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Last Updated on February 18, 2026 by Barbara

Sunday afternoons in my childhood kitchen often had a specific rhythm. It started with the sizzle of chicken in a hot pan and ended with a rich, creamy gravy that seemed to bring the whole house together. These smothered wings weren’t just a meal; they were the heart of my week.

I’ve spent years building on that foundation, making this recipe my own while being careful not to lose its spirit. This version stays true to that classic, fall-off-the-bone tenderness I grew up with, but with a few of my own personal touches. It’s a dish that honors the past while bring back the taste of home.

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Table of Contents

Watch Me Make Smothered Chicken Wings (Video Tutorial)

How to make Smothered Chicken Wings

The key to this soulful dish lies in the details. I start by selecting the right wings, whole and plump, to ensure every bite has the perfect texture. For the gravy, I use a blend of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups to create a velvety base.

I build the flavor with a foundation of onion, garlic, and celery, but this is where you can make the dish your own. Adding red or green bell peppers is a simple way to bring a new dimension to this Southern staple. Seasoning is the most important part. I’ve shared my favorite combination here, but I encourage you to adjust the spices to your own liking. Once your wings are nestled in that seasoned gravy, the oven takes over by slowly simmering them until they are tender enough to fall off the bone.

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. Searing the wings adds flavor that enhances the overall dish. 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 to Serve 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 complement 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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