Marianne Martinez
Turkey wings are a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey, especially if you're cooking for a small group. Turkey wings are rich and flavourful, with the perfect balance of meat, skin, and bone. They can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker, which is an easy and hand-off way to prepare a hearty meal. The slow-cooking method is ideal for making the meat tender and juicy, and you can also use the drippings to make a delicious gravy.
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What You'll Learn
Prep time: 15 minutes, then let the crockpot do the work
Cooking Smoked Turkey Wings in a Crock Pot
Ingredients
- Smoked turkey wings
- Olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Chicken broth paste (or your favorite bouillon)
- Yellow, white, or red onions
- Green bell peppers
- Xanthan gum
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried thyme, ground sage, and black pepper
Instructions
- Prep time: 15 minutes. Pat the smoked turkey wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Brush each wing generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the wings and rub them in so they are evenly coated.
- Cook time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Cover the crock pot and let the slow cooker do the work. There's no need to flip the wings during the cooking process. Keeping the lid closed ensures even cooking.
- Broil the turkey (optional): Line a baking sheet with foil and place the cooked wings on the pan. Broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
- Make the gravy: While the meat rests, whisk the xanthan gum in the cooking liquid at the bottom of the crockpot. Cook on high for about 10 minutes until the gravy starts to thicken. You can also add 1/2-1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of cold water and mix until there are no lumps. Whisk the mixture into the gravy and let it simmer for at least one minute to thicken.
- Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or steamed cauliflower rice.
Tips
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350F oven for 10 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey wings reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
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Cook on low for 5-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours
Cooking smoked turkey wings in a crock pot is an easy way to get juicy, tender, and flavourful meat. The slow cooker allows you to go about your day without having to constantly check on the food.
To cook smoked turkey wings in a crock pot, you can cook them on low for 5-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The meat will be soft and tender when fully cooked. The low and slow method is ideal for cooking less expensive portions of meat, making them more tender and tasty.
After cooking, you can broil the wings in the oven for a few minutes to make the skin golden and crispy.
It's important to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey wings reaches at least 165°F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature
When cooking smoked turkey wings in a crock pot, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly. This is a crucial step as it helps you confirm that the turkey wings have reached a safe internal temperature, preventing foodborne illnesses.
To use a meat thermometer effectively, insert it into the thickest part of one of the turkey wings. This ensures that the thermometer penetrates the meat sufficiently to get an accurate reading. According to the USDA, poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated, making the meat safe for consumption.
When checking the temperature, it is important to be patient and allow the thermometer to register the internal temperature accurately. Depending on the type of thermometer you use, this may take a few seconds. Ensure that the thermometer is properly calibrated to provide an accurate reading. If you are unsure about the calibration, refer to the manufacturer's instructions or consider investing in a new thermometer specifically designed for cooking meat.
It is worth noting that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly even after removing it from the crock pot. This phenomenon is called "carry-over cooking." Therefore, if your thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) while the turkey wings are still in the crock pot, the temperature will increase further as the meat rests. As a result, it is generally recommended to remove the meat from the heat source when it reaches a few degrees below the target temperature.
By following these guidelines and using a meat thermometer correctly, you can ensure that your smoked turkey wings are cooked thoroughly and safely. This helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures a pleasant dining experience for you and your guests.
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Rest the meat, then thicken the gravy with xanthan gum
Once the smoked turkey wings are cooked, it's time to rest the meat and prepare the gravy. This can be done in the crockpot itself, using the cooking liquid at the bottom of the pot.
Xanthan gum is a common food additive that acts as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and binding agent, particularly in gluten-free baked goods. It is often used to thicken gravy, and a little goes a long way. You'll only need about half a teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken 3 cups of gravy.
To thicken the gravy with xanthan gum, first, remove the cooked turkey wings from the crockpot and set them aside to rest. Then, whisk the xanthan gum into the cooking liquid in the crockpot. Cook this mixture on high for about 10 minutes until it starts to thicken. Turn off the heat and return the turkey wings to the crockpot, coating them in the thickened gravy.
If you prefer a looser "jus", you can simply combine all the gravy ingredients without a thickening agent and bring them to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let the mixture reduce until your desired consistency is reached.
Some people find that xanthan gum can give gravy a slimy texture, so an alternative thickening agent is glucomannan, which is fiber extracted from the konjac root. It also takes a little longer to thicken, so you don't have to work as quickly.
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Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce
Turkey wings are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving smoked turkey wings cooked in a crockpot, specifically focusing on mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with turkey wings and gravy. You can make creamy mashed potatoes or try variations like creamy no-dairy mashed potatoes, roasted rosemary potatoes, or Hasselback potatoes. For a Thanksgiving-style feast, serve the mashed potatoes with stuffing.
Green Beans
Green beans are another great option to serve with smoked turkey wings. You can prepare them as oven-roasted green beans or cook them in a slow cooker. Drizzle the green beans with butter for added flavor.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a classic pairing with turkey, especially smoked turkey wings. You can serve the wings with canned cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, or cranberry Jell-O salad. For a tangy twist, try making a cranberry vinaigrette dressing for a green salad.
These side dishes will complement the flavors of the smoked turkey wings and provide a well-rounded and delicious meal. Don't forget to make use of the gravy created by the crockpot cooking method, which can be drizzled over the wings and sides.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 3 to 8 hours to cook smoked turkey wings in a crock pot. The time varies depending on the weight of the wings and whether you cook on a high or low setting.
The crock pot should be set to a low setting. However, if you want to reduce cooking time and don't mind losing a bit of moisture, you can cook on a high setting.
You can use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey wings are cooked. Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
