Eating chicken gizzards can be a delicious and nutritious experience, especially if you like rich, savory flavors and a slightly chewy texture. They are commonly prepared in several ways, making them versatile for various cuisines.
Here’s a simple and popular way to cook chicken gizzards:
Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken gizzards (cleaned and trimmed)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying, vegetable or peanut oil works well)
- Optional: hot sauce or lemon for dipping
Instructions:
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Prep the Gizzards:
- Rinse the chicken gizzards and remove any tough bits or excess fat. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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Marinate:
- In a bowl, place the gizzards and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (you can marinate them longer for more flavor).
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Season the Flour:
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
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Coat the Gizzards:
- Remove each gizzard from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off, and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
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Heat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small amount of flour—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
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Fry the Gizzards:
- Fry the coated gizzards in batches for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy gizzards.
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Drain and Serve:
- Once crispy, transfer the fried gizzards to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce, like hot sauce or ranch dressing, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- You can serve fried chicken gizzards as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal. They pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Why Eat Chicken Gizzards?
- Affordable and Nutritious: Gizzards are relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of chicken and are packed with protein, low in fat, and full of essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Flavorful: If you enjoy dark meat chicken or other organ meats, you’ll love the rich and hearty flavor of gizzards.
- Versatile: Beyond frying, you can also simmer them in stews, boil them for soups, or grill them for a different texture and flavor.
Have you tried chicken gizzards before, or is this something you’re looking to try now?