Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings

Y’all know how much I love a good shortcut, especially during the holidays. Between school plays, gift wrapping, and trying to keep the house somewhat presentable, finding time to cook can feel impossible. That’s where these Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings come in! The sweet and tangy glaze, inspired by a family favorite cranberry sauce, makes these wings absolutely irresistible. I’ve made this recipe at least half a dozen times in my own Texas kitchen, tweaking it each time until it was just right. Trust me, these wings are a game-changer – juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a delicious and stress-free meal that your family will love!

Why This Recipe Works

These Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings are a weeknight (or holiday!) hero for so many reasons. I know y’all are busy, so I’ve made sure this recipe is as simple as possible without sacrificing flavor.

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about an hour, maybe a little more if you’re slow like me.
• Kid-Approved: The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze is a winner with even the pickiest eaters. My own two littles gobble them up!
• Perfect for Leftovers: These wings are fantastic the next day in sandwiches, salads, or just reheated for a quick lunch.

Honestly, I’ve been blown away by how much flavor these wings pack. The cranberry glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, delicious coating. After rigorous testing in my own kitchen (and with plenty of taste-testers!), I’m confident you’ll love this recipe just as much as my family does.

Ingredients

• 4-6 Turkey Wings (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (canned or homemade)
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients. I always say, good ingredients make good food, but don’t stress too much! Here are a few tips and substitutions:

• Cranberry Sauce: I usually use canned cranberry sauce (the jellied kind) for this recipe because it’s what I usually have on hand. You can use whole berry sauce too, just give it a quick pulse in a food processor to smooth it out a bit. Homemade cranberry sauce is also fantastic, of course!
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use pineapple juice in a pinch for a slightly different flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a nice tang to the glaze. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard will work, but use a little less as it’s stronger.
• Turkey Wings: You can find turkey wings at most grocery stores, especially around the holidays. If you can only find larger wings, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, you’ll be enjoying those delicious wings in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.
2. Prepare the Turkey Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy in the oven. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Cranberry Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny.
4. Glaze the Wings: Place the turkey wings in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour about half of the cranberry glaze over the wings, making sure they’re evenly coated. Save the remaining glaze for later!
5. Bake: Bake the turkey wings for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove them from the oven and brush them with the remaining cranberry glaze. Return them to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and slightly sticky. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey wings from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier wings.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned while perfecting this recipe:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the turkey wings are in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding will steam the wings instead of roasting them, and they won’t get as crispy.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your turkey wings are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.
• Baste, Baste, Baste: The key to a beautiful, glossy glaze is to baste the wings with the cranberry glaze frequently during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
• For Extra Crispy Skin: Crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Just watch them carefully to make sure they don’t burn!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry glaze for a little extra kick.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: If your kids aren’t fans of the tangy glaze, you can reserve some of the wings before glazing and simply season them with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings are great for leftovers! Here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Store leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned before, the cranberry glaze can be made ahead of time. You can also marinate the turkey wings in the glaze for a few hours (or overnight) for even more flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Honey-Glazed: Swap the cranberry sauce for honey for a sweeter glaze. Add a touch of soy sauce for a savory balance.
• BBQ-Glazed: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the cranberry glaze for a smoky twist.
• Spicy Glazed: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen turkey wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method. Pat them dry before glazing.

How do I know when the turkey wings are done?

The best way to tell is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, the juices should run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the wing with a fork.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

I haven’t personally tested this recipe in a slow cooker, but I think it would work! Place the turkey wings in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Baste with the glaze occasionally. The wings won’t get as crispy in the slow cooker, but they’ll still be delicious.

My glaze is too thick/thin, what should I do?

If your glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Are these wings kid-friendly?

My kids love them! The sweetness of the cranberry glaze is a big hit. If your kids are sensitive to tanginess, you can reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar in the glaze. You can also reserve some wings before glazing and season them simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. You can also marinate the wings in the glaze for several hours (or overnight) before baking. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook them.

What if I don’t have orange juice?

You can substitute apple juice or pineapple juice. You can also use water, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings are delicious served with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green bean casserole
• Stuffing
• Rolls
• A simple side salad

For a festive presentation, garnish the wings with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Well, there you have it, folks! My family’s favorite Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings recipe. These wings are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive holiday gathering. I truly believe that food brings families together, and this recipe is a testament to that. I hope you’ll give it a try and share your results in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other family-friendly recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com, and sign up for my newsletter for even more delicious ideas. Happy cooking, y’all!

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