how to cook smoked turkey wings in a crockpot

How to Cook Smoked Turkey Wings to Perfection in a Crockpot

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for easy, delicious meals to make for my family. Crockpot recipes are my go-to, especially when I want something hearty and comforting. And let me tell you, smoked turkey wings cooked in the crockpot are a total crowd-pleaser. The meat comes out so tender that it falls right off the bone. Not to mention, the smoky flavors infuse into the sauce creating the most amazing taste.

In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook smoked turkey wings in the crockpot so they turn out perfect every time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular rotation in your home. Keep reading to get all my tips and tricks!

Why Choose Smoked Turkey Wings?
Smoked turkey wings have an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. The smoking process permeates the meat, giving it that signature smoky taste we all crave. Turkey wings are also budget-friendly and make a great alternative to chicken wings or other more expensive cuts of meat. When cooked low and slow in the crockpot, the collagen in the wings breaks down into gelatin, making the meat incredibly moist and tender. It’s pure meaty deliciousness!

Choosing the Right Size Crockpot
To cook smoked turkey wings properly in the crockpot, you’ll need the right size vessel. A small 2-3 quart crockpot is perfect for cooking 1-2 pounds of wings. For larger quantities of 3 pounds or more, go for a 4-6 quart size. You want enough room for the wings to cook evenly but not so much room that the liquid evaporates. Proper liquid levels are key to developing that rich, flavorful sauce.

My Favorite Smoked Turkey Wing IngredientsTo take the wings to maximum flavor town I like to add a few key ingredients

• Chicken broth – provides moisture and base for the sauce
• Onion – adds aromatics
• Garlic – brings a pop of flavor
• Spices like paprika, oregano, thyme – infuse smoky flavor
• Hot sauce (optional) – kicks up the heat

The exact measurements can vary depending on quantity of wings, Just make sure the wings are mostly submerged in liquid,

Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for smoked turkey wing perfection every time:

1. Add chicken broth, onions, garlic, and spices to crockpot. Stir to combine.

2. Rinse turkey wings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place wings in crockpot and toss to coat with sauce.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, until meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

4. During last 30 minutes of cook time, stir in hot sauce if desired.

5. Serve wings with the delicious cooking liquid spooned over the top.

Pro Cooking Tips

• For maximum flavor infusion, let the wings marinate 4-12 hours in the sauce before cooking.

• Add ingredients like chopped carrots, celery, sliced mushrooms during last 1-2 hours for extra veggies.

• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro for fresh flavor and crunch.

• Shred leftover meat and add to sandwiches, tacos, pizza, etc for easy meals.

The Perfect Side Dishes
These smoked turkey wings deserve some tasty companions like:

• Creamy mashed potatoes – smooth out the spice

• Coleslaw – fresh crunch and tang

• Cornbread – soaks up the sauce

• Rice or risotto – balances the heartiness