Name: Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 to 5 turkey wings; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 large yellow onions, sliced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken broth

There’s something about slow-baked turkey wings in rich brown gravy that feels like a hug on a plate. Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy is the kind of soulful comfort food that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s, where the flavors are deep, the meat is tender, and the house smells like love.

This Southern classic is all about low and slow cooking that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply savory, fall-off-the-bone meal. With a silky homemade gravy coating each wing, it’s impossible not to go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy

This recipe is pure comfort in every bite. The turkey wings are seasoned and baked until golden, then covered in a thick, from-scratch onion gravy and slow-baked again until the meat practically falls off the bone. It’s an affordable way to feed a crowd and delivers on both flavor and nostalgia. It also uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up with what you likely already have at home.

What Kind of Turkey Wings Should I Use?

You can use whole or split turkey wings for this recipe. Whole wings tend to be meatier and give you that classic Southern presentation, while split wings cook a bit faster and are easier to serve. Look for fresh or thawed wings—frozen ones need to be fully thawed before seasoning to absorb all those spices and brown up nicely in the oven.

Ingredients for the Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building bold, savory flavor. The gravy is especially crucial, acting as both sauce and seasoning.

Turkey wings
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Oil
Yellow onions
Flour
Chicken broth

The wings are the star, seasoned with simple spices to let their natural flavor shine. Onion and garlic powder bring aromatic depth, while paprika adds color and warmth. A good drizzle of oil helps them brown beautifully. Sliced onions cook down into the gravy for that signature richness, and the flour and broth blend into a creamy, luscious sauce that soaks into every bite.

How To Make the Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy

Step 1: Season and Sear the Wings

Pat the turkey wings dry and generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the wings on all sides. This gives them that golden crust and locks in flavor.

Step 2: Build the Gravy Base

In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened and just starting to caramelize. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring until the mixture thickens into a silky gravy.

Step 3: Bake to Tender Perfection

Place the seared wings in a large baking dish and pour the gravy over them. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the turkey is fork-tender and the gravy has infused every piece.

Step 4: Serve Hot and Smothered

Remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes to slightly thicken the gravy and develop more flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite Southern sides.

How to Serve and Store This Recipe

Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy is the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down and savor. It feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, especially when served with hearty sides. It’s best eaten hot from the oven, with all that rich gravy soaking into a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it a great next-day lunch. To reheat, warm slowly on the stove or microwave until hot.

What to Serve With Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy?

Southern Collard Greens

Their smoky, slow-simmered flavor balances perfectly with the savory richness of the turkey gravy.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ideal for catching every drop of that onion gravy. Creamy, buttery, and comforting.

Skillet Cornbread

Slightly sweet, with crisp edges, cornbread is a must to soak up that gravy.

White Rice

Simple and classic, rice acts as the perfect base to let the turkey and gravy shine.

Mac and Cheese

A rich and cheesy bite is the perfect contrast to the savory turkey and onions.

Green Beans with Bacon

Bright and savory with a touch of smokiness, this dish brings color and balance.

Sweet Potato Casserole

For a touch of sweetness to complement the savory main, it rounds out the meal beautifully.

Fried Cabbage

A rustic side that brings crunch and flavor. Cooked with a little onion and smoked sausage, it pairs so well with turkey wings.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these fall-apart tender Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy, you’ll definitely enjoy these cozy classics too:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a creamy weeknight meal.
The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and buttery dessert that never fails to impress.
Serve up Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for something light but deeply flavorful.
Cozy up with the No Peek Chicken Casserole that basically cooks itself.
Get nostalgic with the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese, a family favorite.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or bell peppers to your gravy? Maybe added a dash of hot sauce for heat?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other get it just right.

Explore beautifully curated Southern-style dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal: Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Smothered Turkey Wings Gravy is more than a meal—it’s a return to cozy, classic cooking. It brings together slow-roasted flavor and homemade gravy in a way that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with satisfaction. Whether you’re serving this up on a chilly Sunday or for a special gathering, it’s bound to be remembered.