Deceptively simple and mostly hands-off, this smoked turkey wings recipe is perfect for the holiday season. Slow-smoked to juicy, crispy perfection, the wings make the perfect hearty appetizer or main course.
Turkey and chicken are similar in that they both have a variety of delectable cuts and cooking methods, such as wings.
Normally, I bake turkey wings, but ever since I acquired a smoker, I’ve developed a slight obsession with utilizing any kind of protein in it. Although most people smoke turkey breasts, I modified my recipe for smoked chicken wings to smoke the wings instead, adjusting the cooking time and seasonings. Let me just say that these wings are an absolute winner!Table of Contents.
Smoked turkey wings are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways But what happens when you have leftover wings? Don’t toss them out! Instead, get creative and transform them into new and exciting dishes.
A Culinary Adventure with Smoked Turkey Wings
Today, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure, exploring innovative ways to repurpose smoked turkey wings. From hearty soups and savory sandwiches to flavorful salads and crispy tacos, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into a world of culinary creativity, where leftover turkey wings take center stage.
Unleashing the Flavor: Repurposing Smoked Turkey Wings
1. The Ultimate Smoked Turkey Wing Soup:
Transform leftover wings into a comforting and flavorful soup. Simply shred the meat and add it to a pot of broth along with your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions. Season with herbs and spices, and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of soup that will warm your soul on a chilly day.
2. The Deconstructed Smoked Turkey Wing Sandwich:
Ditch the traditional sandwich and create a deconstructed masterpiece. Shred the smoked turkey wings and pile them onto toasted bread. Top with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. This deconstructed sandwich is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy leftover turkey wings.
3. The Smoked Turkey Wing Salad Surprise:
Add a smoky twist to your salad by incorporating shredded smoked turkey wings. Combine them with mixed greens, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The smoky flavor of the turkey wings will add a unique depth of flavor to your salad, making it a truly unforgettable dish.
4. The Crispy Smoked Turkey Wing Tacos:
Take your taco game to the next level with crispy smoked turkey wing tacos. Shred the turkey wings and toss them in a mixture of spices. Pan-fry them until crispy, then pile them into warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying taco feast.
5. The Smoked Turkey Wing Quesadilla Extravaganza:
Create a cheesy and flavorful quesadilla extravaganza with smoked turkey wings. Shred the turkey wings and combine them with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings. Spread the mixture onto a tortilla, fold it in half, and grill until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Enjoy a warm and gooey quesadilla that will tantalize your taste buds.
Smoked turkey wings are a culinary treasure waiting to be explored. By repurposing them in creative ways, you can transform leftovers into delicious and satisfying dishes that will impress your family and friends. So next time you have leftover smoked turkey wings, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with new and exciting recipes. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are sure to delight.
Why this recipe works
- Set and forget cooking. The #1 best part about using a smoker is that it’s essentially hands-off. You only need to check the wings once to make sure they are cooked—you leave them in there to do their thing. Easy!.
- PERFECT texture. I find smoking wings yields consistently perfect results every time. Crispy skin and juicy meat are produced by this easy smoking method (like with smoked turkey legs)
- Easy to customize. You don’t have to work too hard to customize this recipe to your preferences if you’d rather make a juicier cut or change the flavor to something else entirely.
- Great for any occasion. These wings are perfect for any occasion—be it a summer cookout, Thanksgiving dinner, or game day.
Keep in mind that turkey wings are larger than chicken wings, so serve them as the main course along with a few side dishes.
Besides the turkey wings and some seasonings, there really isn’t much else needed to whip this up. Here is what you’ll need:
- Turkey wings. I adore purchasing individual wings because they are consistent in size and simple to handle. Generally, grocery stores take care of this for you already, but some butchers have them whole. If you obtain your wings from the latter, request that the drumette wing be separated before you take it home.
- Olive oil. Although a smoker doesn’t require fat or grease to cook, I like to drizzle a little oil on the wings as a guaranteed method of getting the spice mixture to adhere to them.
- Brown sugar. While BBQ sauce is called for in some recipes for smoked wings, it is a bit too strong for turkey wings. Rather, a tiny bit of brown sugar aids in the caramelization process, which produces crispy edges, while also adding sweetness.
- Chili powder. For the heat. This is entirely optional, so if you’re not as obsessed with chili as my family and I are, don’t do it.
- Smoked paprika. For its subtle heat and smokey flavor. Please do not use standard paprika!.
- Garlic and onion powder. Add some subtle flavor without needing the fresh aromatics.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to smoke turkey wings
With a smoker, your favorite hardwood, and turkey, learn to make the best-smoked turkey wings home.
Step 1- Prep. Gently pat the turkey wings with paper towels and brush them with olive oil.
Step 2- Season. Combine brown sugar and spices in a small bowl and season the turkey wings with the spice rub.
Step 3- Smoke. Place the wings in a preheated smoker and smoke until they reach 165°F, or for 2 hours.
Step 4- Finish in the oven (optional). After smoking, put the turkey wings in the oven and bake for another fifteen minutes, or until they are even crispier.
Step 5- Cool and serve. Allow the turkey wings to cool down and serve.
Since not everyone has access to or a smoker, I tested this exact recipe in the oven and was pleasantly surprised by how similar the results were. Yes, it’s a little more hands-on, but the flavor is on point!.
The turkey wings should be baked after being prepared as directed and placed on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Next, bake at 180C/350F for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Turn on the broil setting for the final 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
BEST BAKED SMOKED TURKEY WINGS!!! How to Make it the RIGHT Way!
FAQ
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