Honey Baked Turkey Wings are the kind of show-stopping, lip-smacking main course that transforms any dinner into a feast. Perfectly seasoned, glazed with a glossy blend of honey and a hint of Dijon, and roasted until gloriously caramelized, these turkey wings strike the ideal balance between sweet, savory, and ever-so-slightly tangy. Whether you’re looking for a Sunday supper centerpiece or an easy way to jazz up weeknight poultry, this recipe delivers big Southern comfort flavor with minimal fuss. Gather your favorite people and get ready for a meal that’s bound to become a new favorite tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Baked Turkey Wings lies in the harmony of its simple ingredients—each one is carefully chosen to bring out succulence, depth, and a delectable golden finish in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single item:
- Turkey wings: The star of the show; choose wings that are meaty and well-trimmed for the juiciest results.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings cling to every nook and cranny.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the turkey’s natural flavor—don’t be shy, seasoning is key!
- Black pepper: Delivers a tiny kick and rounds out the savory profile for a well-balanced dish.
- Garlic powder: Offers aromatic warmth without overpowering the glaze.
- Onion powder: Teams up with garlic for classic comfort and depth.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color that makes those wings pop.
- Dried thyme: Earthy, herby notes that give this recipe its Southern charm.
- Honey: The magical ingredient for that sticky-sweet, warmly caramelized glaze.
- Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness, adding umami and complexity to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of tang and enough bite to cut through the richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Perks up all the flavors and keeps the glaze from being cloying.
- Chicken broth or water: Keeps the wings juicy as they bake and builds a luscious pan sauce.
How to Make Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Turkey Wings
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels—this simple step ensures a beautiful caramelized skin later on. Arrange them snugly in a large baking dish, giving each wing enough room to soak up the delicious glaze.
Step 2: Season Generously
Drizzle the olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Don’t just toss these on—use your hands to thoroughly rub the seasonings into every crevice, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth (or water). This combo creates that irresistible sweet-and-savory sauce that makes these Honey Baked Turkey Wings unforgettable.
Step 4: Coat and Bake Covered
Pour the honey glaze all over the wings and turn them gently to coat. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil—this traps steam, making the turkey extra tender. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Uncover, Baste, and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and baste the turkey wings with the flavorful pan juices. Return them to the oven uncovered and bake for another 30–40 minutes, basting once or twice more. This is when the wings turn gorgeously golden and sticky—if you love extra caramelization, place them under the broiler for another 2–3 minutes (but don’t walk away!).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the Honey Baked Turkey Wings rest for five minutes before serving. This quick pause allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your wings are as moist as possible.
How to Serve Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a lovely fresh aroma. If you want to take it up a notch, try thin slices of green onion or a light zest of lemon for a burst of brightness right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Honey Baked Turkey Wings with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or green beans. For a lighter touch, crisp coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad make perfect companions to the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the glistening wings on a rustic wooden platter for a family-style meal, or serve each wing atop a mound of garlicky mashed potatoes for an elegant dinner plate. For a party, offer them appetizer-style with toothpicks and extra honey glaze on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Baked Turkey Wings are always a treat! Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle as they sit, so the wings taste just as incredible (if not more) the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the wings cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To keep your Honey Baked Turkey Wings moist when reheating, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through—usually about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh their sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken wings work beautifully with this glaze and method—just reduce the baking time, as chicken wings cook much faster than turkey wings.
How do I make the Honey Baked Turkey Wings spicier?
For a kick of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the honey glaze before pouring over the wings.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries! White wine vinegar or even lemon juice can stand in for apple cider vinegar. Just use the same amount for a little pop of acidity.
Can I prepare these wings ahead for a party?
Yes! You can season and marinate the turkey wings in the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Is it necessary to baste the wings while baking?
Basting isn’t strictly essential, but it guarantees those wings will be fabulously juicy and evenly glazed. Don’t skip this step if you want maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that feel both comforting and downright crave-worthy, these Honey Baked Turkey Wings are calling your name. Give this recipe a try and watch it bring big smiles (and requests for seconds) to your table every time!
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Honey Baked Turkey Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Baked Turkey Wings are a delicious twist on a classic recipe, featuring a flavorful honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Turkey Wings:
- 4 large turkey wings (split at joints, tips removed)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Turkey Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry and place them in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Make Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour over the wings.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, baste the wings with pan juices, and continue baking uncovered for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can broil the wings for the last 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the honey glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey wing
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
