Chicken gizzards may not be the most popular part of the chicken, but they are packed with flavor when cooked correctly. This chicken gizzards recipe brings out the best in this often overlooked ingredient. The tender and savory gizzards blend wonderfully with onions and spices, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of texture. It’s perfect for family meals, especially when served with rice or mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for a protein-rich dish with an incredible taste, you’ll find this recipe a great addition to your meal plans.
How to Choose the Right Main Ingredient
Selecting the right chicken gizzards is essential for a successful dish. Look for fresh, firm, and well-cleaned gizzards, preferably from a trusted brand like Sanderson Farms chicken gizzards. Gizzards should be free from any unpleasant odor, and their surface should have a smooth and slightly shiny appearance. When buying from a butcher or market, ask for gizzards that are freshly packed to ensure the best quality. If you prefer a less chewy texture, you can ask for tenderized gizzards, which make the cooking process easier.
What About Seasoning?
Seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the natural flavors of gizzards. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and onions works wonders in this recipe. Adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or bay leaves can bring out a deeper flavor. While the seasoning is simple, it’s important not to overdo it, as the taste of gizzards can be overwhelmed. A balanced seasoning allows the savory richness of the gizzards to shine through while creating a comforting, home-cooked feel.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
To achieve the best results with your chicken gizzards recipe, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12-inch skillet: This size is perfect for browning the gizzards evenly without overcrowding. It ensures that the heat is distributed well, allowing the gizzards to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
- 3-quart saucepan: This is ideal for simmering the gizzards in low sodium chicken broth. The saucepan retains heat well, which is important for the slow cooking process that makes the gizzards tender.
- Wooden spoon: Use this to stir the gizzards and onions gently, avoiding any scratching of your cookware.
Now that you’ve selected your ingredients and cooking tools, let’s explore how to use the equipment effectively.
How to Use Equipment Effectively
When using a 12-inch skillet, it’s important to preheat it over medium heat before adding your gizzards. This ensures that the gizzards brown evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this will cause the gizzards to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish. If you’re working with a large batch, cook in smaller portions for even browning.
For the 3-quart saucepan, once the gizzards are browned, you’ll add them to the simmering broth. Keep the heat low and allow the gizzards to simmer gently. Avoid boiling, as this will toughen the meat. The saucepan should maintain a steady simmer for about an hour, allowing the flavors to develop fully and the gizzards to become tender.
Comprehensive Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Classic Chicken Gizzards and Onions
Chicken Gizzards Recipe is a dish that surprises and delights with its rich, savory flavor and tender texture. Though often overlooked, gizzards become incredibly satisfying when slow-simmered with onions and spices. Perfect for hearty meals, this recipe turns an underrated ingredient into a comforting, flavorful experience that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Sanderson Farms chicken gizzards
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup flour
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Preparation:Begin by thoroughly rinsing the chicken gizzards under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If the gizzards seem too large, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the gizzards with salt and ground black pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Cooking the Roux:In a 12-inch skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually add flour to the oil while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook until the roux turns light brown, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Once ready, set the roux aside.
- Sauté the Gizzards and Onions:Using the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken gizzards and cook them over medium heat until they begin to brown, about 10-12 minutes. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and continue to sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Simmering the Gizzards:Transfer the browned gizzards and onions into a 3-quart saucepan. Add 3 cups of water and 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cover. Let the gizzards simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer will ensure that the gizzards become tender and absorb the flavors from the broth and onions.
- Final Touch:Once the gizzards are tender, add the previously prepared roux into the saucepan to thicken the broth. Stir gently to combine, and allow it to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serving:Serve the gizzards over cooked rice for a hearty main course. The combination of the savory gizzards, rich sauce, and tender rice makes for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 320Total Fat: 12gCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25g
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
This classic chicken gizzards recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans to add some lightness to the meal. For a Southern-inspired twist, serve the gizzards alongside cornbread or biscuits. The hearty texture of the gizzards complements soft, buttery bread perfectly.
Useful Cooking Tips:
- Tenderizing the Gizzards:
If you find the gizzards too tough, try marinating them in buttermilk or vinegar for a few hours before cooking. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making them more tender. - Adjusting the Simmer Time:
The key to tender gizzards is slow simmering. Don’t rush this step. If you prefer even softer gizzards, you can extend the simmering time by 20-30 minutes. - Making a Richer Sauce:
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking process. This adds a smooth texture to the dish without overpowering the flavor of the gizzards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcrowding the Skillet:
Avoid crowding the skillet when browning the gizzards. If there’s too much meat in the pan, the gizzards won’t sear properly, and you’ll end up with steamed meat rather than flavorful, browned gizzards. - Boiling Instead of Simmering:
Keep the heat low during the simmering phase. Boiling the gizzards will make them tough and chewy, whereas a gentle simmer allows them to become tender. - Skipping the Roux:
The roux is a key element of the recipe, as it thickens the broth and creates a flavorful, gravy-like sauce. Don’t skip this step, as it enhances the dish significantly.
Conclusion
This chicken gizzards recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The slow-simmered gizzards, paired with a savory roux and tender onions, create a dish that’s both comforting and hearty. Whether you’re serving it as a main course for family dinner or cooking it up for a special occasion, this recipe will surely become a favorite. For those new to gizzards, this is a great introduction to their unique taste and satisfying bite. With proper technique and the right ingredients, you can master this classic dish in no time.
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.