Buffalo Turkey Wings

These Buffalo Turkey Wings are going to be the WOW factor at your next game day gathering.

Disclaimer:  This post was written in partnership with the Turkey Farmers of Canada and may contain affiliate links.  All recipes, photos and ideas are my own. 

We are on sports overload at our house right now.  Between hockey playoffs and basketball playoffs and then the start of baseball season with a side of some pretty big golf tournaments – there is always a game on and people watching.  Wings are one of my go-to dishes for easy entertaining but sometimes its fun to switch things up and that is just what we did here! 

I accepted the Canadian Turkey cheating challenge and swapped my usual chicken wings for turkey wings and the wow factor was over the top.  They are exactly what you want in a Buffalo wing – crave-worthy crispy skin slathered in a delicious spicy sauce.  These wings are baked, not fried, so are super easy and convenient when you are entertaining.  I made them in the morning – baked for about 2 hours so all hands off time – and then slathered them in sauce and just finished them under the broiler for a couple minutes (which is totally optional).  

I don’t know why I haven’t considered swapping chicken wings for turkey wings before.  One bonus, because of their size, I found it easy to figure out how many I needed per person (which was about 1-2 per person) I loved how these turned out and will be making them again soon.  Because turkey is so versatile and really can take on any flavour next time, I would try flavours like honey garlic, teriyaki or maybe a dry Cajun.  Another fun idea would be a Turkey Wing Bar, where you bake the wings with just a small amount of seasoning but then set up a tray of different sauces so people could build their own combinations! 

If you are looking for more ways you can add turkey into your day to day meals, check out all the recipes at Canadian Turkey and consider taking the cheating challenge!   

Buffalo Turkey Wings

INGREDIENTS

4 Turkey Wings (split into wing and drum, see optional note on Frenching drumstick portion)

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high heat oil)

½ cup butter

1 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce

Sour cream, blue cheese or Ranch Dressing, for dipping

Celery for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 

1.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

2.    Remove wings from package, split into wing and drum portion.  Brush a wire cooking rack with oil and place rack on a baking sheet (line the baking sheet with foil for easier clean up).  Pour approximately half a cup of water onto the baking sheet.  Dry the wings very well with paper towel and place wings on the wire rack careful not to have them touch.  Cover the baking sheet with foil to create a bit of a tent. Bake for 1 hour. Remove tin foil and continuing baking until wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees (about another 30-45 minutes)

3.    While wings are cooking, prepare Buffalo sauce.  In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and hot sauce together, stirring frequently until well combined.

4.    When wings are done, baste or toss them in the hot sauce. Serve with cooling sides like celery and sour cream, ranch or blue cheese dip.  Serve leftover hot sauce on the side.