Smothered Turkey Wings

If you’ve been craving comfort food that’s rich, tender, and packed with Southern flavor, these Smothered Turkey Wings are exactly what you need.

The wings are seasoned to perfection, slow baked until fall apart tender, and smothered in a creamy, savory gravy made from the pan drippings. The bell peppers, onions, and buttery broth add so much depth, and every bite melts in your mouth.

This is the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing. It’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for Sunday dinner or the holidays.

Many may not know this but Turkeys were domesticated over 2,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest domesticated birds in the Americas.

Turkey wings are packed with collagen, which gives sauces and gravies a naturally silky texture when slow-cooked.

Whether you bake them, braise them, or smother them in gravy, turkey wings turn simple ingredients into something truly delicious.

This recipe brings out everything you love about Southern cooking: savory seasoning, fall-off-the-bone meat, and the kind of aroma that fills your home with pure nostalgia. 

Ingredients

Whole Turkey Wings– Meaty and flavorful, they become tender and juicy as they cook.

Onion – Adds mild sweetness and builds the base flavor for the gravy.

Red & Green Bell Peppers – Bring color, a touch of sweetness, and classic Southern flavor

Butter – Melts into the sauce for richness and a smooth, silky gravy.

Chicken Broth – Keeps the wings moist and creates the liquid base for the gravy.

Cream of Chicken With Herbs – Makes the sauce creamy, thick, and well-seasoned with herbal flavor.

Poultry Seasoning – Enhances the natural turkey flavor with warm, savory herbs.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds tangy, savory depth and boosts the overall flavor.

Smoked Paprika – Gives a mild smoky taste and improves the color.

Salt & Black Pepper, Garlic Powder and Cajun Seasoning – Basic seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors. Garlic Powder adds simple, savory garlic flavor that blends into the sauce. Cajun Seasoning brings a little heat and bold Southern seasoning.

Vegetable Oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes light browning.

Injectable Creole Butter (optional) – Adds extra moisture and boosts the inside flavor of the wings.

How To Make Smothered Turkey Wings

1. Season the Wings

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Add your turkey wings to a large bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.

Toss everything together until the wings are fully coated.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Place the seasoned wings in a baking dish. Add a square of butter on each wing, then top with sliced onions and bell peppers.

Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the dish to help create moisture and flavor while baking.

3. Bake until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1½–2 hours, or until the turkey wings are tender and easy to pull apart.

4. Make the Gravy

Once the wings are done, carefully pour the pan juices into a saucepan. Add the cream of chicken with herbs and warm it over medium heat, stirring until the gravy is smooth and well combined.

5. Smother the Wings

Pour the gravy back over the turkey wings. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes to let everything come together and slightly thicken.

Serving Ideas

• Mashed potatoes

• Cornbread

• Collard greens

• Mac and cheese

• Green beans

• Cornbread Dressing

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

1. Refrigerator

Store leftover turkey wings in an airtight container with their gravy for up to 4 days. Keeping them in the gravy helps prevent drying out.

2. Freezer

Place wings and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for Reheating

In The Oven:

Place turkey wings in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15–25 minutes, adding a splash of broth or gravy if needed.

On the Stovetop:

Warm them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a little broth or gravy until heated through.

In the Microwave:

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 1–2 minute intervals, adding gravy to keep them moist.