Name: Smothered Turkey Wings with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 turkey wings; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 3 cups chicken broth; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

There’s just something comforting about a plate full of smothered turkey wings with rich, savory gravy. This Southern classic brings back memories of cozy Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings, where the house fills with the aroma of slow-roasted goodness. The tender meat, the flavorful roux-based gravy, and the simplicity of it all create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for chilly nights or any time you’re craving soul food, this dish is made with everyday pantry staples and turns humble turkey wings into something irresistibly hearty. Whether you’re feeding family or want leftovers to savor, this recipe checks every box for comfort, taste, and tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Turkey Wings with Gravy

This dish is slow-cooked to tender perfection, where each bite melts in your mouth and the gravy is so good you’ll want to pour it over everything. The deep seasoning builds layers of flavor, and you can easily pair these wings with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread for a filling dinner. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead option and even better the next day.

What Kind of Turkey Wings Should I Use?

Fresh turkey wings work best, ideally ones that have been trimmed and split. You want pieces with a good mix of meat and bone, as the bones help enrich the gravy as they simmer. Avoid pre-seasoned varieties, so you have full control over the flavors.

Ingredients for the Smothered Turkey Wings with Gravy

Before diving into the cooking, it’s worth understanding what each ingredient brings to the table. The secret to this recipe is a strong foundation of aromatics and simple pantry seasonings that pack flavor and richness.

Turkey wings
Onion
Garlic
Bell pepper
Chicken broth
Flour
Butter
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Each of these is essential to building that robust flavor. The wings are seasoned generously, seared, and slow-cooked in a buttery gravy base that brings it all together.

How To Make the Smothered Turkey Wings with Gravy

Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey Wings

Pat the wings dry and season them well with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the wings on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the gravy a rich base.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add butter, chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. These vegetables will melt into the gravy, adding depth and sweetness.

Step 3: Build the Gravy Base

Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir to form a roux. Cook until it turns a light golden color, then gradually whisk in chicken broth to create a smooth, thickened gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until it bubbles gently.

Step 4: Bake Everything Together

Place the seared turkey wings in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour the gravy over them, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the wings are fall-off-the-bone tender.

How to Serve and Store Smothered Turkey Wings

This meal feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, especially when served with filling sides. Turkey wings taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them with the gravy for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm in a covered dish at 300°F or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.

What to Serve With Smothered Turkey Wings?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate base for soaking up every bit of the flavorful gravy.

White Rice

Simple, fluffy rice balances the richness of the dish and makes for a hearty plate.

Southern Cornbread

Sweet or savory, cornbread pairs beautifully with the gravy and adds a little crunch.

Collard Greens

The slightly bitter greens offer a bright contrast and are a Southern staple.

Macaroni and Cheese

For an indulgent meal, cheesy mac is a must next to smothered wings.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the sweetness in carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.

Candied Yams

The sweetness of yams is a nice counterpoint to the savory, peppery turkey.

Creamed Spinach

Lush and buttery, creamed spinach adds an extra layer of comfort.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these smothered turkey wings with gravy, you’ll enjoy these other comforting favorites from the blog:

Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy and creamy bowl.
Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun Tex-Mex twist on pasta night.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli that’s weeknight-friendly and full of flavor.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs if you’re craving bold, tangy glaze.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add a little cayenne for heat?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your new weeknight staples.

Conclusion

Smothered turkey wings with gravy are one of those timeless, soul-satisfying meals you can count on to please a crowd or bring comfort to a quiet dinner at home. It’s easy to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and leaves you with leftovers you’ll actually look forward to eating. The rich gravy and fall-off-the-bone tenderness make this a dish you’ll turn to again and again.