Chicken gizzards may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning dinner, but these inexpensive little morsels are packed with flavor and can become incredibly tender when cooked properly. For generations, Southern cooks have transformed chicken gizzard recipe into delicious comfort food by frying, stewing, simmering, or slow cooking them.
If you’ve never cooked chicken gizzards before, don’t be intimidated. The key is understanding that gizzards are a working muscle and require either low-and-slow cooking or a crispy fry after tenderizing.
This guide will show you:
- What chicken gizzards are
- How to clean and prepare them
- Several cooking methods
- Delicious chicken gizzard recipes
- Tips for making them tender every time
What Are Chicken Gizzards?
A chicken gizzard is part of a chicken’s digestive system. Since chickens do not have teeth, the gizzard acts like a grinder, helping break down food.
Because it works hard, the gizzard is:
- Lean
- High in protein
- Rich in iron
- Full of flavor
- Slightly chewy unless cooked properly
Why Cook Chicken Gizzards Recipe?
Budget Friendly
Chicken gizzards are one of the least expensive cuts of chicken.
High in Protein
They contain:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin B12
Great Flavor
When prepared properly, they have a rich, meaty taste.
Versatile
You can:
- Fry them
- Slow cook them
- Add them to gravy
- Make soup
- Use them in stuffing
How to Clean Chicken Gizzards
Many store-bought chicken gizzards are already cleaned.
If necessary:
- Rinse under cold water.
- Trim excess fat.
- Remove any tough yellow lining.
- Pat dry.
How to Make Chicken Gizzards Tender
This is the most important step.
Chicken gizzards become tender by:
- Simmering
- Pressure cooking
- Slow cooking
Avoid frying raw gizzards without first tenderizing them.
Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken gizzards
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Oil for frying
Step 1: Tenderize the Gizzards
Place gizzards in a pot.
Cover with water.
Simmer:
1½ to 2 hours.
Delicious Chicken Gizzard Recipe
Drain and cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Mix:
- Flour
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Step 3: Fry
Heat oil to:
350°F.
Coat gizzards in seasoned flour.
Fry:
4 to 5 minutes.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot.
Southern Smothered Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken gizzards
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Simmer gizzards until tender.
- Brown lightly in skillet.
- Cook onions.
- Stir in flour.
- Add broth.
- Simmer 30 minutes.
Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken gizzards
- 1 onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place ingredients in slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW:
6 to 8 hours.
The gizzards become incredibly tender.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken gizzards
- 2 cups broth
- Seasonings
Instructions
- Add ingredients.
- Pressure cook:
25 minutes.
- Natural release.
Perfect for tender gizzards in a fraction of the time.
Chicken Gizzard and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- Tender cooked gizzards
- White rice
- Onion
- Gravy
Serve the gizzards and gravy over hot rice.
A true Southern comfort meal.
Chicken Gizzard Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds gizzards
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Chicken broth
Instructions
- Simmer gizzards until tender.
- Add vegetables.
- Cook until vegetables are soft.
Cajun Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken gizzards
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Chicken broth
Serve over rice.
Garlic Butter Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- Tender cooked gizzards
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- Parsley
Instructions
- Melt butter.
- Add garlic.
- Toss in gizzards.
- Cook several minutes.
Chicken Gizzard Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- Cooked gizzards
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups broth
Instructions
- Make a roux.
- Slowly add broth.
- Stir in chopped gizzards.
Serve over:
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Biscuits
Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards
Ingredients
- Tender cooked gizzards
- Flour coating
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray coated gizzards lightly.
- Cook:
8 to 10 minutes.
Turn halfway through.
Chicken Gizzard Soup
Ingredients
- Chicken gizzards
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Noodles
A hearty, old-fashioned soup.
Best Seasonings for Chicken Gizzards
Excellent seasonings include:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- Poultry seasoning
Why Are My Chicken Gizzards Tough?
Usually because they haven’t cooked long enough.
Gizzards require:
- Time
- Moisture
- Low heat
Can You Freeze Chicken Gizzards?
Yes.
Freeze:
- Raw or cooked
- Up to 3 months.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate:
3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a little broth.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Gizzards
Chicken gizzards contain:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Vitamin B12
They are surprisingly nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chicken gizzards healthy?
Yes. They are high in protein and nutrients.
How long should you boil chicken gizzards?
Usually:
1½ to 2 hours.
Can you fry chicken gizzards?
Absolutely.
Tenderize first for best results.
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Are chicken gizzards chewy?
Yes, unless cooked low and slow.
What do chicken gizzards taste like?
They have a rich, dark meat flavor similar to chicken thighs.
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked gizzards
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Coat gizzards.
- Fry at 350°F.
- Cook until golden brown.
Serve with:
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
- Honey mustard
Chicken Gizzard and Gravy Over Rice
Ingredients
- Cooked gizzards
- Homemade gravy
- Cooked rice
One of the most comforting Southern dinners you’ll ever eat.
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Final Thoughts on Chicken Gizzard Recipes
Chicken gizzards are one of the most affordable and flavorful ingredients you can buy. Whether fried until crispy, simmered in gravy, slow cooked until tender, or served over rice, they provide delicious comfort food on a budget.
If you’ve never cooked chicken gizzards before, start with Southern fried chicken gizzards or smothered chicken gizzards and discover why this old-fashioned favorite has remained popular for generations.
