
Serving Suggestions:
- Remove the turkey wings from the slow cooker and shred the meat from the bones.
- Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can thicken the sauce by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.
- Serve the shredded turkey wings over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides. The delicious sauce is perfect for dipping!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and savory: For a sweeter flavor profile, increase the brown sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the cooking liquid for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe for turkey wings in a crock pot is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful turkey wings perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!