Honey Baked Turkey Wings Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts crowd-pleaser and weeknight hero, you have to try these Honey Baked Turkey Wings. Each bite offers juicy, perfectly seasoned turkey nestled beneath a glossy, sweet, and tangy glaze that clings to every nook and cranny. The wings roast up tender and fall-off-the-bone, building layers of flavor with fragrant spices and a sticky finish that’s absolutely addictive. Whether you’re hosting Sunday supper or craving something bold and comforting, these wings bring a touch of Southern-inspired magic to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Honey Baked Turkey Wings so crave-worthy is how each straightforward ingredient works overtime to deliver knock-your-socks-off flavor. Let’s break down the essentials and what each brings to your platter:
- Turkey wings: The star of the show! Look for large, meaty wings split at the joints for even cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil: Helps the spice rub stick while keeping the meat moist during roasting.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the wings with earthy, savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and backbone that rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a splash of color to the final dish.
- Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herby note and makes the wings taste even more homey and comforting.
- Salt: Brightens all the flavors and helps form that irresistible glazed crust.
- Black pepper: Just enough kick to balance the sweetness in the glaze.
- Honey (for glaze): The star ingredient in the glaze, delivering shine and sticky-sweet goodness.
- Soy sauce (for glaze): Balances the honey and adds a hint of umami richness.
- Butter (for glaze): Blends everything together for a silky, luscious finish.
- Dijon mustard (for glaze): Provides a gentle tang and keeps things interesting bite after bite.
- Apple cider vinegar (for glaze): Brightens up the sweetness and keeps the glaze from tasting flat.
- Minced garlic (for glaze): Punches things up with aromatic pizzazz—every batch needs it!
How to Make Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or roasting pan to ensure nothing sticks and you get easy cleanup. You want enough space between each wing for them to roast evenly—crammed wings mean less golden, less glorious skin!
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Turkey Wings
Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels to encourage crispiness. Drizzle them with olive oil until every nook is glistening. In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this aromatic blend over every surface, then give your wings a little massage to ensure the seasoning sticks. Place the wings snugly (but not overlapping) in your prepared pan.
Step 3: The First Bake
Cover your pan tightly with foil. This keeps all the moisture and flavor inside as the wings bake for the first hour, essentially tenderizing the turkey to juicy perfection. While they roast, your kitchen will soon start to smell better than any candle could promise!
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
About twenty minutes before the hour mark, start preparing your honey glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and the minced garlic. Stir constantly and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it thickens slightly and gets glossy. This glaze is what transforms standard wings into showstoppers!
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
After the first hour of baking, remove the foil and brush the turkey wings generously with your warm honey glaze. Pop them back in the oven, uncovered this time, for another 30–40 minutes. Halfway through, baste the wings again to build up a thick, sticky coat. The finished turkey wings should be deeply golden and caramelized at the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Give your Honey Baked Turkey Wings a quick rest (about 5 minutes) before diving in, so the juices settle and every bite is extra flavorful. You’ll be amazed at how the glaze hugs the skin and adds big, bold flavor!
How to Serve Honey Baked Turkey Wings
Garnishes
Garnishing takes your Honey Baked Turkey Wings from homey to restaurant-level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions over the top for color and a pop of freshness. A crack of black pepper or a finishing drizzle of the warm glaze in the serving platter can make everything look (and taste) extra vibrant.
Side Dishes
These wings are magic with classic Southern sides—think fluffy rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or creamy mac and cheese. Cornbread or honey-glazed carrots will round out the meal perfectly, soaking up all the extra glaze. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad balances the wings’ richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the wings on a big wooden platter lined with fresh herbs or crisp lettuce leaves. Small mason jars of extra honey glaze for dipping add a fun, interactive element. For parties, offer mini plates or cocktail napkins and let guests dive in with their hands—these wings never last long!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover wings to an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to three days, staying juicy and tasty thanks to that sticky glaze!
Freezing
If you want to freeze Honey Baked Turkey Wings, let them cool completely first. Wrap each wing tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for round two.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the turkey wings gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through. Or, pop them uncovered under the broiler for a couple of minutes to revive that caramelized crust and sticky glaze—you’ll swear they’re fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use whole turkey wings instead of splitting them?
Absolutely! Just allow a bit more time for everything to cook through, and keep an eye on them so the glaze doesn’t burn. Splitting the wings at the joint just makes them a bit easier to serve and eat.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you’re out of Dijon, a mild yellow or spicy brown mustard works beautifully in the honey glaze. The key is to use something tangy to balance the sweetness, so don’t skip the mustard altogether.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Honey Baked Turkey Wings are easy to make gluten-free! Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy without worry.
Can I prep these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can season and marinate the wings in the fridge the night before. Even the honey glaze can be prepared ahead—just store it in a jar and bring it to room temperature before using. Your future self will thank you.
What’s the best way to get crispy skin on the turkey wings?
Broiling the wings for the last 2–3 minutes gives you that caramelized, crispy finish. Keep a close eye on them, as the sugars in the glaze can go from golden to burned quickly. You’ll get irresistible, beautifully sticky wings every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra special about Honey Baked Turkey Wings—rich, sticky, and deeply flavorful, they hit every note you crave in comfort food. Make a batch for your next family dinner or friendly get-together, and watch everyone reach for seconds. Give them a try, and prepare to fall in love with each juicy, glazed bite!
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Honey Baked Turkey Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Baked Turkey Wings are a delicious and flavorful main course option that is perfect for any occasion. The wings are seasoned with a savory spice mix, then baked to perfection and glazed with a sticky honey mixture for a sweet and savory finish.
Ingredients
Turkey Wings:
- 4 turkey wings (split at the joints, tips discarded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the honey glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the turkey wings: Rub turkey wings with olive oil and season with spice mix. Bake covered for 1 hour.
- Make the honey glaze: Combine honey, soy sauce, butter, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
- Glaze and bake: After 1 hour, brush wings with glaze. Bake uncovered, basting halfway through, until golden and cooked.
- Rest and serve: Let wings rest before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can broil the wings for the last 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wing (with glaze)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
