When it comes to poultry, most people tend to stick to the familiar cuts like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. However, there’s a hidden gem that often gets overlooked that is chicken hearts. In this article, we’ll learn a pan-fried chicken hearts recipe and I will also answer some common questions when making this unique dish.
1. Pan Fried Chicken Hearts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken hearts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
Instructions
Rinse the chicken hearts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the hearts.
In a bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Next, sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken hearts, ensuring they are well coated.
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers but does not smoke.
Carefully add the seasoned chicken hearts to the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are no longer pink in the center.
Once cooked, transfer the pan-fried chicken hearts to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Now that your pan-fried chicken hearts are ready, let’s explore what to serve alongside them.
2. What To Serve With Pan-Fried Chicken Hearts
The mild and savory flavors of chicken hearts complement starches like rice or mashed potatoes perfectly. They provide a nice contrast to the richness of the hearts.
Lightly grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add freshness and color to your plate.
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken hearts and make for a well-rounded meal.
A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls is excellent for soaking up the flavorful pan juices from the chicken hearts.
Consider serving your pan-fried chicken hearts with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, chimichurri, or a simple garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor.
3. FAQs When Cooking Chicken Hearts
3.1. What Does Cooked Chicken Heart Taste Like?
Cooked chicken hearts have a unique flavor that can be described as mild and slightly gamey. They are tender and juicy with a texture similar to well-cooked dark meat from chicken thighs.
3.2. How Do You Know When Chicken Hearts Are Done?
Chicken hearts should be cooked until they are no longer pink in the center. You should check their doneness by cutting one heart in half. If the inside is no longer pink, they are ready to be served. Overcooking can result in tough and dry hearts, so it’s essential to monitor their cooking time.
3.3. Is Eating Chicken Heart Good For You?
Yes, chicken hearts are nutritious as well as tasty. They are an excellent source of protein, providing over 20 grams in a 3 ounce serving. They are also packed with iron, zinc, vitamin A, folate, and B vitamins. Chicken hearts are about 85% protein and only 2% fat. Due to being so lean and dense, they cook up chewier than regular chicken muscle meat. Overall, chicken hearts provide a wholesome, nutritional addition to your diet.
Pan-frying chicken hearts is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this often-overlooked part of the chicken. So, the next time you’re looking for a new and unique dish, consider giving pan-fried chicken hearts a try—you won’t be disappointed.
