How to Cook Tender, Juicy Turkey Wings in a Crock Pot

Turkey wings are an underrated cut of meat that can be incredibly delicious when cooked properly. Smothered in sauce and cooked low and slow, turkey wings become fall-off-the-bone tender. One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to achieve this is by cooking them in a crock pot.

Crockpots provide gentle, even heat that slowly breaks down the collagen in turkey wings, resulting in meat so tender it practically melts in your mouth. The extended cooking time also allows flavors to fully develop as the wings braise in their own juices and seasoning After 8-10 hours in a crockpot, you’ll be rewarded with finger-licking, lip-smacking turkey wings

Follow this simple guide to learn how to make the most flavorful juicy turkey wings you’ve ever tasted using a crockpot.

Ingredients Needed

• 2-3 pounds turkey wings, about 8-12 whole wings
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 teaspoons seasoning blend of choice

Seasoning Suggestions

• Lemon pepper
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Brown sugar and smoked paprika
• Italian herb blend
• Barbecue rub
• Jerk seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Wings

Rinse the turkey wings under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Make sure they are fully dried before seasoning so the flavors properly adhere.

Season the Wings

Place the wings in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag. Add 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend. Toss and rub the wings to evenly coat all over with the seasoning.

Brown the Wings

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the seasoned wings on both sides until nicely browned, about 2 minutes per side.

Add to the Crockpot

Transfer the browned wings to a 6-qt crockpot. Top with the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour the broth over the wings.

Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW heat for 8-10 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Finish and Serve

Carefully remove wings from crockpot using tongs and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for the Best Results

• Pat the wings completely dry before adding seasoning
• Don’t peek and lift the lid during cooking
• Use full-fat broth for more flavor
• Add garlic and onions for aromatic depth
• Resist overcrowding the crockpot
• Allow wings to rest 5 minutes before serving

Variations to Try

• Use apple cider or orange juice instead of broth
• Add diced potatoes, carrots, or celery
• Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup
• Mix buffalo wing sauce into the cooked wings
• Toss cooked wings in additional seasoning or rub
• Glaze or sauce wings before broiling to crisp skin

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you cook turkey wings in a crockpot?

Cook for 8-10 hours on LOW to achieve tender, fall-off-the bone wings.

Can you cook frozen turkey wings in a crockpot?

Yes, but add 1-2 hours to the cook time. Defrosting them first is ideal.

What temperature should crockpot turkey wings cook at?

LOW heat, around 200°F, works best to gradually break down connective tissue over time.

Do you need to add liquid during cooking?

No, the lid traps steam so you likely won’t need to add more liquid while cooking.

Can you crisp up the skin after cooking?

Yes! Broil the cooked wings for 5 minutes to render the fat and crisp the skin.

Is it better to separate the drumette from the flat?

Keeping them attached provides more juicy dark meat but separating allows more surface to brown. Either works!

Make It a Meal

Serve your succulent crockpot turkey wings with:

• Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Buttery biscuits or cornbread
• Collard greens or roasted veggies
• Fresh watermelon slices

Satisfying Soul Food

With minimal hands-on time, the crockpot does the work for you, yielding insanely flavorful, fall-off-the-bone wings. This soul food classic is sure to please a crowd. Now that you know how to make tender, juicy turkey wings in the crockpot, you can enjoy them anytime without firing up the oven. Dig into these saucy, finger-licking wings!