how do you cook chicken gizzards

How To Cook Chicken Gizzards – The Complete Guide

Chicken gizzards are an underrated and often overlooked cut of meat that can make for a delicious and nutritious addition to many dishes when cooked properly. In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about preparing, cooking, and serving chicken gizzards.

What Are Chicken Gizzards?

Chicken gizzards are a part of the chicken’s digestive system, specifically the organ that grinds food up after being swallowed. Because they are constantly working to break down food, gizzards are made up of smooth muscle which gives them a very tough and chewy texture. When cooked low and slow or prepared properly, this muscle breaks down into a tender meaty bite. The taste is similar to heart or liver with an almost iron-like flavor.

Buying and Prepping Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards are often sold with chicken giblets at grocery stores and butcher shops. If you buy them separately, pick gizzards that are firm, smooth, pink, and don’t smell bad. Avoid any that appear slimy or discolored.

Before cooking, trim off any fat or membranes still attached and thoroughly rinse the gizzards. Soak them in salted water for 1-2 hours which helps draw out some of the impurities. Pat dry completely before using in recipes. Cutting gizzards into smaller pieces also allows seasonings to penetrate and speeds up cooking time.

How To Cook Chicken Gizzards

Slow Cooking
One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare chicken gizzards is to slow cook them in a crockpot or Instant Pot. Cover gizzards with broth, water or sauce along with aromatics like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until fork tender. The long cooking time helps naturally tenderize the meat.

When you’re ready to boil the gizzards, put them in a pot and cover them with water or chicken broth. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat and let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and any other herbs or spices you like to the cooking liquid.

Frying
For crispy fried gizzards, soak prepared gizzards in buttermilk for 30 mins to tenderize. Toss gizzards in flour or seasoned breadcrumbs then deep fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.

Sautéing
To sauté gizzards, cut them into small pieces after cleaning. Season with salt, pepper and spices. Cook over medium-high heat in olive oil for 7-10 minutes until browned. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers and continue sautéing until veggies are tender.

Grilling
Grilling brings out delicious smoky flavors in chicken gizzards. Toss prepared gizzards with olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite rub or seasoning blend. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

Chicken Gizzard Recipe Ideas

Strong seasonings and flavors that can stand up to the hearty texture of chicken gizzards go well with them. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Chicken gizzard jambalaya or étouffée

• Fried chicken gizzards with ranch dipping sauce

• Chicken gizzard tacos with salsa and lime

• Gizzard & sausage gumbo

• Hot and spicy gizzard wings

• Chicken gizzard stew or chili

• Chicken fried gizzards with gravy

• Gizzards with onions and bacon

Serving Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards pair well with rice, greens, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, grits or polenta. They work nicely in hearty soups and stews. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.

Safety Tips

• Always cook chicken gizzards thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Refrigerate raw gizzards within 2 hours of purchasing. Use within 2 days.

• Marinate raw gizzards in the refrigerator, do not leave them out at room temp.

• Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw gizzards.

Chicken gizzards may look unappealing at first glance but they are full of nutrition and bold chicken flavor. With the proper prep and cooking methods, you can transform them into a delicious addition to many meals. This complete guide will help you easily prepare and cook gizzards at home. Once you learn how hearty and tasty they can be, chicken gizzards may just become one of your favorite cuts of meat!