Smothered Chicken Wings Recipe

Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Barbara

Smothered Chicken Wings are a true Soul Food and Southern classic. If you want perfectly tender wings every time then this recipe is for you. I grew up enjoying smothered wings as a regular weeknights and Sunday meal, when my mom would make the most tender chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy. It was always comforting and satisfying. Over the years, I have transformed her recipe and made it my own still fall-off-the-bone tender and just as delicious as Mom used to make.

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Watch My Video (Smothered Chicken Wings Video Tutorial) 

How to make Smothered Chicken Wings

Choose fresh whole, plump wings for the best flavor and texture. The base for the gravy for this recipe is both cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. For the aromatics I use onion, garlic and celery but feel free to add the veggies of your choice. Adding red or green bell peppers can bring a different flavor to this southern classic dish. Seasoning is also key for smothered wings. In this recipe I use a combination of my go to seasoning but feel free to use your preference. Once your chicken and gravy is seasoned allow it to slow cook in the oven until your wings are tender.

Ingredients

(A complete list of ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post)

• Chicken Wings – I love using chicken wings because they are my favorite part of the chicken. They hold up beautifully when slow cooked and great at soaking in the rich gravy.
• Cream of Chicken Soup and Cream of Mushroom Soup – (My mom’s secret too!) These two soups are my quick and easy way to creamy, savory gravy. They create a satisfying sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Canola Oil – A little oil helps me brown the wings and lock in flavor before placing the wings in gravy.
• Onion – Fresh onion is a must for me. It adds a touch of sweetness and builds a flavor base that makes the whole dish more hearty.
• Garlic – Garlic brings that bold, garlicky flavor I love. It makes the gravy taste rich and soulful.
• Celery – Balances out the richness of the sauce.
• Parsley Flakes – A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
• Thyme – Thyme is one of my go-to herbs for smothered dishes. It gives the wings that earthy, Southern-style comfort food flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning – I use Cajun seasoning to bring a little kick. It ties everything together and gives the dish a little bit of an edge.
• Chicken Broth – Chicken broth keeps the wings moist while helping the gravy stay silky and flavorful.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder – I like to layer flavors, so even though I use fresh onion and garlic, these add a little extra flavor that makes the wings irresistible.
• Black Pepper and Salt – The essential seasonings! Just the right amount of salt and pepper bring balance and make all the other flavors balance.

What You Will Need

Oven safe skillet: a cast iron skillet can be used as well for this recipe

Oven safe lid: if you don’t have a lid, aluminum foil can be used. 

Tongs

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Instructions for Smothered Chicken Wings

Preheat and Prep

Get your oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, prep your ingredients: dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the celery.

Seasoning the Chicken and Gravy

Create your magical seasoning mix. Combine garlic powder, salt, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, parsley flakes, thyme, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until everything’s well incorporated.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, half of your seasoning mix, and the chicken broth until smooth and creamy.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of canola oil over the chicken wings and toss to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle them with the remaining seasoning mix, making sure those wings are seasoned to perfection.

Brown the Wings

Heat a large pan (preferably a skillet or Dutch oven) over medium heat. Once hot, sear your chicken wings to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color. Remember, we’re not cooking them all the way through, just getting a nice sear. Remove the wings from the pan and set them aside.

Sauté the Veggies

Add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the pan, then toss in the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Add Everything to the Pan

Return the browned chicken wings to the pan and pour over that luscious creamy soup mixture. Give everything a good stir to ensure the wings are fully coated.

Bake

Cover the pan tightly with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil. Now, pop those wings in your preheated oven and let them cook for 45 minutes. After the first 45 minutes, remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. That extra time allows the sauce to thicken and the wings to become incredibly tender.

What goes with Smothered Chicken Wings?

You can pair so many great soul food classic side dishes with Smothered Chicken Wings. From baked mac and cheese to dirty rice to simple mashed potatoes. Veggies are always a good side to add. Collard greens, fried cabbage or green beans and potatoes compliment the wings adding a freshness to the meal. Top your plate off with homemade cornbread then sit back and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.

Important Tips:

• Adjust the Heat: Love spicy food? Amp up the Cajun seasoning, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even introduce some fresh hot peppers to the mix!
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables. Bell peppers or sliced mushrooms would be delicious in this dish.
• Leftovers: Smothered chicken wings are even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld, making them extra tasty.

Looking for Dinner/Lunch Ideas? Try These Recipes:

Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe

Smothered Chicken

Buffalo Wings

Air Fryer Wings

45 Easy Chicken Recipe

Don’t forget: If you’re lovin’ this recipe and want more delicious soul food dishes, grab a copy of my cookbook, “The Best of Soul Food Cooking.” Click the link in the description below!

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