If you’re craving tender, flavorful turkey wings without the hassle, your trusty crockpot is here to save the day. These crockpot turkey wings are slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in rich, savory flavors, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or craving a soul-warming meal, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Let your crockpot do the hard work while you enjoy the aromas of a comforting feast coming together.

Ingredient lineup

The beauty of this crockpot turkey wings recipe lies in its simplicity, but there’s still plenty of room to customize it to suit your taste. Below, we break down the essential ingredients and optional add-ons to help you create a dish that’s both flavorful and versatile.

The essentials

Turkey wings: The star of the dish, slow-cooked until tender and juicy.
(Substitute: Chicken drumsticks, thighs, or duck wings.)
Chicken or turkey broth: Keeps the wings moist and infuses them with savory flavor.
(Substitute: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes.)
Onion and garlic: Aromatics that add depth and a rich, savory base.
(Substitute: Shallots, leeks, or onion powder.)

Herbs and seasonings

Paprika and cayenne pepper: Add smoky flavor with a hint of heat.
(Substitute: Smoked paprika, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.)
Dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano: Earthy herbs to complement the turkey’s natural flavors.
(Substitute: Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.)
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish’s flavor.
(Substitute: Sea salt, white pepper, or seasoned salt.)

Optional flavor boosters

Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and enhances the overall flavor profile.
(Substitute: Coconut aminos or balsamic vinegar.)
Honey or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the spices and create a caramelized finish.
(Substitute: Maple syrup or agave nectar.)

Optional vegetables

Carrots, celery, or potatoes: Add heartiness and make the dish a complete one-pot meal.
(Substitute: Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips.)

Optional glaze (for broiling)

Honey or BBQ sauce: Use to create a crispy, caramelized glaze when broiling the wings.
(Substitute: Teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or spicy chili garlic sauce.)

Step-by-step directions

Prepare the turkey wings and aromatics

Start by patting the turkey wings dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick well. Generously season the wings with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a smoky, slightly spicy kick. For the aromatics, slice the onion and mince the garlic to create a flavorful base.

Layer the crockpot with ingredients

Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. This creates a flavor-packed foundation for the turkey wings as they cook. Lay the seasoned turkey wings on top of the aromatics in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.

Add the liquid and seasonings

Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the turkey wings, making sure the liquid covers the bottom of the crockpot to keep the wings moist. Drizzle soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce over the wings for a boost of umami flavor. If you’d like a richer sauce, add a small dollop of butter on each wing. You can also add optional ingredients like honey or brown sugar at this stage for a touch of sweetness.

Slow cook until tender

Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. As the turkey wings cook, they’ll become incredibly tender, with the meat falling off the bone. If you’re adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes, layer them under the wings before starting the slow cook.

Optional broil for crispy skin

Once the wings are done cooking, you can serve them as is for a tender and juicy dish. However, if you prefer crispy, caramelized skin, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet. Brush them with honey, BBQ sauce, or your preferred glaze, and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Serve and garnish

Transfer the turkey wings to a serving platter and spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top for extra moisture. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Pro oh là là tips

Take your easy turkey wings recipe to the next level with these creative and practical tips for customization, variations, and perfect pairings.

Customization and variations

Crispy skin perfection: For an irresistible crispy finish, don’t skip the broiling step! Brush the turkey wings with a glaze of honey, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki before broiling to create a caramelized, golden crust.
Smoky and spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a dash of chipotle powder to the broth for a smoky, spicy kick. It’s a simple way to create a more robust flavor profile.
Herbaceous finish: Toss fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the crockpot for added aroma. For even more flavor, consider tucking herb sprigs under the turkey wings before cooking.
One-pot meal upgrade: Layer root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips under the turkey wings for a full meal in one pot. They’ll soak up the flavorful juices as they cook.
Rich and creamy sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the cooking liquid during the last hour. Alternatively, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for richness.
Asian-inspired variation: Add soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil to the broth. Finish with a drizzle of hoisin sauce or sprinkle sesame seeds before serving for a delicious twist.

Servings and pairings

Classic comfort sides: Pair the turkey wings with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted green beans for a traditional, comforting meal.
Lighter accompaniments: Serve the wings with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus to balance the richness of the dish.
Cornbread or rolls: Warm, buttery cornbread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Rice or grains: Serve the turkey wings over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or creamy polenta to create a hearty bowl meal.
Holiday-worthy pairings: For a festive touch, pair the wings with cranberry sauce and a side of stuffing for a holiday-inspired dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?

Yes, cooking turkey in a slow cooker is safe as long as you follow food safety guidelines. Ensure the turkey wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

Why are my turkey wings so tough?

Tough turkey wings often happen when they’re undercooked or cooked too quickly at a high temperature. To get tender, juicy meat, try slow cooking them at a low temperature—it gives the connective tissue time to break down beautifully.

How do you tenderize wings?

To tenderize wings, marinate them in an acidic mixture (such as vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk) for several hours. Cooking them low and slow in a crockpot also helps make the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

How do you keep wings from getting rubbery?

To prevent rubbery wings, pat them dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding in the crockpot. For crispy skin, broil the wings after slow cooking to render excess fat.

How to sauce wings and keep them crispy?

To keep wings crispy after saucing, broil or bake them with the sauce applied in the last few minutes of cooking. This caramelizes the sauce and helps it stick without softening the skin.

Recipe card

Crockpot turkey wings

Author: Chef Kai
Total Time: 3-8 hrs 10 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 turkey wings
1 onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken or turkey broth
2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary or oregano
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the turkey wings: Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
2️⃣ Layer the crockpot: Add onion and garlic to the bottom, then place the wings on top.
3️⃣ Add the liquid: Pour in broth, drizzle with soy sauce, and add butter on top of each wing. Optional: add honey or sugar for sweetness.
4️⃣ Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until tender.
5️⃣ Optional broil: Transfer wings to a baking sheet, brush with glaze (e.g., honey or BBQ sauce), and broil for 3–5 minutes until crispy.
6️⃣ Serve and garnish: Plate the wings, spoon over sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Pro oh là là tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the broth. This enhances the savory richness of the turkey wings and balances the spices beautifully!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)

Crockpot turkey wings are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a hearty meal. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a hearty meal. Whether you enjoy them as-is or broil them for a crispy finish, these turkey wings are sure to be a hit.

Ready to get cooking? Gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and let the magic begin! We’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, tag us on social media, and show us how you made this dish your own. Bon appétit!

Crockpot turkey wings: a flavorful feast made easy

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