Braised Turkey Neck Recipe

Name: Braised Turkey Neck Recipe
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 110 min
Ingredients: 5 lbs turkey necks; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp Cajun spice blend; 2 tbsp grape-seed oil; 29 oz low sodium chicken broth (2-14.5 ounce cans); 1/2 onions (chopped); 4 garlic cloves (minced)

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These delicious tasting Turkey Necks are seared until golden brown then braised in a flavorful broth infused with aromatics then served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

If you haven't tried turkey necks you are really missing out. They have dark meat which makes them so flavorful and juicy. With that being said, they require a relatively long cooking time and when cooked properly the end result is always soft tender meat. This recipe is really simple to make and doesn't require a lot of ingredients. Let's get to it.

one turkey neck on top of mashed potatoes in white bowl

Why this recipe works

This recipe is so simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. Although it's simple, it makes for a great weekend dinner that's cozy and comforting.

I totally recommend seasoning the necks with Cajun seasoning for the most delicious bold flavor. However, it doesn't stop there. When preparing the braising liquid, by sauteing the aromatics first in the same skillet that was used for searing the meat then de-glazing the skillet with chicken broth enhances the flavor of this dish even more.

How to make this recipe

Wash under cool water and pat dry with paper towels
Season liberally with kosher salt and a Cajun spice blend (alternatively, you can season with any of your favorite seasonings)
Add cooking oil to the dutch oven and sear both sides of the turkey necks then place on a clean plate and set aside
In the same dutch oven, saute the onions and minced garlic until fragrant
De-glaze with chicken broth, add the turkey necks back to the dutch oven, cover with the lid and place in the oven to braise for 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours
Serve over a bed of my Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes or rice and enjoy!!

turkey necks seasoned with kosher salt and Cajun spice blend

chicken broth added to dutch oven with turkey necks

Recipe Tips

Bring turkey necks to room temperature by placing on counter top
After washing the turkey necks, pat them completely dry with paper towels
Sear or brown them in a dutch oven or oven-safe skillet first before braising
Season generously
For the most tender turkey necks, they should be braised in some sort of liquid such as water, chicken broth or stock (chicken broth adds more flavor than just water)

FAQ

How long do you cook?

Before braising turkey necks, I recommend adding a little cooking oil to your dutch oven or oven-safe skillet and sear or brown the turkey necks for approximately 8 minutes on both sides. The process of braising turkey necks in the oven, require between 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours of cooking time for them to come out fork tender.

How do you clean turkey necks?

You can clean turkey necks like you would any other raw meat by simply rinsing really well under cool water. It's important to follow safety guidelines when handling any type of raw meat in order to prevent cross contamination and/or any food-borne illnesses

How to store and reheat?

Store leftover turkey necks along with the pan juices in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to reheat, remove the turkey necks from the fridge and place in an oven-safe skillet or dutch oven. Place in a 375 degree preheated oven until warm throughout. This may take about 20 minutes.

Other ways to serve turkey necks

Smoked Turkey Necks: Sure, you can smoke turkey necks on your own if you have a smoker. I do not. So, if I need smoked turkey necks for a recipe, I'll go straight to my local grocery store and purchase them there and that's it... easy and done. By the way, if you purchase them from the grocery store, they are fully cooked.

Smoked turkey necks are perfect for adding amazing flavor to collard greens, mustard greens, beans, stews or chili.

Smothered Turkey Necks: Turkey necks are perfect for creating a smooth and luscious homemade gravy. Similar to this turkey neck recipe, smothered turkey necks are amazing over rice or a bed of mashed potatoes.

Did you make this recipe?

If so, let me know how it went. Leave a 'Star Rating' within the recipe card down below and/or TAG @cookingwithbliss on Instagram. I can't wait to see how it turned out.