Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Turkey Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and flavor, you can briefly sear the turkey wings in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a layer of complexity to the final dish, although it is optional. If you choose to sear, ensure the wings are dried very well to achieve a golden-brown crust rather than steaming them in the pan.

If you find that the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can carefully remove the wings and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) into the remaining sauce.

Turn the slow cooker to high and let it bubble for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Return the wings to the pot to warm through before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Brown Sugar Wings: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze mixture for a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar.
• Citrus Garlic Wings: Incorporate the zest and juice of one orange into the glaze mixture. The bright acidity of the citrus provides a sophisticated contrast to the savory garlic and soy base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the wings and the sauce are cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge.

Properly stored, the turkey wings will maintain their quality for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve these wings hot, directly from the slow cooker, perhaps accompanied by a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful brown sugar garlic sauce.

The sauce is the highlight of the dish, so providing a spoon for drizzling it over your sides is highly recommended. Freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a nice visual contrast and a hint of freshness to the finished plate.

Pair the wings with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the glaze pairs exceptionally well with bitter greens or earthy roasted root vegetables. Keep the side dishes relatively simple, as the turkey wings are rich and flavorful on their own. Serving with a side of coleslaw can also provide a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the tender, sticky meat.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Turkey Wings

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lbs turkey wing sections
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 cup brown sugar soy sauce glaze

Instructions

1. Place the turkey wing sections into the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the sliced yellow onion over the turkey wings. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the top, then pour the brown sugar soy sauce glaze over the entire mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the wings to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, soy, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.