How To Cook Turkey Wings In Slow Cooker

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Cooking turkey wings in a slow cooker is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and tender cut of meat. With the low and slow cooking method, the wings become incredibly juicy and fall off the bone. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want a delicious meal, using a slow cooker to cook your turkey wings is a convenient and hassle-free option. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking turkey wings in a slow cooker.

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• 4-6 turkey wings
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 cup of chicken broth

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started!

Ingredient List

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious slow cooker turkey wings:

• 4-6 turkey wings: Make sure the wings are thawed if using frozen wings.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil: This will help coat the wings and prevent them from sticking to the slow cooker.
• 1 teaspoon of salt: Enhances the flavor of the wings.
• 1 teaspoon of pepper: Adds a nice kick of heat.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Provides a savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: Brings in a herbal aroma.
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary: Adds a hint of earthiness.
• 1 cup of chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful cooking liquid.

These ingredients are easily accessible and can be found at your local grocery store. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the turkey wings!

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Wings

Before we begin cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare the turkey wings. Follow these steps to ensure they are ready for slow cooking:

1. Start by rinsing the turkey wings under cold water to remove any unwanted residue.
2. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the seasonings adhere better.
3. Next, inspect the wings and trim off any excess fat or loose skin.
4. If desired, you can separate the wing sections (drumettes, flats, and tips) using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This step is optional, as you can cook the wings whole.
5. Once the wings are trimmed and separated (if desired), set them aside while we move on to the next step: seasoning.

Preparing the turkey wings ensures that they are clean, trimmed, and ready to absorb the flavors from the seasonings. Now that our wings are prepped, let’s move on to the fun part: seasoning them!

Step 2: Seasoning the Turkey Wings

Seasoning is a crucial step in bringing out the delicious flavors of the turkey wings. Follow these steps to properly season the wings:

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix them well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey wings and use your hands to coat them evenly. This will help the seasonings stick to the wings.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the wings, making sure to cover all sides. Massage the seasoning into the wings to ensure even distribution.
4. At this point, you can let the seasoned wings sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, if you’re short on time, you can proceed to the next step right away.

The combination of herbs and spices in the seasoning blend adds a delightful aroma and taste to the turkey wings. Once you’ve seasoned the wings to perfection, it’s time to move on to the next step: prepping the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepping the Slow Cooker

Preparing the slow cooker properly is essential to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking or burning. Follow these steps to get your slow cooker ready:

1. First, make sure your slow cooker is clean and in good working condition.
2. Place the ceramic insert into the base of the slow cooker.
3. If desired, you can line the bottom of the ceramic insert with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. This step is optional but can be helpful.
4. Next, pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. The broth will keep the turkey wings moist throughout the cooking process and add extra flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to transfer the seasoned turkey wings into the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.

Properly prepping the slow cooker will help create a moist and flavorful cooking environment for your turkey wings. With the slow cooker ready to go, it’s time to move on to the exciting part: cooking the turkey wings low and slow!

To prevent the turkey wings from drying out, add a cup of chicken or turkey broth to the slow cooker before cooking. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Cooking the Turkey Wings

The slow cooker will do most of the work for you, gently cooking the turkey wings to perfection. Follow these steps to cook the wings:

1. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
2. Set the slow cooker on low heat, which is ideal for tender and juicy turkey wings.
3. Allow the wings to cook for about 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the specific slow cooker you’re using.
4. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this can result in a significant loss of heat and increase the cooking time.
5. During the cooking process, the wings will release their natural juices, combining with the chicken broth to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

It’s important to note that slow cookers can vary in cooking times, so it’s good to periodically check the wings for doneness during the last hour of cooking. We’ll cover this in the next step. As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, resist the temptation to peek too often, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Now that the wings are slowly cooking and filling your home with a mouthwatering scent, let’s move on to the next step: checking for doneness.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

As the cooking time nears completion, it’s important to check if the turkey wings are fully cooked and tender. Follow these simple steps to ensure they are done:

1. Using tongs or a fork, gently lift one of the turkey wings from the slow cooker.
2. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, without touching the bone.
3. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If the temperature is lower, return the wing to the slow cooker and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to an hour.
4. If the wings have reached the desired temperature, check them for tenderness. The meat should be fork-tender and easily separate from the bone.

Remember, the cooking time can vary based on the size of the turkey wings and the specific slow cooker you’re using. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and ensure the wings are cooked thoroughly.

Once the turkey wings are cooked to perfection and tender, it’s time to move on to the final step: serving them and enjoying the delicious flavors!

Step 6: Serving the Turkey Wings

Now that your turkey wings are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them and enjoy the delicious flavors you’ve worked so hard to create. Follow these steps to serve the turkey wings:

1. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the turkey wings from the slow cooker to a serving platter. Be gentle to avoid them falling apart.
2. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the wings to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
3. Garnish the wings with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
4. Serve the turkey wings as a main course alongside your favorite sides. They pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Remember to set out some extra cooking liquid for those who may want to drizzle it over their portion for added moisture and flavor. Enjoy the succulent and tender turkey wings as they are or with your favorite sauce or dip.

Now, all that’s left to do is gather your loved ones, sit down, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade slow-cooked turkey wings. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Cooking turkey wings in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to enjoy this tender and flavorful cut of meat. With the low and slow cooking method, the wings become incredibly moist and succulent, easily falling off the bone. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked turkey wings every time.

We started by preparing the turkey wings, ensuring they were clean and trimmed to remove any excess fat or skin. Then, we moved on to seasoning the wings with a blend of herbs and spices, enhancing their taste and aroma. Prepping the slow cooker came next, creating a moist and flavorful cooking environment for the turkey wings.

The wings were then cooked on low heat for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. We learned the importance of checking for doneness using a meat thermometer and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Finally, we served the turkey wings with a drizzle of the cooking liquid and garnished them with fresh herbs. These delicious wings can be enjoyed as a main course with your favorite sides, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal for yourself and your loved ones.

So, the next time you’re craving turkey wings, don’t hesitate to break out your slow cooker and give this cooking method a try. With its ease and convenience, you’ll be enjoying tender and mouthwatering turkey wings in no time. Happy cooking!