Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Imagine walking into your kitchen, the warm aroma of savory turkey wafting through the air as the sweet and tangy notes of cranberry pomegranate dance in your nostrils. Your mouth starts to water just thinking about the juicy, tender turkey wings glazed with that luscious sauce. This delightful dish, Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings, not only fills your home with incredible smells but also warms your heart, especially during the holiday season when family and friends gather around the table.
Table of Contents
I fondly recall the first time I tried turkey wings during a holiday dinner at my grandmother’s house. It was love at first bite! The perfect blend of flavors—a touch of sweetness from the sauce, a hint of smokiness from the spices, and that juicy tenderness I craved. It quickly became a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort and joy it brings. So grab your apron and let’s create a feast your loved ones will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish is easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes of prep time and 1.5 hours in the oven.
- Irresistible Flavor: You’ll enjoy the mouthwatering combination of sweet pomegranate and tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These beautifully glazed wings look stunning on any table and are perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Serve them as a holiday feast center or casual weeknight dinner, perfect for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Turkey Wings (4 ½ lbs, about 6 wings): These are the star of the show, providing a meaty, hearty option that’s perfect for roasting and glazing. Opt for fresh or thawed wings for the best flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup): This healthier fat helps to crisp the skin while enhancing flavor. Feel free to substitute with melted unsalted butter if preferred.
Smoked Paprika (1 Tbsp): This adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Regular paprika would work too, but you’ll lose that distinct smokiness.
Lawry’s Seasoning Salt (2 tsps): A quick way to add robust flavor without having to measure multiple spices.
Garlic Powder (2 tsps): For that savory depth, enhancing the wings’ overall flavor.
Onion Powder (2 tsps): Adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the dish.
Water or Chicken Stock (1 cup): To help steam the wings while baking; chicken stock will impart even more flavor.
Organic All-Purpose Flour (1 Tbsp): Thickens the cooking liquid into a light sauce that melds into the wings beautifully.
Whole Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Tart berries that add zing and vibrant color to the dish.
Thyme Sprigs (4): These aromatic herbs complement the rich flavors, adding a fresh, earthy note.
Pomegranate Juice (1 cup, premium): Sweet and tart, it’s the star ingredient of the glaze, giving a beautiful finish.
Organic Brown Sugar (½ cup): Balances the acidity of the cranberries and pomegranate juice, helping to create that glossy, caramelized glaze.
Cornstarch (1 Tbsp) + Warm Water (3 Tbsps): Used to thicken the glaze for an enticingly sticky texture.
Lemon (1, sliced – optional): Adds brightness and a citrusy freshness; it’s optional but recommended for an extra zing.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare a standard 9×13 baking dish or griddle pan by lightly spraying it with olive oil or coating it with butter. This prevents sticking and allows the wings to crisp up beautifully.
Marinate and Season: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned turkey wings with olive oil, smoked paprika, Lawry’s seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the wings are fully coated in the spice blend. Allow them to marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or for the best flavor, seal them in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Arrange and Add Liquid: After marinating, place the turkey wings side by side in your prepared dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water or chicken stock and flour until it reaches a smooth, milky consistency. Pour this mixture evenly over the turkey wings, ensuring coverage for moisture during baking.
Add Cranberries and Thyme: Sprinkle the whole cranberries across the top of the wings, adding bright bursts of flavor and color. Tuck in the thyme sprigs to infuse the dish with their fragrant aroma while it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the wings are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The meat should be tender and easily pulled from the bone.
Make the Glaze: While the turkey wings bake, you can prepare the cranberry pomegranate glaze. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the pomegranate juice, cranberries, brown sugar, and sliced lemons. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir well for another minute until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
Glaze and Bake Again: Once the wings are ready, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the cranberry pomegranate glaze over the top. Return the wings to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, creating a mouthwatering shine and rich flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the turkey wings from the oven and serve immediately. You can pair these stunning wings with cornbread, pasta, or even a fresh salad. The delightful combination of sweet and savory makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftovers—which I doubt there will be!—store the Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. If refrigerating, they can last for three to four days. Make sure to use a container that seals tightly to maintain moisture. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for three months. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that while the flavor will still be delightful, the wings may lose a little crispness upon reheating. A quick blast under the broiler for a few minutes can help crisp them back up!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid undercooking the turkey wings by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For juicier wings, always allow them to rest after marinating. This makes a world of difference in flavor absorption.
- Be cautious with the cornstarch mixture in the glaze; add it gradually to avoid clumping.
- If you want extra crunch, broil the wings for the last 3-5 minutes of baking to give them that enticing crispy finish.
- Don’t rush the marinating process; letting the wings sit overnight will yield the best flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings?
Absolutely! While the cooking time will be less—about 30-40 minutes—chicken wings can provide a similar flavor profile. Adjust your baking time based on the smaller size.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken your sauce. Make sure to check the ingredients of your stock for any gluten-containing additives.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the wings the night before and keep them refrigerated. This allows the flavors to penetrate thoroughly. You can also prep the glaze in advance, keeping it in the fridge and reheating before glazing the wings.
What sides do you recommend with these turkey wings?
These wings pair wonderfully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. A fresh salad or cornbread enhances the meal beautifully and rounds out your holiday spread.
Enjoy the joy of cooking and the deliciousness of these Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings with family and friends. So go ahead, try your hand at this scrumptious recipe and make beautiful memories around the dinner table!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings, featuring juicy wings glazed with a sweet and tart cranberry pomegranate sauce. Simple to make and perfect for any gathering, they’ll impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- Turkey Wings (4 ½ lbs, about 6 wings)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup)
- Smoked Paprika (1 Tbsp)
- Lawry's Seasoning Salt (2 tsps)
- Garlic Powder (2 tsps)
- Onion Powder (2 tsps)
- Water or Chicken Stock (1 cup)
- Organic All-Purpose Flour (1 Tbsp)
- Whole Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen)
- Thyme Sprigs (4)
- Pomegranate Juice (1 cup, premium)
- Organic Brown Sugar (½ cup)
- Cornstarch (1 Tbsp) + Warm Water (3 Tbsps)
- Lemon (1, sliced – optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish.
- Marinate turkey wings with olive oil and spices for 30 minutes or more.
- Arrange marinated wings in the baking dish and pour the liquid mixture over them.
- Add cranberries and thyme on top of wings.
- Cover and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze while wings bake; simmer ingredients until thickened.
- Spoon glaze over wings and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes more.
- Serve immediately once wings are glazed and cooked.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate wings overnight.
Use chicken wings for a quicker cooking time of 30-40 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wing
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
