Name: Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491551H26M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey wings (4 1/2 lbs., about 6 wings); Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 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); All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp); Whole cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen); Thyme sprigs (4); Pomegranate juice (1 cup, premium); Organic brown sugar (1/2 cup); Cornstarch + warm water (1 Tbsp + 3 Tbsps); Lemon (1, sliced, optional)

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Juicy, golden Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings are one of those dishes that fill your kitchen with an enchanting aroma, making everyone eager to gather around the table. Imagine the sweet and tangy scent wafting through the air as the turkey wings roast to perfection, their skin turning crispy while the sauce bubbles temptingly. The glistening cranberry and pomegranate glaze brings a festive burst of red that warms the heart and delights the eyes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

This dish often takes me back to family gatherings during the holidays, where laughter and joy filled the room. I remember a chilly evening spent preparing dinner with my grandmother, her hands skillfully marinating the wings, often sharing stories of holidays long past. It’s these moments of cooking together that remind me how food brings us closer. So, if you want to impress your loved ones or simply indulge in a satisfying meal, you’re in for a treat with these Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings. Let us dive into the magic of this recipe—your kitchen awaits!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep time; the oven does most of the work for you!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful taste you can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red glaze adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or even as a comforting weeknight meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy adaptations for gluten-free diets by using flour alternatives, keeping it accessible for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey wings (4 1/2 lbs., about 6 wings): This is the star of the dish, chosen for its juicy meat that holds up beautifully during baking. You can also use drumsticks if you prefer.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Enhances flavor and helps the skin crisp up nicely; feel free to substitute with melted butter for a richer taste.
Smoked paprika (1 Tbsp): Adds depth and a smoky flavor; can replace with regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
Lawry’s seasoning salt (2 tsps): A convenient way to add salt and additional seasonings; any seasoned salt can work in its place.
Garlic powder (2 tsps) & onion powder (2 tsps): Provide aromatic flavors that complement the turkey beautifully. Fresh garlic and onion can also be used for more intense flavors.
Water or chicken stock (1 cup): Adds moisture to the baking process, creating a tender texture. Use stock for richer flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Thickens the moisture in the roasting pan, allowing the turkey to cook evenly. Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free option.
Whole cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Contribute a burst of tartness to balance the savory turkey. Frozen cranberries work well and can be used straight from the package.
Thyme sprigs (4): Fresh herbs elevate the flavor; if unavailable, dried thyme can substitute, though the flavor will be less intense.
Pomegranate juice (1 cup, premium): This forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and acidity; make sure to select a juice without added sugars.
Organic brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds rich sweetness that balances the tart cranberries; you can use white sugar if that’s all you have.
Cornstarch + warm water (1 Tbsp + 3 Tbsps): Thickens the glaze, creating a luscious finish that clings to the wings.
Lemon (1, sliced, optional): The citrus adds brightness to the dish and pairs beautifully with pomegranate.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Marinate and Season: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish or griddle pan, and lightly coat it with oil or butter. In a large bowl, combine your turkey wings with olive oil, smoked paprika, Lawry’s seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to coat the wings thoroughly, making sure every inch is seasoned. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, although a few hours or overnight in the fridge is even better for flavor. Before cooking, let the wings sit out for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Set Up for Baking: Place your marinated turkey wings side by side in the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together water (or chicken stock) and flour until smooth. Pour this flour mixture evenly over the turkey wings, then arrange cranberries and thyme around the edges, tucking them in for added flavor. The liquid will help steam the wings while they cook, resulting in juicy meat.

Bake Until Tender: Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, checking occasionally. You’re looking for the wings to become golden brown on the outside, with the meat tender and cooked through. If they appear a little dry at this point, don’t worry; they’ll soon be glazed.

Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine pomegranate juice, cranberries, organic brown sugar, and sliced lemon if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cornstarch and water mixture, and allow it to thicken further for about a minute before removing it from heat. This will create that luscious, thick glaze we crave.

Glaze and Finish Baking: Once your turkey wings are cooked through, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the cranberry pomegranate glaze over the wings, making sure to fully coat them. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully and form a sticky finish on the wings. After removing them from the oven, don’t forget to drizzle any extra glaze from the pan back on top for added moisture and shine.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the wings are golden and the glaze has set, serve them immediately! These wings pair wonderfully with cornbread, salad, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. Get ready to enjoy that sweet-tangy delight that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them in a single layer for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. The glaze might lose some of its original texture, but reheating slowly will help maintain the flavors, bringing them back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be gentle when coating the turkey wings; overly aggressive handling can tear the skin, affecting the texture.
Room temperature turkey wings ensure even cooking, so plan ahead and let them sit out for a little before baking.
If your glaze seems too thin, a little extra cornstarch mixed into water can help thicken it right before glazing the wings.
For an intense flavor, consider making the glaze a day ahead and allowing it to sit in the fridge overnight; the flavors meld beautifully.
Feel free to play with spices! Adding cumin or crushed red pepper can bring a fun twist to the classic seasoning.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about preparing these Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings. Each bite is not only a taste sensation but also a reminder of cooking traditions shared over generations. I encourage you to experiment with the recipe, making it your own by adding personal touches or changing up the sides you pair it with. Bring it to your next gathering or enjoy it on a cozy night in. Whatever you choose, I promise these turkey wings will be a hit!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey wings?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey wings for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and baking. This will ensure even seasoning and cooking throughout the wings, leading to better flavor and tenderness.

What can I substitute for pomegranate juice?

If you don’t have pomegranate juice, cranberry juice is an excellent alternative. It will still provide a nice tang and sweetness. You can also use a mix of grape juice and a splash of lemon juice to mimic the flavor profile of pomegranate.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the turkey wings a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the baking and glazing instructions. The flavors will be even more pronounced since they have had time to blend.

How do I know when my turkey wings are done?

The turkey wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but they should also show golden-brown skin with crispy edges. You can also check for tenderness; the meat should pull away from the bone easily when done.