how to cook stew turkey wings in crockpot

If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare turkey wings, look no further than your crockpot. These versatile appliances are the perfect tool for slow-cooking meats, making them tender and juicy while infusing them with flavor. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking stewed turkey wings in a crockpot, including ingredient lists, cooking times, and more. So, grab your trusty crockpot and let's get started!

Ingredients needed for stewed turkey wings in crockpot

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:

8 turkey wings
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start cooking. You don't want to have to run to the store halfway through!

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's talk about the cooking process. First, you'll want to season the turkey wings with salt and pepper. Then, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the turkey wings on all sides. This will give them a nice crispy texture.

Once the turkey wings are browned, transfer them to your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir everything together until the turkey wings are coated in the sauce.

A step-by-step guide to preparing the turkey wings for the crockpot

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to get the turkey wings ready for the crockpot. Follow these steps:

Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season the turkey wings with salt and pepper.
Arrange the turkey wings in the bottom of your crockpot.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the turkey wings.
Sprinkle the paprika, basil, and oregano over the top.
Stir everything together until the turkey wings are coated in the sauce.

Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The turkey wings should be tender and falling off the bone when they're done.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a diced jalapeno pepper to the crockpot. This will give the dish a spicy twist that pairs well with the savory tomato sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip this step and stick to the original recipe. Either way, the turkey wings will turn out delicious and make for a satisfying meal.

How long to cook stewed turkey wings in a crockpot

We just mentioned that you should let the turkey wings cook for 6-8 hours on low heat. This will ensure that they're fully cooked and tender. If you're in a hurry, you can cook them on high heat for 3-4 hours instead, but they won't be as tender.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey wings and the type of crockpot you're using. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and cook them for a longer period of time to ensure they're fully cooked.

Once the turkey wings are cooked, you can serve them with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips for achieving perfectly cooked stewed turkey wings in a crockpot

If you want to make sure your stewed turkey wings come out perfectly every time, try these tips:

Don't lift the lid on the crockpot while it's cooking. This will let heat and moisture escape, which can increase cooking time and make the meat dry out.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the safe temperature for cooked poultry.
If you want to give your turkey wings a crispy exterior, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes after they're done cooking in the crockpot.

Another tip for achieving perfectly cooked stewed turkey wings is to marinate them overnight in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices. This will infuse the meat with flavor and help to tenderize it.

Additionally, if you're short on time, you can cook the turkey wings on high heat in the crockpot for 3-4 hours instead of on low heat for 6-8 hours. Just be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they're fully cooked.

Adding flavor to your stewed turkey wings in a crockpot with herbs and spices

If you want to jazz up the flavor of your stewed turkey wings, try adding different herbs and spices to the recipe. Some good options include:

Thyme
Rosemary
Cumin
Chili powder
Cayenne pepper

Experiment with different combinations until you find a flavor that you love.

Another way to add flavor to your stewed turkey wings is to marinate them overnight before cooking. You can use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. This will infuse the turkey wings with even more flavor and make them extra tender.

Variations to try when cooking stewed turkey wings in a crockpot

If you want to switch things up a bit, try these variations:

Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the crockpot for a heartier meal.
Use different types of canned tomatoes, like fire-roasted or tomato puree, to change the flavor of the sauce.
Serve the turkey wings over rice or with a side salad.

Another variation to try is to add some spices to the sauce, such as paprika, cumin, or thyme, to give the dish a more complex flavor.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of water and add it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.

Serving suggestions for your delicious stewed turkey wings in a crockpot

When your stewed turkey wings are done cooking, they're ready to serve! Some good options for serving include:

On their own with a side of vegetables
Over rice or quinoa
In a sandwich or wrap

Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and come up with your own unique ideas!

If you're looking for a more indulgent way to enjoy your stewed turkey wings, try serving them over a bed of mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender meat of the turkey wings.

For a healthier option, consider serving your stewed turkey wings with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are all great options that will add some color and nutrition to your meal.

Freezing and storing your leftover stewed turkey wings from the crockpot

If you have leftover stewed turkey wings, you can easily freeze them for later. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them up in the microwave or on the stove.

It's important to note that when freezing stewed turkey wings, you should remove as much air as possible from the container to prevent freezer burn. You can also freeze the stewed turkey wings in individual portions for easy reheating. Additionally, if you plan on using the leftover stewed turkey wings for a soup or stew, you can freeze them with the broth to keep them moist and flavorful.

Health benefits of cooking with a crockpot and using turkey wings as the protein

There are many health benefits to cooking with a crockpot. Slow-cooking meats allows them to retain more nutrients than high-heat cooking methods like frying or grilling. In addition, using turkey wings as the protein source for this recipe is a great choice. Turkey is a lean protein that's low in fat and calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. So not only will you be enjoying a delicious meal, but you'll be fueling your body with healthy nutrients as well!

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to cooking stewed turkey wings in a crockpot. We hope this article has been helpful and that you enjoy making and eating this delicious meal.

Another benefit of cooking with a crockpot is that it's a convenient way to prepare meals. You can simply add all the ingredients to the pot, set the temperature, and let it cook for several hours without having to constantly monitor it. This makes it a great option for busy individuals or families who want to have a home-cooked meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Additionally, using turkey wings as the protein source for this recipe is a budget-friendly option. Turkey wings are often less expensive than other cuts of meat, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget. Plus, since turkey wings are a flavorful and versatile ingredient, you can use them in a variety of recipes beyond just this stewed dish.