Buffalo Turkey Wings

Baked until crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, these Buffalo Turkey Wings are just what you need to step up your regular chicken wing game! Drenched in a homemade sauce that is savoury and spicy, these wings do not disappoint. They’re large and meaty; perfect for when a small wing just will not do!

At this point, there are exactly 22 chicken wing recipes on this site and I love each and every one of them. However, on occassion, I want jumbo wings, so I opt for turkey wings instead of chicken. And, because I love anything with heat and spice, this time around, I prepared Buffalo Turkey Wings. They are absolutely delicious and dripping in a homemade buffalo sauce which is just how all wings should be!

It’s odd, but even during the holidays, it can be difficult to find turkey wings where I live. But, two years ago, I found a somewhat local grocer that tends to have fresh turkey wings in stock at all times. I don’t go to that grocer often, but whenever I do, I tend to buy all of the wings they have in the cooler. Many times I’ll prepare just one or two wings for myself for dinner. I simply season them and bake them – no sauce, no extra fuss. Served with a salad, I’m good to go!

On other ocassions however, I crave large, juicy wings that are swimming in sauce. When chicken wings just don’t cut it, I reach for turkey wings. They can prepared the exact same way you would bake chicken wings, with the exception of needing 5-10 minutes more baking time. And, unlike chicken wings, you only need two pieces of turkey wings for a filling and hearty serving!

MORE TURKEY RECIPES

One of my personal favourites are these absolutely delicious Smoked Turkey Legs. I wish I could make them over and over again, but I no longer have my smoker. Maybe some day I’ll get another one! Also, you cannot beat the timeless classic simplicity of a Whole Roasted Turkey whether it’s for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any day you like! My mom loved to roast a turkey and would do so at least 6-8 times a year.

When it comes to turkey wings, you can try these Honey Garlic Turkey Wings. But, if turkey legs and thighs are more your thing, you cannot beat these Butter Basted Turkey Legs and Thighs.

If you have leftover turkey, try my 30 Minute Turkey Teriyaki, or this Crack Turkey Salad, this Bacon and Turkey Panini, or finally, my homemade Leftover Turkey Soup!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.

• Turkey Wings – For this recipe you will need 6 whole wings. Use a knife to separate the drumette from the wingette. Cut away the tip and discard it or save it to make turkey stock.
• Salt – This recipe looks like it has a lot of salt, but don’t worry, turkey needs to be very well seasoned.
• Ground Black Pepper
• Cornstarch – The turkey pieces are tossed lightly in this and when baked, it will create a light and crispy skin.
• Hot Pepper Sauce – Use any hot pepper sauce you normally would, but I love to use Franks Hot Sauce.
• Butter – To avoid too much salt, use unsalted butter here.
• White Vinegar
• Worcestershire Sauce – This stuff is like a miracle worker when it comes to imparting flavour. Use it often to get really good results in most of your savoury dishes.

HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO TURKEY WINGS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and generously coat the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set the separated turkey pieces into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle over the salt and ground black pepper. Toss the pieces to coat and season evenly. Next, sprinkle in half of the cornstarch and toss the turkey pieces once again to coat in the cornstarch. If you need more cornstarch, you can add a bit more, but you don’t need much – just a light dusting.

Transfer the turkey wings to the prepared baking sheet and arrange them in a single layer. Use two baking sheets if needed. Bake for 45-60 minutes. The baking time will depend on the size of your individual wings. A meat thermometer should read 175 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the drumette. Be sure to not touch the bone with the thermometer! Once fully cooked remove from the oven.

While the turkey is in the oven, make the sauce. Add all of the sauce ingredients to a large skillet and stir to combine over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a low boil and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the sauce aside. Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and transfer the pieces to the skillet with the buffalo sauce. Toss the turkey pieces with the sauce until the turkey is well coated. Plate, garnish, and serve immediately.

HOT PEPPER SAUCE

Often referred to as just hot sauce, there are literally thousands of varieties out there on the market. And, all of us who love hot and spicy food tend to have a favourite or go-to hot sauce we reach for every single time. I make my own hot sauce. One particular sauce I like to make is this Canned Cayenne Pepper Sauce. I grow lots of cayennes every summer, so I make a big batch of this and can it so that I have homemade hot sauce all throughout the winter.

Another option I like is my Dragon Fire Sauce. This one has some Korean influence, but don’t worry, the ingredients are super easy to find! In this particular case, I used Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Frank’s hot sauce is thicker than most other hot sauces, so the end result will be a thicker sauce meaning it will stick to your turkey wings better. However, I always associate the flavour of buffalo wing sauce with Frank’s. I know you can buy prepared Frank’s Buffalo Sauce as well, so feel free to use it rather than making your own. I do enjoy Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, however, the homemade version is silkier and the flavour is more savoury. Either way will work!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

If you’re much like me, you can be easily satisfied with just a plate of Buffalo Turkwy Wings and a few napkins. However, if you are serving them as a meal, I would want to serve it with a few sides. Keep in mind that in the case of these wings, they’re spicy. So, serve it with something light, refreshing, crisp, and plain.

Plain!? I can’t think of another word! What I mean is something with a subtle flavour. I would also consider serving it with a coleslaw. Anything spicy always pairs well with the cooling taste of a really good coleslaw! Everyone seems to like carrot and celery sticks with wings. Veggies will certainly help to cool the tongue if these wings are too hot for you.

At the end of the day, you can serve it with whatever you want. I completely support serving whatever works for you – what about just a plate of well-seasoned fries? Yes! You cannot go wrong with a potato salad and I have about a dozen for you to choose from – click here to see them all!

QUESTIONS?

If I have not answered all of your questions in the text above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me by sending me a message in the comments section further down the page. I will try my best to answer as soon as possible! You might reach me even faster by following me on Facebook and sending me a private message. Scroll down below the recipe card to find my Follow Me on Social Media box and never miss another recipe!