Get ready to fall head-over-heels for Honey Baked Turkey Wings—a showstopping dish that hits that perfect balance between savory and sweet. Imagine turkey wings roasted until irresistibly golden, all while soaking up a sticky, garlicky honey glaze with just a hint of smokiness and tang. Every bite delivers juicy meat that glistens with flavor. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, a festive holiday feast, or just craving comfort food with flair, this recipe brings cozy warmth and plenty of flavor to your table in the most crowd-pleasing way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples and one or two pantry secrets, you’ll assemble the magic behind Honey Baked Turkey Wings in no time. Each ingredient plays a starring role—infusing flavor, building tantalizing color, and guaranteeing tender, luscious results that will disappear right off the platter.
- Turkey wings (3 lbs): Use pieces cut at the joints for even cooking and the juiciest bites—toss out the tips or save for stock.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings stick and aids in browning the wings delectably.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting all those bold flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savoriness and depth, soaking right into the meat.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle sweetness and makes the wings even more aromatic.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers gorgeous color and an earthy, smoky note—you’ll taste it in every bite!
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who loves a whisper of heat (totally customizable).
- Chicken broth (1 cup): The flavor-packed liquid base that keeps the wings tender while they bake.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The star of the glaze, creating beautiful caramelization and a luscious sticky finish.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami, depth, and a gorgeous savory undertone to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Delivers tanginess to balance the sweetness of honey.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce and wakes up the other flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings complexity—a little goes a long way!
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds herby aroma and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Step 1: Prep the Turkey Wings
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your turkey wings ready. Pat them dry with paper towels to help that beautiful golden skin form. Arrange the wings snugly in a large baking dish so they can soak up maximum flavor. Drizzle them with olive oil and start layering on the seasonings—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne if you like a little heat. Rub everything in, making sure each wing gets an even coat.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Savory Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Don’t skip the whisking—this ensures the honey blends smoothly instead of pooling at the bottom. This punchy mixture is what gives Honey Baked Turkey Wings their signature glossy glaze and layers of craveable flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour that gorgeous sauce all over the seasoned turkey wings, turning each one to make sure they’re well coated. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for an hour—this is where the wings drink in flavor and get melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Uncover and Caramelize
After an hour, unveil the wings and baste them generously with the juices and sauce in the pan. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 30–40 more minutes. Halfway through, baste again for extra shine and sticky edges. By the end, the wings should be deeply golden and some of the sauce will thicken into a spoonable glaze.
Step 5: Serve with Extra Sauce
Plate the honey baked turkey wings while they’re piping hot, making sure to spoon plenty of the buttery, honeyed pan sauce over the top. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering at the table!
How to Serve Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Garnishes
Add a final flourish! Scatter fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the wings for a burst of green color and just the right amount of herby lift. If you want even more wow-factor, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a little extra drizzle of warmed honey just before serving gives your Honey Baked Turkey Wings that restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweet and savory wings with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables (think carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes) absorb every last bit of sauce. For a summery spin, pair with a bright coleslaw or corn on the cob. The wings’ rich, bold flavor means you can keep the sides comforting and simple.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get a little playful! Serve the wings over a bed of herbed rice for dramatic effect, or stack them artfully on a wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted veggies. If you’re making these for game day, pile them on a platter with toothpicks and little dishes of extra sauce for dipping. However you serve them, Honey Baked Turkey Wings make for a beautiful centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Baked Turkey Wings are the gift that keeps on giving. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, making sure to spoon over some of that luscious glaze to keep everything moist. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste just as rich and savory the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for future feasts, these wings freeze beautifully! Cool completely, pack into a freezer-safe bag or container with the sauce, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To get that just-baked goodness, reheat the wings and sauce covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes should do it. For crispy edges, uncover and broil for the final couple minutes. A splash of extra broth can help loosen the glaze if needed. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven maintains the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey drumsticks or thighs instead of wings?
Absolutely! This sweet and savory glaze works wonders on drumsticks and thighs as well. Just adjust the baking time—they may need a little longer to cook through compared to wings. The dish will be just as delightful and satisfying.
Is there a substitute for honey if I don’t have any on hand?
Yes! Maple syrup is a wonderful swap and brings a slightly different but equally delicious richness to the sauce. You can also try agave syrup, though it will be a touch milder in flavor.
What’s the best way to make the wings extra crispy?
For irresistibly crisp edges, broil the finished wings for two to three minutes—just keep an eye on them so the sugars in the sauce don’t scorch. The sauce will thicken and caramelize into a sticky, golden glaze.
Can Honey Baked Turkey Wings be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and double check that your other condiments (like Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free versions. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This extra marinating time actually deepens the flavor! When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the wings are going straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels as special as it tastes, Honey Baked Turkey Wings are bound to become a new favorite in your rotation. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and always get rave reviews. Give them a try and share the love with the people around your table—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Print
Honey Baked Turkey Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Baked Turkey Wings are a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a perfect choice for a special dinner or holiday meal. Tender turkey wings are baked to perfection in a luscious honey glaze, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Turkey Wings:
- 3 lbs turkey wings, cut at the joints
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Honey Glaze:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the turkey wings: Pat the turkey wings dry and place them in a baking dish. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Make the honey glaze: Whisk together chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour over the turkey wings.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover, baste with sauce, and bake for an additional 30–40 minutes until golden and tender.
- Serve: Spoon extra sauce over the wings and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor.
- For crispier wings, broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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