Turkey Wings Recipe Crockpot: Fall-Off-The-Bone Deliciousness!

Craving that comforting, savory flavor of roasted turkey without the fuss of a whole bird? Look no further! This Crockpot Turkey Wings recipe delivers incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness with minimal effort. Imagine juicy, flavorful turkey wings simmering all day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. This is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the tough connective tissues in the turkey wings to break down, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy meat. Here’s why it works so well:

• Low and Slow Cooking: The consistent, low temperature of the slow cooker ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out. This extended cooking time is crucial for tenderizing the turkey wings.
• Moisture Retention: The slow cooker traps moisture, keeping the turkey wings succulent and flavorful. The braising liquid, infused with herbs and spices, further enhances the moisture and flavor.
• Easy and Convenient: Simply prep the ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. No constant monitoring or basting required!
• Flavor Infusion: The long cooking time allows the flavors of the herbs, spices, and vegetables to meld together, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 4-6 Turkey Wings (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 Carrots, chopped
• 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt (or more, to taste)
• 2 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• Optional: 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Turkey Wings (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey wings on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor and color to the final dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but searing is highly recommended.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (if you seared the turkey wings) or directly in the slow cooker (if you skipped searing), add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add to Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared turkey wings on top of the vegetables.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over the turkey wings. Sprinkle with dried thyme and rosemary. Add the bay leaf, if using.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the turkey wings are very tender and fall easily off the bone.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, remove the turkey wings from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve: Shred the turkey meat from the bones and return it to the slow cooker with the sauce. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If your slow cooker is too small to fit all the turkey wings in a single layer, cook them in batches or use a larger slow cooker. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish.
• Sear for Deeper Flavor: Searing the turkey wings before slow cooking adds a delicious depth of flavor and color. Don’t skip this step if you have the time.
• Deglaze the Pan (If Searing): After searing the turkey wings, deglaze the skillet with a little bit of the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Pour the deglazing liquid into the slow cooker.
• Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Opening the slow cooker lid during cooking can release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time. Try to avoid opening the lid unless necessary.
• Bone-In, Skin-On: Using bone-in, skin-on turkey wings is essential for the best flavor and texture. The bones add richness to the sauce, and the skin helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the cooked turkey wings to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled turkey wings and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the turkey wings in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through. If reheating in the oven, add a little bit of chicken broth to the container to prevent the turkey from drying out.

FAQ

Can I use turkey legs instead of wings?

Yes, you can substitute turkey legs for turkey wings in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so check for tenderness after the recommended cooking time.

Can I add vegetables other than onion, carrots, and celery?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sear the turkey wings as directed, then add the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure manually.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This Crockpot Turkey Wings recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a simple salad.

Can I use different herbs and spices?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Some other options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, or poultry seasoning.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Turkey Wings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender, flavorful turkey and a rich, savory sauce makes for an unforgettable meal. The ease of preparation and minimal cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy some fall-off-the-bone deliciousness! Your family and friends will thank you.