how do you cook chicken gizzards

How To Cook Chicken Gizzards – The Complete Guide

When cooked right, chicken gizzards can be a tasty and healthy addition to many dishes. They are an underrated and often forgotten cut of meat. I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get chicken gizzards ready to cook and serve in this full guide.

What Are Chicken Gizzards?

The gizzards of chickens are part of their digestive system. They are the organs that break down food after it has been swallowed. The gizzards are made of smooth muscle because they are always breaking down food. This makes them very tough and chewy. This muscle breaks down into a tender meaty bite when cooked slowly or the right way. It tastes like heart or liver and has a flavor that is almost like iron.

Buying and Prepping Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards are often sold with chicken giblets at grocery stores and butcher shops. If you buy them separately, pick gizzards that are firm, smooth, pink, and don’t smell bad. Avoid any that appear slimy or discolored.

Before cooking, trim off any fat or membranes still attached and thoroughly rinse the gizzards. Soak them in salted water for 1-2 hours which helps draw out some of the impurities. Pat dry completely before using in recipes. Cutting gizzards into smaller pieces also allows seasonings to penetrate and speeds up cooking time.

How To Cook Chicken Gizzards

Slow Cooking
One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare chicken gizzards is to slow cook them in a crockpot or Instant Pot. Cover gizzards with broth, water or sauce along with aromatics like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until fork tender. The long cooking time helps naturally tenderize the meat.

Boiling
After cleaning and preparing the gizzards, place them in a pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45 mins to 1 hour until cooked through. Season the cooking liquid with salt, pepper, garlic and other herbs or spices as desired.

For crispy fried gizzards, soak ready-made gizzards in buttermilk for 30 minutes to make them tender. Fry the gizzards in a deep fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy.

Sautéing
To sauté gizzards, cut them into small pieces after cleaning. Season with salt, pepper and spices. Cook over medium-high heat in olive oil for 7-10 minutes until browned. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers and continue sautéing until veggies are tender.

Grilling
Grilling brings out delicious smoky flavors in chicken gizzards. Toss prepared gizzards with olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite rub or seasoning blend. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

Chicken Gizzard Recipe Ideas

Chicken gizzards pair well with assertive seasonings and flavors that can stand up to their hearty texture. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Chicken gizzard jambalaya or étouffée

• Fried chicken gizzards with ranch dipping sauce

• Chicken gizzard tacos with salsa and lime

• Gizzard & sausage gumbo

• Hot and spicy gizzard wings

• Chicken gizzard stew or chili

• Chicken fried gizzards with gravy

• Gizzards with onions and bacon

Serving Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards pair well with rice, greens, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, grits or polenta. They work nicely in hearty soups and stews. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.

Safety Tips

• Always cook chicken gizzards thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Refrigerate raw gizzards within 2 hours of purchasing. Use within 2 days.

• Marinate raw gizzards in the refrigerator, do not leave them out at room temp.

• Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw gizzards.

Chicken gizzards may look unappealing at first glance but they are full of nutrition and bold chicken flavor. With the proper prep and cooking methods, you can transform them into a delicious addition to many meals. This complete guide will help you easily prepare and cook gizzards at home. Once you learn how hearty and tasty they can be, chicken gizzards may just become one of your favorite cuts of meat!