Our baked turkey wings recipe is incredibly simple, and the result is juicy meat that’s ready to eat in about an hour. Turkey breast and Thanksgiving turkey recipes typically get all the love, but here it’s time for turkey wings to shine.
In this recipe, we make easy barbecue sauce marinade, then we bake the wings in the oven until they’re tender. It’s perfect for times when you’re hankering for turkey but don’t feel like roasting an entire bird.
Ingredients for Baked Turkey Wings
- Turkey wings: A turkey wing consists of three parts: the drumette, the flat (or “wingette”) and the wing tip. These pieces may already be separated, and the wing tip may be removed, depending on where you buy them. Try your local butcher shop if you can’t find fresh or frozen turkey wings at the grocery store. Just steer clear of smoked turkey wings, as these are already cooked.
- Barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce infuses a ton of flavor into the turkey wings as they marinate. It also gives the wings a sticky-sweet finish. You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or whip up a homemade barbecue sauce recipe to customize the flavor.
- Green onions: Green onions are a mild type of onion that add the perfect amount of oniony flavor to this marinade. Feel free to swap in shallots or sweet onions. Red onions are more intense, but you can use them in a pinch.
- Paprika: This ground pepper isn’t as spicy as cayenne or chili powder. Instead, paprika adds an earthy, slightly sweet flavor to the marinade.
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the turkey wings
To cut the turkey wings into sections, cut the joint that separates the drumette from the flat (or “wingette”). Then, cut the joint that connects the flat to the wing tip. Discard the wing tips, or save them to make turkey broth.
In a large, shallow dish, stir together the barbecue sauce, green onions, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and soy sauce. Add the wing sections, and turn to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for six to eight hours, or overnight.
Editor’s Tip: You don’t have to separate the turkey wing into individual sections. However, when you do, the wings fit so much better on the baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the turkey wings
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Drain and discard the marinade.
Place the wings on a greased 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170° and the turkey is tender.
Recipe Variations
- Swap in other poultry: You can use this marinade for any part of the turkey, such as turkey legs or breasts. It’s also fantastic on chicken wings, thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the meat reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Change the seasonings: We love the taste of barbecue sauce, but most marinated chicken recipes will work if you want to change the flavor. Be aware that the turkey wings may brown more quickly if the new marinade has a lot of sugar. You can always tent a piece of aluminum foil over the wings as they cook once they reach the desired color.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Add a fresh finish to our turkey wings recipe by sprinkling them with chopped fresh herbs just before serving. Parsley and cilantro are fantastic choices.
- Make smothered turkey wings: Skip the barbecue sauce marinade, and cook the turkey wings in homemade turkey gravy (similar to the process in this turkey legs with mushroom gravy recipe).
How to Store Baked Turkey Wings
Baked turkey wings are good for three to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For more extended storage, transfer the container to the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the turkey wings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat turkey wings, transfer them to an oven-safe dish. Bake, covered, in a 350° oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°. Then, if desired, uncover the dish, and broil on high for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
Baked Turkey Wing Tips
Why are my turkey wings tough?
Turkey wings can be tough if they are overcooked or undercooked. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure tender turkey wings. Wait for them to reach an internal temperature of 170° before pulling them from the oven.
Should I wash turkey wings before cooking?
We do not recommend washing turkey, chicken or other meats before cooking. When you run water over the turkey wings, the water can splash onto the countertop, backsplash or faucet. This spray could potentially contaminate other foods later on if they aren’t thoroughly disinfected.
What can I do with the turkey wing tips?
You can use the turkey wing tips to make a big batch of homemade broth. If you don’t have enough wing tips to make a full batch, toss them in the freezer, and save them for later. To make turkey broth, follow our tips on how to make chicken broth.
What goes well with turkey wings?
Turkey wings often go well with rice or mashed potatoes. However, our baked turkey wings have a smoky, sweet, spicy flavor, so they scream for something cool and refreshing to balance them. Serve them with a wedge salad, grilled corn on the cob or a side of Alabama white barbecue sauce for dipping.
