How to Cook Chicken Gizzards for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Chicken gizzards are an underrated and often overlooked cut of meat. But when prepared properly they can be incredibly delicious, nutritious and budget-friendly. With the right techniques, this tough and chewy cut transforms into a tender, flavorful treat.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook chicken gizzards to perfection.

What Exactly Are Chicken Gizzards?

Part of a chicken’s digestive system is its gizzard, which is a muscular pouch with thick walls. They are between the crop and the stomach, and their main job is to break down food as it goes through.

Unlike breast or thigh meat, gizzards are considered an organ meat. But don’t let that scare you away! When cooked right, they offer a unique texture and robust, savory flavor. Gizzards are also super nutritious, packed with protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Why Cook with Chicken Gizzards?

There are several excellent reasons to incorporate gizzards into your cooking:

• Flavour: Gizzards taste like rich, meaty meat that makes soups, stews, gravies, and other foods taste better. Their flavor pairs wonderfully with bold seasonings.

• Texture: Gizzards have a unique chewy, tender texture that makes them stand out from other chicken cuts when they are cooked right.

• Cost – Chicken gizzards are economical and a thrifty way to add variety to meals. Since they are less popular than breasts or thighs, they tend to cost less.

• Nutrition – Ounce for ounce, gizzards contain more iron and protein than chicken breast, offering a real nutritional punch.

So for adventurous eaters on a budget, gizzards are worth exploring as a nutritious, flavorful alternative to everyday chicken dishes.

How to Select and Prepare Chicken Gizzards

There are a few important things to remember when you buy and prepare chicken gizzards:

Selecting Gizzards

• Look for plump, raw gizzards without any sliminess or bad odors. Avoid gizzards with dry, shriveled exteriors.

• For best flavor and texture, opt for fresh gizzards from a butcher shop instead of pre-packaged ones.

• Plan on about 1/2 pound of gizzards per person. They shrink considerably during cooking.

Preparing Gizzards

• Rinse gizzards under cold water and pat dry. Trim off any excess fat or membrane.

• For added tenderness, soak gizzards in buttermilk or milk for 30 minutes to overnight. The lactic acid helps break down the tough muscle fibers.

• For deeply seasoned flavor, marinate gizzards for a few hours in a marinade of oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

With quality gizzards and the right prep, you’re ready to cook up an amazing dish.

How to Cook Chicken Gizzards for Tender, Juicy Results

Cooking chicken gizzards to the proper doneness while avoiding toughness requires the right technique. Here are three foolproof cooking methods to achieve tender, delicious gizzards every time:

Method 1: Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is ideal for breaking down gizzards’ tough muscle fibers. Low, moist heat over several hours yields fall-apart tender gizzards.

You’ll need:

• Slow cooker
• Chicken gizzards (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• Spices and seasonings of choice

Instructions:

1. Add prepared gizzards and liquid to a slow cooker. Season with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, etc.
2. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until very tender.
3. Use gizzards in stews, soups, gravy, or eat as is.

The extended cooking time results in fork-tender gizzards bursting with flavor.

Method 2: Braising

Braising involves browning the gizzards first for flavor, then slow cooking them in a flavorful liquid. It adds an extra layer of rich taste.

You’ll need:

• Large skillet with lid
• Chicken gizzards
• 1 cup broth, wine or water
• Oil for browning
• Seasonings of choice

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown gizzards in oil over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add liquid and seasonings, bring to a simmer.
3. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 mins to 1 hour until very tender.
4. Uncover skillet to reduce remaining braising liquid to a sauce.

The result is succulent, tender gizzards with concentrated flavor.

Method 3: Pressure Cooking

A pressure cooker dramatically decreases cooking time without sacrificing texture. It’s a quick route to tender gizzards.

You’ll need:

• Pressure cooker
• Chicken gizzards
• 1 cup broth or water
• Seasonings of choice

Instructions:

1. Add gizzards and liquid to pressure cooker pot. Season as desired.
2. Lock lid in place and bring to high pressure over medium heat.
3. Once pressurized, cook for 12-15 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally.
4. Gizzards will be fall-apart tender and ready to use.

In less than 20 minutes, you can enjoy pot-roast tender gizzards using this time-saving technique.

Complementary Flavors for Chicken Gizzards

To make the most of gizzards’ robust flavor, pair them with bolder seasonings and ingredients. Here are some excellent ways to spice up gizzards:

• Onion, garlic, shallots – Sautéed aromatics provide a flavor base.

• Savory herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage work well with the rich meatiness.

• Spicy flavors – Chili powder, cayenne, paprika, hot sauce add a kick.

• Umami flavors – Soy sauce, Worcestershire, mushrooms enhance the savoriness.

• Hearty vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, tomatoes make satisfying side dishes.

• Grains – Barley, farro, quinoa offer a pleasing contrast in texture.

With the right supporting ingredients, the flavor possibilities are endless.

Delicious Ways to Serve Chicken Gizzards

Once your gizzards are tender and juicy, there are many appetizing ways to incorporate them into meals:

• Hearty gizzard stew with potatoes, carrots and gravy

• Addition to chicken soup for extra protein and texture

• Crispy baked gizzard “wings” with hot sauce or BBQ sauce

• Mixed into jambalaya, paella or dirty rice

• Taco filling in soft tortillas with all the fixings

• Classic chicken and gizzards pie with flaky crust

• Over grits or creamy polenta for breakfast

• Skewered and grilled for gizzard kabobs

However you choose to serve them, properly prepared chicken gizzards are sure to delight. Their versatility makes them an exciting ingredient for everyday meals and special occasion dishes alike.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Chicken Gizzards and Hearts

If you want to cook gizzards and hearts together in one pot, boiling them is a simple and foolproof technique. Here is a straightforward step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken gizzards
• 1 lb chicken hearts
• Water to cover
• Salt
• Other seasonings (garlic, onion, bay leaf, etc)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the gizzards and hearts well under cold water. Trim any fat or membranes.
2. Place gizzards and hearts in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover by 2-3 inches.
3. Add a generous amount of salt, about 1 tbsp. You can also add other flavorings like garlic, onion and herbs.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
5. Simmer gizzards for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until very tender when pierced. Hearts take less time, about 45 minutes.
6. Drain gizzards and hearts. Serve warm or add to recipes as desired.

The lower cooking temperature ensures the gizzards become perfectly tender without overcooking. And you’ll end up with two delicious ingredients ready to incorporate into all types of dishes.

Tips for Avoiding Tough, Rubbery Gizzards

If you’ve ever bitten into an unpleasantly rubbery gizzard, don’t let it turn you off from this unique ingredient. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure tender results every time:

• Cook gizzards low and slow – quick, high heat makes them seize up and toughen.

• Allow plenty of time for simmering, braising or pressure cooking – 2+ hours for maximum tenderness.

• Cut gizzards into smaller pieces to shorten the cooking time needed.

• Avoid boiling for more than a few minutes, as this makes gizzards tough and dry.

• Cook just until a knife inserted into gizzards meets little resistance. Overcooking causes rubberiness.

• Allow cooked gizzards to rest in their cooking liquid for 10 minutes before serving.

Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with fork-tender gizzards boasting delicious flavor in every bite.

Satisfy Your Tastebuds with Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards deserve a place at the dinner table. Their unique texture, robust flavor, and stellar nutrition offer so much culinary potential. With proper selection, preparation, and cooking, gizzards can be transformed into a mouthwatering addition to many dishes.

The next time you’re looking for an economical, protein-packed meat to liven up soups, stews, rice bowls and more, give chicken gizzards a try. Follow the techniques above for tenderizing and cooking gizzards to flavorful perfection. Your tastebuds and wallet will thank you!