Smothered Chicken Wings Recipe

This Smothered Chicken Wings recipe is a Southern and soul food favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food meal for Sunday dinners, weeknight meals, holidays, and more. Tender juicy wings are served drizzled in well-seasoned onion gravy.

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What Does “Smothered” Mean?

Smothering is a technique used in Southern cuisine and usually within Creole and Cajun dishes. The method involves searing and/or browning meat, vegetables, or seafood in a pan, deglazing the pan with broth or stock, and then using the flavors from the pan to make gravy to “smother” the meal.

Popular dishes include Smothered Pork Chops, Smothered Chicken, Smothered Turkey Wings, Smothered Turkey Necks, Smothered Steak, smothered okra, potatoes, and corn.

What Type of Chicken Wings to Use

I love to use split wings/party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even and consistent temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.

How to Season the Wings

I like to use smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use your favorite chicken rub.

How to Make Smothered Chicken Wings

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Season the wings with the spices.
3. Add sliced onions and green peppers to the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Place the seasoned wings over the onions and peppers. Drizzle the broth into the baking sheet along the edges of the pan so you don’t remove the spices from the wings.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake.
6. Remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil. Remove the chicken wings from the baking dish and set it aside.
7. Reserve the chicken drippings, broth, peppers, and onions that remain in the baking dish. The chicken drippings will be used in the gravy.
8. Heat a saucepan or skillet on medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil.
9. When melted, add in the onions and saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
10. Add in flour.
11. Add in broth, heavy cream or half and half, chicken drippings from the pan, and garlic powder. Stir until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the pan with the gravy.
12. Bake uncovered.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The wings will take around 60-70 minutes to cook for the total cook time. Ensure the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.

How to Substitute Heavy Cream

You can use any milk in the recipe, keep in mind the flavor of the milk you use will be present in the flavor of the gravy. Heavy whipping cream is recommended because it’s great at thickening. If you use milk with less fat or something like almond milk, your gravy won’t be as thick.

How to Store Leftovers

Cooked chicken wings can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

This reheats great in the microwave or on the stove if you have plenty of gravy leftover.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Pair With These Sides

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Southern Green Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Baked Corn on the Cob
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

More Chicken Wings Recipes

Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Honey Hot Wings
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Honey BBQ Wings

More Southern Favorites

Southern Cornbread Dressing with Chicken
Seafood Dressing Recipe
Cajun Spiced Turkey
Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Southern Pork Neck Bones