Fried Chicken Gizzards
Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside! These Southern-style fried chicken gizzards are a flavorful and satisfying snack or appetizer. The secret to their tenderness is a slow simmer before frying, resulting in a perfect bite every time.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 75 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Tenderize the Gizzards
- b.Rinse the cleaned chicken gizzards thoroughly under cold running water.
- c.Place the gizzards in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Pour in enough water (about 6 cups) to cover the gizzards by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- e.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the gizzards are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- f.Drain the gizzards in a colander, discarding the water, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Seasoned Dredge
- b.While the gizzards cool, prepare the coating. In a large bowl or a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, 1.5 tsp salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- c.Whisk or shake the bag until the seasonings are completely and evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, cast-iron skillet, or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Dredge and Fry the Gizzards
- b.Add the slightly cooled, boiled gizzards to the seasoned flour mixture. Toss or shake until each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- c.Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully place the coated gizzards into the hot oil.
- d.Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs, until they are a deep golden brown and perfectly crispy.
- e.Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy gizzards.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried gizzards from the oil.
- c.Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drain away. This keeps them crispy.
- d.Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as hot sauce, ranch dressing, or a remoulade.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The boiling step is non-negotiable for tender gizzards. Frying them raw will result in an unpleasantly tough and chewy texture.
- 2For an even crispier crust, perform a double dredge. After the first flour coating, dip the gizzards in a beaten egg or buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture again.
- 3Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too low, and they'll be oily; too high, and the coating will burn before they're heated through.
- 4Fry in batches. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures each gizzard has space to crisp up properly.
- 5Let the boiled gizzards cool slightly before dredging. This helps the flour coating adhere better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1-2 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smokier heat.
Buttermilk SoakButtermilk Soak
After boiling and cooling, soak the gizzards in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before dredging. This adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize them further.
Cajun StyleCajun Style
Replace the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne with 2-3 tablespoons of a good quality Cajun or Creole seasoning blend.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken gizzards are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Gizzards are a fantastic source of iron, which helps prevent anemia, and zinc, which is crucial for immune system function and wound healing.
Vitamin B12 Powerhouse
They provide a significant amount of Vitamin B12, vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe (about 190g) contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily from the gizzards and the oil absorbed during frying. The exact number can vary based on the size of the gizzards and the amount of oil absorbed.