When it comes to poultry, many people tend to stick to the more popular cuts like chicken breasts or thighs. However, those who are willing to venture into more adventurous territory will discover a hidden gem is chicken gizzard. In this article, I’ll instruct you on how to cook chicken gizzards in 4 different ways.
1. How To Prepare Chicken Gizzards?
Place the chicken gizzards in a colander or strainer. Next, rinse the gizzards thoroughly under cold running water to remove any surface dirt, blood, or impurities.
Lay the rinsed gizzards on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat or tough connective tissue from the gizzards. Cut off any visible white or yellowish fat and discard it.
On some gizzards, there may be a thin, translucent membrane called the silver skin. This membrane can become tough when cooked and is best removed.
To remove the silver skin, use your fingers or a small knife to gently peel it off the gizzard. Start at one edge and carefully peel it back.
Depending on your recipe and personal preference, you can cut the gizzards into smaller pieces or leave them whole.
Once cleaned and trimmed, your gizzards and hearts are ready to be transformed into a delightful dish.
2. How To Cook Chicken Gizzards on Stove
2.1. How To Fry Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Place the cleaned and trimmed gizzards in a bowl. Next, pour the buttermilk over the gizzards, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight). This step tenderizes the gizzards and adds flavor.
In a separate shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Remove the marinated gizzards from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Then coat each gizzard in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep-fryer, add enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 1 inch. and heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the coated gizzards to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
Fry the gizzards for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried gizzards to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Once all the gizzards are fried and drained, transfer them to a serving platter.
Serve the fried chicken gizzards while they’re still hot and crispy, optionally accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a side of coleslaw.
Note: Fried chicken gizzards are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, but they may lose some of their crunchiness when reheated.
2.2. How To Saute Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken gizzards and hearts, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the cleaned and trimmed chicken gizzards and hearts to the pan. Sprinkle with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Sauté the gizzards and hearts for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
Pour in the chicken broth or water, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it and gather any flavorful bits.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the gizzards and hearts simmer for 30-40 minutes or until they become tender. The exact cooking time may vary, so it’s best to taste-test for the desired tenderness.
Once the gizzards and hearts are tender, uncover the pan and allow any excess liquid to evaporate, leaving behind a rich and flavorful sauce.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish the sautéed chicken gizzards and hearts with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
3. How To Cook Chicken Gizzards in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
In a bowl, combine the cleaned and trimmed chicken gizzards with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the gizzards until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Place the seasoned gizzards in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the gizzards in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the gizzards.
When the gizzards are cooked through and have a crispy golden-brown exterior, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the air-fried chicken gizzards immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
4. How To Cook Chicken Gizzards in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, combine the cleaned and trimmed chicken gizzards with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the gizzards until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Spread the seasoned gizzards in a single layer on a baking sheet or a baking dish.
Roast the gizzards in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The gizzards should be tender and have a crispy golden-brown exterior.
Once cooked, remove the gizzards from the oven and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve the oven-roasted chicken gizzards as a delightful and flavorful dish that pairs well with your favorite sauces or sides.
Learning how to cook chicken gizzards through pan-frying, sautéing, air frying, and baking opens up a world of delicious possibilities. These four cooking methods allow you to transform this often overlooked part of the chicken into a flavorful and satisfying dish.
