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Chicken hearts and gizzards displayed side by side on a wooden cutting board

Chicken Hearts and Gizzards

Explore the differences between chicken hearts and gizzards, including their unique flavors, textures, and cooking methods.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Brazilian, Filipino
Calories: 165
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Hearts
  • 1 pound chicken hearts, cleaned
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lemon
Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards
  • 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and parboiled
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Ingredients for Chicken Heart and Gizzard Stew
  • ½ pound chicken hearts, cleaned
  • ½ pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
Ingredients for Asian-Style Stir-Fry with Hearts and Gizzards
  • ½ pound chicken hearts, cleaned
  • ½ pound chicken gizzards, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Ingredients for Adobo with Chicken Hearts and Gizzards
  • ½ pound chicken hearts, cleaned
  • ½ pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup vinegar

Method
 

Grilled Chicken Hearts
  1. Marinate the chicken hearts with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Thread hearts onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Serve with chimichurri sauce or lime wedges.
Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards
  1. Soak parboiled gizzards in buttermilk for 1 hour.
  2. Dredge gizzards in a seasoned flour mixture.
  3. Fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
  4. Serve with hot sauce or ranch dressing.
Chicken Heart and Gizzard Stew
  1. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in a pot with olive oil.
  2. Add chicken hearts and gizzards, cooking until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until the gizzards are tender.
  5. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.
Asian-Style Stir-Fry with Hearts and Gizzards
  1. Heat sesame oil in a wok and stir-fry chicken hearts and gizzards for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add ginger, soy sauce, and vegetables, cooking for another 3–5 minutes.
  3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Adobo with Chicken Hearts and Gizzards
  1. Sauté garlic in a pot until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken hearts and gizzards, cooking until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
  4. Serve with steamed rice.

Notes

Pair fried gizzards with creamy coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a Southern-style meal. Combine grilled chicken hearts with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter option.