When it comes to comfort food, there's nothing quite like a plate of tender, oven-baked turkey wings slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce. Whether you're preparing a family dinner or a casual dinner with friends, these wings are guaranteed to hit the spot. The best part is that you can make them right in your oven with minimal fuss. Serve them with classic sides like creamy mac and cheese, moist cornbread, and a side of green beans simmered with smoked turkey necks. Or add some flavorful black-eyed peas, tender collard greens, or these quick and easy sautéed green beans to round out this dish.
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Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make these easy barbecue turkey wings:
Fresh Wings: Make sure to use fresh wings for the best texture and flavor. You can also use frozen wings, but make sure to thoroughly thaw them before cooking.
Cajun Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less or substitute with your favorite seasoning blend.
Barbecue Sauce: Use a smoky, tangy sauce that complements the wings.
See recipe card for quantities.
Cree's Top Tips
Before we get started, here are a few top tips to ensure your wings come out tender, moist, and full of flavor:
- Pat your wings dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- (Optional): Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight in the fridge).
- Add a little liquid to the baking sheet before covering the wings tightly with foil.
- Start by browning the wings in the oven at a high temperature. This step locks in flavor and moisture before you lower the heat to bake them low and slow.
How to Make the Best Barbecue Turkey Wings
With the right seasoning and cooking technique, you can achieve tender, flavorful wings. I'll walk you through each step.
- Generously season the turkey wings, then brown them in the oven at a high temperature before cooking them low and slow.
- Add liquid to the baking sheet, then cover the turkey wings tightly with foil.
- When the wings are done, remove the foil.
- Slather the turkey wings with your favorite barbecue sauce, then bake until caramelized.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, so they do not become dry.
📖 Recipe
BBQ Oven-Baked Turkey Wings (Tender and Flavorful)
BBQ Oven-Baked Turkey Wings (Tender and Flavorful)Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Measuring spoons
- measuring cup
- Tongs for flipping the wings over
Ingredients
- 8 lbs Turkey wings
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Water
- 1-½ cup Barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoon Cooking oil (or use 100% Pure Avocado Oil Cooking Spray to coat the skin so the seasoning adheres)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 415°F.
- Season Turkey Wings: Wash the turkey wings under cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Use kitchen shears to cut away any excess skin and discard. Coat the wings lightly with cooking oil or spritz them with 100% pure avocado oil cooking spray. Season with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. Massage the seasoning into the skin.
- Brown the Wings: Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 415°F for 1 hour to brown the wings, then flip the wings over halfway through the cooking time to brown the other side.
- Lower the Temperature: After browning, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
- Add Liquid and Cover: Pour 1 cup of water around the wings and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the wings to cook low and slow until fork-tender. If they're not fork-tender, cook a little longer and check for tenderness again.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: After baking, remove the foil and brush the wings generously with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Caramelize the Sauce: Return the wings to the oven and bake them uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized.
- Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Pat your wings dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- (Optional): Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight in the fridge).
- Add a little liquid to the baking sheet before covering the wings tightly with foil.
- Start by browning the wings in the oven at a high temperature. This step locks in flavor and moisture before you lower the heat to bake them low and slow.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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