Turkey wings are an underrated and delicious part of the bird that can make for a tasty, budget-friendly meal when cooked right. Marinating is key to bringing out the best flavor and texture from turkey wings. With the right marinade, you can achieve wings that are juicy, tender and packed with flavor.
Why Marinate Turkey Wings?
Marinating serves several purposes when preparing turkey wings
-
It tenderizes the meat by breaking down collagen fibers Turkey wings contain more connective tissue than breast meat so marinating helps soften the meat
-
It adds flavor. Marinades infuse seasonings and spices deeply into the meat.
-
It keeps the wings moist during cooking. The acidic ingredients in marinades denature proteins on the exterior, allowing moisture to be retained.
-
It can crispen up the skin. Oil and acidic marinades will help achieve crispy skin.
Choosing a Marinade for Turkey Wings
There are a few components that make up an effective marinade for turkey wings:
Acidic ingredients
Acids like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt and buttermilk help tenderize and denature exterior proteins.
Oil
Adding oil helps the marinade cling to the meat and crisps up the skin when cooking.
Aromatics
Onion, garlic, ginger, herbs and spices build big flavor.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper and spices like paprika and chili powder enhance flavor.
Sweetener
Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar. A touch of sweetness balances out other flavors.
8 Best Marinades for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Wings
Here are some of the most delicious marinade recipes to give your turkey wings a flavor boost:
1. Basic Herb Marinade
The classic combo of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs makes a simple, very effective turkey wing marinade. The acidity of the lemon juice tenderizes while the oil, garlic and herbs flavor the meat.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2. Greek Yogurt Marinade
Nonfat plain Greek yogurt makes a tangy, tenderizing marinade base. Lemon, garlic and herbs give it a fresh Greek flavor.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3. Chipotle-Honey Marinade
Smoky chipotle chili and sweet honey make an addictive flavor combo. The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
4. Jerk Marinade
Caribbean jerk flavors of allspice, thyme, garlic and habanero infuse serious spice and depth into the wings. Brown sugar balances the heat.
Prep time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 habanero chili, seeded and minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. Asian Marinade
A blend of ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce and brown sugar gives these wings an addictive sweet, salty and gingery Asian flavor.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6. Barbecue Marinade
This saucy, tangy barbecue marinade packs a flavor punch. Chili powder and cayenne add a hint of heat.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
7. Italian Dressing Marinade
Bottled Italian dressing makes an incredibly easy shortcut marinade. Just doctor it up with extra garlic and herbs.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8. Buttermilk-Hot Sauce Marinade
Buttermilk tenderizes the meat while Louisiana-style hot sauce packs on the spice and vinegar tang.
Prep time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
How Long to Marinate Turkey Wings
For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the wings for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
If short on time, 1 hour will still impart good flavor.
Marinating Process
-
Rinse turkey wings under cold water and pat extremely dry with paper towels. Dryness is key for marinade absorption.
-
Place wings in a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish.
-
Pour desired marinade over wings, tossing to evenly coat. Seal bag or cover dish.
-
Refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight, flipping bag or stirring wings occasionally.
-
When ready to cook, remove from marinade and pat dry. Discard used marinade.
-
Bake, grill or air fry as desired until cooked through and skin is crispy.
Tips for Perfect Marinated Turkey Wings
-
Really pat the wings dry before marinating. The drier the surface, the more marinade it will absorb.
-
Don’t reuse marinade. Discard it after marinating due to contamination from raw meat.
-
Go for an acidic marinade. The acid helps tenderize the collagen-rich meat.
-
Oil helps the marinade stick and crisps the skin. Add at least 2 tablespoons to your marinade.
-
Marinate for at least 2 hours for best flavor and tenderness but no more than 24 hours to avoid mushiness.
With the right marinade and proper technique, you can achieve next-level turkey wings that are juicy, tender and bursting with flavor. Experiment with different herb, spice and acidic marinade combos to find your favorite.
How to Store, Reheat, Freeze, and Thaw?
One taste of these oven-fried turkey wings, and you won’t want to sacrifice a single bite. Storing your turkey wings is a cinch with these pro tips, giving you easy meal prep for days on end.
- Store: After slow-cooking turkey wings in the oven, first cool them to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Allow the baked turkey flats and drummettes to come to room temperature. Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container, ensuring they are well-covered to prevent freezer burn. These turkey pieces can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: I recommend thawing your frozen turkey overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: To reheat your turkey wings, place them in a casserole dish with the juices and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
The best-baked turkey wings recipe is one that you can customize according to your personal preference. Below, I’ve included some of my favorite ways to switch up this delectable main to satisfy all your cravings.
- Marinade: Take this easy recipe to the next level; marinate turkey pieces in our turkey tenderloin marinade in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. To make this sweet and savory version, transfer the marinated turkey into a casserole dish that will accommodate all the wings comfortably. Instead of using chicken broth, use one cup of the marinade as the cooking liquid. Follow the recipe instructions as written. During our testing, we found that using a marinade with an acid component (i.e., soy sauce and lemon juice) produced super tender, fall-off-the-bone tender turkey wings.
- Southern-style: Looking for an authentic Southern recipe for turkey wings? To make this fresh, flavorful variation, add hardy vegetables (such as bell peppers and onions) into your cooking liquid. If preferred, you can strain the juices post-cooking, place them in a small saucepan, and reduce them until they thicken to a sauce-like texture. Then, serve your turkey wings and veggies over a bed of rice and drizzle them with the sauce for a five-star meal that tastes straight out of Tennessee.
- Smothered: Preparing smothered baked turkey wings is an easy way to give each bite decadently rich flavors. To make the sauce, use the leftover pan drippings to make turkey gravy and pour it over the freshly baked turkey wings. Alternatively, I’ve also seen examples where people prepare cream of mushroom turkey wings instead of cooking their own gravy. If you prefer that shortcut, warm up the cream of mushroom soup and smother the meat just before serving.
- Cajun seasoning: Give your meat a kick of savory, smoky flavor by baking Cajun turkey wings in the oven. All you need to do is change the seasoning for the turkey wings and use our spicy and bold Blackened Seasoning instead.
- Lemon pepper turkey wings: To add bright, citrusy zest to your baked turkey wings, I recommend swapping out our recommended poultry seasoning mixture for a five-minute Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
Other Turkey Recipes You Might Also Like
Can’t get enough of this tasty turkey dinner’s rich, tender taste? These other turkey dishes will fill your plate with savory, succulent, and flavorful meals every night of the week.
If you try this Baked Turkey Wings recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
Smothered Turkey Wings | Soul Food Turkey Recipe
FAQ
What to season turkey wings with?
Place turkey wings and onion in a casserole dish; sprinkle seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, black pepper, and garlic on both sides of each wing. Pour 1/2 cup water into the casserole dish and cover. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 1 hour.
What can I marinate turkey with?
Mix fresh herbs like chives, sage, and oregano, with garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and mustard.Jul 17, 2020
How long can you marinate turkey wings?
-
Safety:According to the Food Safety Inspection Service, turkey can be marinated in the fridge for up to two days.
-
Flavor development:While you can technically marinate for a shorter time, letting the turkey wings sit in the marinade overnight allows for the best flavor absorption.
-
Container:Use a food-safe plastic bag or airtight container to marinate your turkey wings.
-
Turning the wings:Remember to turn the wings occasionally during marinating to ensure even seasoning.
How to season a turkey for the best flavor?
Generously sprinkle the entire bird with salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic powder, tarragon, parsley flakes, thyme, basil and paprika. Pour about 1/4” to 1/2” of chicken broth in the bottom of the roasting pan, being careful not to wash any of the seasonings off the turkey.