Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings

There’s something so comforting about the smell of turkey wafting through the house, isn’t there? Forget the fuss of a whole bird; these Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings are my go-to for a flavour-packed, easy Sunday lunch. After years of roast dinners, these wings have become a firm favourite with my two little ones. They’re sticky, sweet, and savoury all at once – and unbelievably simple to make. I promise you, this recipe will become a regular in your family’s meal rotation, offering a delicious, satisfying meal without hours spent in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum with over eight years of home cooking under my belt, I know the importance of recipes that are both delicious and practical. These Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings tick all the boxes:

• Simple Method: Forget complicated techniques. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Child-Approved: My two are notoriously picky eaters, but they devour these wings every single time. The sweet and tangy glaze is a real winner.
• Budget-Friendly: Turkey wings are a surprisingly affordable cut of meat, making this a great option for feeding the family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

• 8 turkey wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 125ml cranberry sauce (smooth or with berries, your preference)
• 60ml apple cider vinegar
• 30ml soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Ingredient Notes

Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the glaze! I usually use a shop-bought cranberry sauce, but feel free to use homemade. Both smooth and whole-berry varieties work well. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of chilli flakes for a little heat.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a lovely tang to the glaze. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice.

Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard contributes a lovely subtle spice and depth of flavour. You could use English mustard in a pinch, but reduce the amount slightly as it’s much stronger.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). While the oven heats up, pat the turkey wings dry with kitchen paper. This helps them to get nice and crispy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the turkey wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated. I find using my hands is the best way to do this – just be sure to wash them afterwards!

Step 3: Spread the chopped onion in a large roasting tin. Arrange the turkey wings on top of the onion. This helps to flavour the onions as well as preventing the wings from sticking to the bottom of the tin.

Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial bake will render some of the fat and start the cooking process.

Step 5: Whilst the wings are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and dried thyme.

Step 6: Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the turkey wings from the oven. Baste them generously with the cranberry glaze. Make sure to coat them well for that beautiful, sticky finish.

Step 8: Return the turkey wings to the oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the glaze is caramelised. Baste them with the glaze every 10 minutes to ensure even coverage and prevent burning. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 74°C (165°F).

Step 9: Let the turkey wings rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful meat.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your roasting tin is too small, the turkey wings will steam instead of roast. Use two tins if necessary.
• Basting is key: Basting the wings regularly with the cranberry glaze is crucial for achieving that sticky, caramelised finish.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the turkey wings are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Add a little kick: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce. My little boy loves a very mild kick!
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cranberry glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
• Crispy skin trick: For extra crispy skin, place the turkey wings under the grill for the last few minutes of cooking. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
• Kid-friendly adjustment: If your children are not keen on the tanginess of the glaze, add a little extra honey to sweeten it up.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover turkey wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the turkey wings in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the turkey wings up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Batch Cooking: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for batch cooking. Cook a larger batch of turkey wings and freeze them for quick and easy meals.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. Tamari is a great substitute.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Vegetarian: Whilst this specific recipe isn’t vegetarian, you can use the cranberry glaze on other dishes like roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, parsnips) or even grilled halloumi for a festive vegetarian option.

Seasonal Variations: In autumn, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves to the glaze for a warmer, more autumnal flavour. In summer, use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce (you might need to add a little sugar to balance the tartness).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking, and you’ll save yourself precious morning time.

How do I know when the turkey wings are done?

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

Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice. These will provide a similar tang to the glaze.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Will my children enjoy this recipe?

Most children love the sweet and tangy flavour of the cranberry glaze. If your children are particularly sensitive to strong flavours, you can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard or add a little extra honey to sweeten the glaze.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger or smaller family?

Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally to suit the number of people you are feeding.

Can I use frozen turkey wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings are delicious served with:

• Roasted potatoes and vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts)
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Green beans or asparagus
• A simple green salad

For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

I usually allow 2-3 turkey wings per person, depending on the size of the wings and how hungry everyone is. The children love them with a side of mash and some steamed broccoli.

So there you have it – a flavourful and fuss-free recipe for Cranberry Glazed Turkey Wings that’s perfect for busy family life. Give it a go, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I’m always eager to hear your honest feedback and any tweaks you might have made. And if you’re looking for more easy family recipes, be sure to browse the rest of FamiliesRecipes.com or sign up for my email newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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