Cooking Perfect Chicken Gizzards the Easy Way

Cooking perfect chicken gizzards is not as hard as you might think. This delicacy can be enjoyed in many ways, from deep-fried to sautéed. In this article, we will show you the easy way to cook chicken gizzards to perfection. We will also share some tips on how to pick fresh and quality chicken gizzards to make sure your recipe is a success.

What are Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards are a muscular part of the bird’s digestive tract. This organ is responsible for grinding up food that the chicken eats. Gizzards are located in the lower part of a chicken’s stomach, and they are an essential part of the bird’s digestive system. They are also a popular food item for people who enjoy eating organ meats.

Where do Chicken Gizzards Come From?

Chicken gizzards come from the digestive system of chickens. They are located in the lower part of the bird’s stomach, and they are responsible for grinding up food. When chickens are processed for their meat, the gizzards are typically removed and sold separately. This is because gizzards have a unique texture and taste that many people enjoy.

• Chicken gizzards are sold in most grocery stores and are relatively inexpensive.
• They are often found in the meat section of the store, near other organ meats.

Why Cook Chicken Gizzards

If you’re looking for a new and nutritious addition to your diet, consider chicken gizzards. While they may not be the most familiar or appetizing part of the chicken, they are full of important nutrients that can help you reach your health goals. Here are some reasons why cooking chicken gizzards can benefit you:

High in Protein

Chicken gizzards are a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as supporting a healthy immune system. In fact, a single chicken gizzard contains around 4 grams of protein. This makes them an excellent option for those following a high-protein diet, or for athletes and bodybuilders who need to consume large amounts of protein to support their training.

Low in Fat and Calories

Chicken gizzards are also a relatively low-fat and low-calorie food. A 3.5-ounce serving of boiled chicken gizzards contains just 94 calories and 1.4 grams of fat. This makes them a good choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, because they are low in fat and calories, chicken gizzards can be used to add flavor and texture to meals without adding excess calories or fat.

A Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken gizzards are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells, while zinc is important for immune function and wound healing. Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Consuming chicken gizzards can help you meet your daily requirements for these important nutrients.

Preparing Chicken Gizzards

If you’re new to cooking chicken gizzards, the first step is to properly prepare them before cooking. Below are some tips:

Cleaning Chicken Gizzards

Before cooking chicken gizzards, it’s important to get rid of any dirt or foreign particles that might be stuck on them. To clean your chicken gizzards:

1. Rinse them under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Remove the outer membrane and any visible fat using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This will make them easier to eat and digest.
3. Soak the gizzards in a solution of water and vinegar or lemon juice for about 10 minutes to help get rid of any impurities or foul odor. Rinse them again under cold running water and pat dry.

Trimming Chicken Gizzards

Trimming chicken gizzards involves removing the internal membrane, which can be tough and chewy when cooked. Follow these steps:

• Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut off the pointed end of the gizzard.
• Flip the gizzard over and locate the internal membrane that runs through the center. Carefully peel it off, starting from one end and working your way to the other. This requires a bit of patience and steady hands, but it’s worth it in the end.

Easy Cooking Methods

If you want to cook chicken gizzards, you’ll be glad to know that there are many easy ways to get it done. Follow these simple methods, and you’ll have perfect chicken gizzards in no time at all.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a tasty and quick way to cook chicken gizzards. The secret to getting perfect results is to use a hot skillet with a small amount of oil. First, rinse the chicken gizzards and pat them dry. Next, dust the gizzards with seasoned flour and shake off any excess. Add the gizzards to the hot skillet and cook them for four to five minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Serve the gizzards hot and enjoy!

Boiling

Boiling is an easy and healthy way to cook chicken gizzards. First, rinse the chicken gizzards and add them to a pot of boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and let the gizzards simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the gizzards and then season them with your favorite spices.

Grilling

Grilling is a great way to cook chicken gizzards. First, rinse the gizzards and pat them dry. Season the gizzards with your favorite spices. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the gizzards on the grill and cook for five to six minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through.

Baking

Baking is another easy way to cook chicken gizzards. First, rinse the gizzards and pat them dry. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the gizzards with your favorite spices. Arrange the gizzards on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Recipes for Chicken Gizzards

If you’re a fan of chicken gizzards, there are several tasty ways you can cook them up for a delicious meal or snack. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

Fried Chicken Gizzards

Perhaps the most classic way to cook chicken gizzards is to fry them up. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of hot sauce (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and hot sauce. Dip the gizzards in the milk mixture, then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat up about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the gizzards for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Braised Chicken Gizzards

Braising chicken gizzards can be a great way to tenderize them and infuse them with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft. Add the gizzards and cook for a few minutes until browned. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer it to the oven. Bake the gizzards for 2-3 hours, or until they are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Gizzard Soup

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, try making a gizzard soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the gizzards and cook for a few minutes until browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, celery, and thyme to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the gizzards are tender and the vegetables are cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Gizzard Stir-Fry

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try making a gizzard stir-fry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the gizzards into small pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the gizzards and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until browned. Add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir everything together for another minute or two, until the sauce has thickened and coated everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

With these delicious recipes for chicken gizzards, you’re sure to find a new way to enjoy this tasty organ meat.

Tips and Tricks

If you want to elevate your chicken gizzard game, these tips and tricks will help you achieve perfection every time. Here are some things you need to consider:

1. Choosing the Right Seasoning

The right seasoning can make or break your chicken gizzards. While chicken gizzards have a unique flavor, they still need seasoning to enhance their taste. You can opt for a simple salt-and-pepper mix or go for more complex seasoning blends like Cajun or Caribbean. Be sure to coat the gizzards evenly with your chosen seasoning.

2. Getting the Cooking Time Right

Cooking time is crucial to achieving tender and juicy chicken gizzards. Overcooking will lead to tough and rubbery gizzards while undercooking can result in raw and tough meat. Typically, chicken gizzards take around 30-40 minutes to cook to perfection. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. It’s best to always use a cooking thermometer to check if the gizzards reach 165°F before serving.

3. Using the Right Cooking Method

There are different ways to cook chicken gizzards, such as boiling, frying, or grilling. Choosing the right cooking method is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Boiling is the most common method as it is quick and easy. However, frying and grilling will give you a crispier texture and a smoky flavor.

4. Resting the Gizzards

Resting the chicken gizzards before serving is crucial to getting the perfect texture and juiciness. After cooking, let the gizzards rest for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat. This will make the gizzards more succulent and flavorful.

5. Storing the Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken gizzards, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them by microwaving or frying for a quick and easy meal. However, be sure not to reheat the gizzards more than once to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

6. Adding a Twist to Your Recipe

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken gizzards, you can experiment with different recipes. You can try marinating the gizzards overnight in your favorite sauce or seasoning or add them to stews and casseroles.

• One great recipe to try is chicken gizzard adobo, a flavorful Filipino dish made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves.
• Another tasty option is chicken gizzard kebabs, skewered and grilled with vegetables and a spicy marinade.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope this article has helped you learn how to cook perfect chicken gizzards the easy way. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find what works best for you. Come back soon for more tasty recipes and cooking tips!