Name: Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491725H44M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey Wings (4 1/2 lbs.); 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 (1 Tbsp) + Warm Water (3 Tbsps); Lemon (1, sliced, optional)

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The aroma of turkey wings baking in the oven is simply irresistible, especially when they’re glazed with a vibrant cranberry pomegranate sauce. Imagine a warm, tangy sweetness filling your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and inviting loved ones to gather around the table. Each bite of these Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings reveals a tender, juicy interior wrapped in a caramelized, glossy coating that makes the dish not only a feast for the stomach but a visual delight as well.

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

Reflecting back, I remember the first time I made this dish for a holiday gathering. The excitement of watching the turkey wings transform, their skin crisping to a beautiful golden brown, took me right back to my childhood, where family and food were always at the heart of our celebrations. Now, it’s your turn to bring joy to your kitchen! Whether for a festive occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, you’re going to love this easy recipe brimming with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It takes only 15 minutes of prep time, with an hour and a half in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet pomegranate creates a delectable sauce that complements the turkey perfectly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy glaze and vibrant colors make these wings a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, casual weekends, or even as a standout dish at potlucks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adapted to accommodate gluten-free diets with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey Wings (4 1/2 lbs.): About six wings, these are perfect for roasting as they become juicy and flavorful during baking. For a lighter option, you can substitute with chicken wings.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup): This helps to coat the wings and adds healthy fats. You can swap this with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Smoked Paprika (1 Tbsp): This spice adds depth and a subtle smokiness; if you prefer less heat, try sweet paprika instead.
Lawry’s Seasoning Salt (2 tsps): Enhances flavor; you can use any all-purpose seasoning if you don’t have it on hand.
Garlic Powder (2 tsps) and Onion Powder (2 tsps): These boost the flavor profile; using fresh garlic and onions is also a great option.
Water or Chicken Stock (1 cup): This will provide moisture during baking. If using stock, opt for low-sodium to control salt intake.
All-Purpose Flour (1 Tbsp): Helps create a lovely base for the sauce—use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Whole Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): These tangy berries create a burst of flavor. Dried cranberries can be used in a pinch but will alter the texture.
Thyme Sprigs (4): Fresh thyme adds an aromatic layer. Dried thyme works too; just use a teaspoon.
Pomegranate Juice (1 cup, premium): Look for 100% juice for the best flavor; you can use cranberry juice as a substitute.
Organic Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): This adds sweetness to balance the tangy glaze. Coconut sugar is a good alternative.
Cornstarch (1 Tbsp) + Warm Water (3 Tbsps): This creates a slurry to thicken your sauce. Arrowroot powder is a suitable alternative.
Lemon (1, sliced, optional): Adding lemon provides a delightful citrus note. You can omit it if you’re not a fan.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings

Marinate and Season the Turkey Wings: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a standard 9×13 baking dish or griddle pan by spraying it with oil or butter to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, add your cleaned and rinsed turkey wings along with the olive oil, smoked paprika, Lawry’s seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until each wing is well-coated. For the best flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate them in a ziplock bag for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight, then bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Bake the Turkey Wings: Arrange the marinated turkey wings side by side in your prepared baking dish. In a bowl, combine the water (or chicken stock) with flour and whisk until you achieve a smooth, milky consistency. Pour this mixture over the turkey wings evenly, then scatter the whole cranberries and tuck the thyme sprigs around the sides. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the wings are golden and crisp on the outside and fully cooked inside. They may look a bit dry at this stage; don’t worry!

Make the Cranberry Pomegranate Glaze: While the turkey wings are baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine pomegranate juice, cranberries, brown sugar, and sliced lemons, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir together, allowing it to cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Finish by adding the cornstarch slurry, stirring for an additional minute until the glaze thickens further. Remove from heat and set aside.

Bake Again with Glaze: Once the turkey wings are done baking, carefully remove the foil. Use a spoon to generously drizzle the cranberry pomegranate glaze over the wings. Return to the oven (uncovered) for another 10-15 minutes, watching for the glaze to bubble and caramelize, resulting in a beautiful, shiny finish. For an extra glisten, spoon some of the sauce from the baking dish onto the wings just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, serve your **Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings** immediately! They pair perfectly with cornbread, a fresh salad, pasta, or classic sides like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. Bon Appetit!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover turkey wings, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for a couple of hours but should be refrigerated within that time frame. In the refrigerator, they are good for about 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wings for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 20–30 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through. Keep in mind that flavors may mellow, but you can refresh them with a little extra glaze or a squeeze of fresh lemon!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t skimp on the marinating time; it enhances the wings’ flavor!
If you have any leftover glaze, drizzle it over your sides for fantastic flavor.
Avoid cooking the wings straight from the fridge to ensure even cooking.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it.
For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the marinade for a slight kick.
This dish can easily be made ahead of time; just reheat before serving.

These Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings not only bring vibrant flavor to your table but also create lasting memories with every bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe, perhaps adding different herbs or sides to make it your own. Gather around and enjoy the warmth and love that cooking can bring!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings?

Absolutely! Chicken wings work wonderfully in this recipe and will cook faster due to their smaller size. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for doneness.

What’s the best way to store leftover wings?

After cooling, place any leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blends, and ensure that your seasoning blends are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the wings from drying out while baking?

To keep the turkey wings moist, make sure to baste them with the cooking juices halfway through the baking process. Adding moisture like broth or stock also helps keep them tender.