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 is similar to a chicken, in that they have many delicious cuts and many delicious ways to cook it, including the wings.
I typically bake turkey wings, but since getting my smoker, I’ve been a little obsessed with using any cut of protein in it. While most people typically smoke turkey breasts, I adapted my smoked chicken wings to do the wings but tweaked the cooking time and the seasonings. Let me just say that these wings are an absolute winner!Table of Contents
Smoked turkey wings are an absolute treat. With their tender smokey meat and crisp salty skin, they make a fantastic appetizer or entree. But what should you do with those leftover smoked wings? With a little creativity, you can transform them into a variety of mouthwatering dishes.
In this article, I’ll share 10 delicious ways to enjoy already-smoked turkey wings. From soups and salads to casseroles and sandwiches, these recipes will help you get the most out of this flavorful ingredient.
Oven-Baked Smoked Turkey Wings
The simplest preparation is to just pop those smoked wings in the oven. Baked smoked turkey wings make a perfect no-fuss meal, and reheating them this way amplifies their smokey, savory flavor.
To oven-bake, preheat to 350°F. Arrange wings on a baking sheet, season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Cook for 25-30 minutes until heated through. For extra crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Smoked Turkey Wing Soup
Simmering smoked turkey wings in broth, veggies and seasonings makes for a hearty, comforting soup. Try a classic smoked turkey noodle soup, light turkey and rice soup, or spicy turkey wing chili. The smokey wings impart deep flavor to the broth.
Smoked Turkey Wing Salad
Chopped smoked turkey wing meat takes an ordinary salad up a notch. Toss bites of the savory meat with crisp greens, cheese, nuts, and a tangy dressing. You can also pile the chopped smoked meat onto bread for a smoked turkey salad sandwich.
Smoked Turkey Wing Quesadillas
Quesadillas stuffed with chopped smoked turkey wings, melty cheese, peppers and onions make an easy weeknight dinner or game day appetizer. The sweet, savory and spicy flavors pair perfectly.
Smoked Turkey Wing Casserole
For a hearty baked casserole, mix chopped smoked wings with rice or pasta, vegetables and cheese. Top with breadcrumbs or crushed chips and bake until bubbly and browned. Quick and comforting.
Smoked Turkey Wing Jambalaya
In this Cajun one-pot meal, rice simmers in a flavorful mix of veggies, spices and of course, chopped smoked turkey wings. The smokiness adds richness to this classic bayou jambalaya.
Smoked Turkey Wing Sliders
Pile smoked turkey wing meat onto mini rolls with pickles, cheese and your favorite condiments to make mouthwatering sliders. They’re just the thing for game day or a summer BBQ.
Smoked Turkey Wing Fried Rice
Stir bite-size pieces of smoked turkey wing into fried rice with veggies and eggs for an easy weeknight meal with a twist. The smoky turkey adds hearty flavor.
Smoked Turkey Wing Pot Pie
Warm and comforting, a smoked turkey wing pot pie has a smoky gravy, soft veggies and flaky crust. You can make individual pot pies too for a fun presentation.
Smoked Turkey Wing Tacos
Shredded smoked turkey wings are fantastic taco filling, especially with typical taco toppings like lime, cilantro, queso fresco and salsa. Serve on soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells.
Those are just a few of my favorite ways to transform leftover smoked turkey wings into delicious new dishes. With a bit of chopping and a dash of creativity, you can give those wings a whole new life.
Tips for Preparing and Cooking Smoked Turkey Wings
To get the most out of your smoked turkey wings, follow these helpful preparation tips:
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If wings are frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.
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Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and oil.
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Chop or shred into bite-size pieces for easier eating in recipes.
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Discard any bones or unwanted skin and fat before chopping.
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When oven baking, use a foil-lined pan and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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Add extra moisture like broth or sauce if reheating wings in a pan on the stove.
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Avoid overcooking, as smoked meat can dry out. Reheat just until warm.
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For extra crispy skin, broil wings for 2-3 minutes after reheating. Watch closely to avoid burning.
With proper handling, those flavorful smoked turkey wings will be delicious in any recipe you choose to make with them!
Creative Ways to Use Every Part of Smoked Turkey Wings
When cooking with smoked turkey wings, there are creative ways to utilize every last bit:
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Meat: Use for salads, tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, soups.
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Bones: Simmer to make broth, soup stock and flavorful rice.
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Skin: Chop up and sprinkle on salads, pastas or rice dishes for crunch.
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Fat: Render into oil for sautéing veggies or roasting potatoes.
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Leftover smoked meat scraps: Simmer into bean dishes, stir fries or gravies for flavor.
With a little resourcefulness, you can transform each part of the wings into something delicious while avoiding waste.
Answers to Common Smoked Turkey Wing Questions
Smoked turkey wings are incredibly versatile, but you may have some questions about preparing and cooking them. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long do smoked turkey wings last in the fridge?
Refrigerated properly, smoked wings last 3-4 days. Keep tightly wrapped and store meat on lower shelves.
Can you re-smoke turkey wings?
It is not recommended to smoke turkey wings more than once, as they can become overly dry and tough.
What wood is best for smoking turkey wings?
Hickory and apple wood give turkey wings a classic barbecue flavor. Mesquite imparts a bolder taste.
At what temperature are smoked turkey wings fully cooked?
Smoked turkey wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Reheat to this temp before serving.
Can you cook already smoked turkey wings on the grill?
Yes, grilling already smoked wings is a great way to reheat them while adding extra smoky charred flavor.
What is the white stuff on smoked turkey wings?
The white specks are deposits of natural mineral salts that can develop during the smoking process. Completely harmless.
Enjoy the Versatility of Smoked Turkey Wings
Now that you’ve got plenty of flavorful ideas and helpful tips, you can start transforming those leftover smoked turkey wings into all sorts of easy, delicious dishes.
With their incredible smoky flavor and versatility, smoked turkey wings are too good to let go to waste. I hope these recipes and cooking techniques inspire you to find creative ways to make the most of them.
Whip up a pot of smoky turkey wing soup on a cold night, pile smoked meat onto sandwiches for an easy lunch, or stuff quesadillas for a quick weeknight dinner. The possibilities are endless.
So go on – dig into that fridge or freezer and pull out those smoked turkey wings. With a little imagination in the kitchen, you can give them a tasty new life!
Why this recipe works
- Set and forget cooking. The #1 best part about using a smoker is that it’s essentially hands-off. You leave the wings in there to do it’s thing and you only need to check it once to see if its cooked. Easy!
- PERFECT texture. I find smoking wings yields consistently perfect results every time. This simple smoking technique yields crispy skin and juicy meat (like with smoked turkey legs).
- Easy to customize. Don’t like the flavor, or do you want to make a juicier cut? Want to add your flair and make the best for your taste palette? Don’t worry; this recipe can adapt to your taste without much effort.
- Great for any occasion. Game day, Thanksgiving dinner, or a summer cookout, these wings work pretty much anywhere.
Remember, turkey wings are not small and bite-sized like chicken wings, so serve them as a main dish 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 love buying separate wings as they are uniform in size and easy to work with. Grocery stores typically already do this for you, but some butchers have them whole. If you get your wings from the latter, ask for them to be separated before you bring them home (the wing from the drumette).
- Olive oil. Even though a smoker doesn’t need grease or fat to cook, I like to add a touch of oil as a surefire way to ensure the spice mix sticks to the wings.
- Brown sugar. Some smoked wing recipes call for BBQ sauce, but they are a little too overpowering for turkey wings. Instead, a little brown sugar adds some sweetness AND helps with the caramelization (aka crispy edges).
- Chili powder. For the heat. This is completely optional, and if you aren’t a chili fiend like me or my family, skip 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). Once the turkey wings are smoked, place them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until even more crispy.
Step 5- Cool and serve. Allow the turkey wings to cool down and serve.
Now, I know not everyone has a smoker or has access to one, so I’ve tested this exact recipe in the oven and LOVE how similar the results are. Yes, it’s a little more hands-on, but the flavor is on point!
To bake, prep the turkey wings as instructed, then place them 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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