Are you craving that unique, savory bite of perfectly fried chicken gizzards but don’t know where to look? You’re not alone! As a fellow gizzard enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours tracking down the best spots to satisfy this specific craving In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about finding mouthwatering fried chicken gizzards in your area.
What Exactly Are Chicken Gizzards?
Before diving into where to find them, let’s quickly cover what gizzards actually are for those who might be new to this delicacy.
Chicken gizzards are a muscle found in the digestive tract of chickens. They function as the bird’s stomach, grinding up food since chickens don’t have teeth. When prepared properly, gizzards offer a uniquely chewy texture with a deep, savory flavor that’s more intense than regular chicken meat.
They’re closer to dark meat in color and have a somewhat gamey finish that true fans absolutely love. While they might be an acquired taste for some, those who enjoy them are often passionate about seeking out the best spots to get their fix.
Major Fast Food Chains That Serve Fried Chicken Gizzards
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
Contrary to what many people think. some KFC locations do indeed serve fried chicken gizzards! However there’s definitely a catch to be aware of
- Not all KFC restaurants carry gizzards on their menu
- They’re most commonly found at KFC locations in the American South
- Availability is inconsistent and regionally dependent
- Some locations may also serve fried chicken livers alongside gizzards
If you’re hunting for KFC gizzards, your best bet is to call ahead and ask if they’re available. Even locations that typically carry them might be temporarily out of stock on any given day.
The gizzards at KFC come fried in their signature herbs and spices. They might appear slightly burnt due to their naturally darker color, but that’s completely normal Expect a crispy exterior with a chewy, flavorful center that has that distinctive savory-gamey taste
Chester’s Chicken
Chester’s Chicken is another major chain that proudly features gizzards on their menu. Unlike KFC, Chester’s consistently offers them as a regular menu item under their “Livers & Gizzards” section.
At Chester’s, you can expect:
- Reliably available gizzards at most locations
- Gizzards fried to crispy perfection using their “Fried With Love” approach
- The option to order just gizzards or combo meals
- A consistently high quality preparation
Chester’s actually embraces these menu items rather than treating them as regional specialties, making them a more dependable option when you’re craving fried gizzards.
Local Restaurants and Regional Chains
Beyond the major national chains, some of the absolute BEST fried chicken gizzards can be found at:
Soul Food Restaurants
Local soul food establishments often serve the most authentic and flavorful fried gizzards. These restaurants typically:
- Use family recipes passed down through generations
- Season the gizzards more boldly than chain restaurants
- Offer larger portion sizes
- Prepare them fresh to order
- Serve them with traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, or cornbread
Southern-Style Diners
Small diners across the South frequently include gizzards on their menus. These spots might not look fancy from the outside, but they often hold the secret to perfect gizzard preparation.
Food Trucks and Roadside Stands
Don’t overlook food trucks and roadside stands! Some of the most delicious fried gizzards I’ve ever tasted came from a tiny roadside chicken shack that looked like it might blow away in a strong wind. These small operations often specialize in a few items done exceptionally well.
How to Find Fried Chicken Gizzards Near You
Now for the practical part – actually finding these tasty morsels in your area! Here are several approaches that have worked well for me:
1. Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery platforms like DoorDash have made it easier than ever to find specific cravings like fried chicken gizzards:
- Search “fried chicken gizzards” in the DoorDash app or website
- Check the “near me” option to see what’s available in your area
- Look through both chain restaurants and local establishments
- Read reviews to find the best quality options
DoorDash is particularly helpful because you can search by specific menu items rather than just restaurant types.
2. Ask Locals
This might seem obvious, but asking locals for recommendations is still one of the best ways to find hidden gems:
- Talk to coworkers who are from the area
- Ask servers at other restaurants where they would go for gizzards
- Check with butchers or meat department staff at local groceries
- Join local Facebook groups and ask for suggestions
3. Call Restaurants Directly
If you’re specifically wondering about KFC locations, calling ahead can save you a trip:
- Call different KFC locations in your area
- Ask specifically about gizzard availability
- Inquire about which days they typically have them in stock
- Check if they need to be specially requested or if they’re on the regular menu
What to Expect When Ordering Fried Chicken Gizzards
If you’re new to chicken gizzards or trying a new restaurant’s version, here’s what to expect:
Appearance and Texture
Fried gizzards typically:
- Are small, bite-sized pieces
- Have a dark brown, crispy exterior
- May look slightly burnt (even when they’re not)
- Have a chewy, dense interior texture
Taste Profile
The flavor of properly prepared fried gizzards includes:
- A deeply savory, umami-rich taste
- Slightly gamey notes
- More intense flavor than regular chicken meat
- A distinctive “earthiness” that fans love
Common Preparations
Depending where you order them, gizzards might be served:
- Plain with just salt and pepper
- Breaded with seasoned flour
- Battered like fried chicken
- Spicy with added cayenne or hot sauce
- With various dipping sauces
Make Your Own Fried Chicken Gizzards at Home
Can’t find gizzards nearby or want to try your hand at making them yourself? Good news – they’re actually pretty simple to prepare at home!
Where to Buy Raw Chicken Gizzards
Raw chicken gizzards are widely available at:
- Most grocery store meat departments
- Butcher shops
- International and ethnic markets
- Poultry farms and farmers markets
They’re typically quite affordable, making them an economical protein option.
Basic Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Clean gizzards thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces if needed
- Soak in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (overnight is better)
- Mix flour with all seasonings in a large bowl
- Drain gizzards and dredge in the seasoned flour
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot
- Fry gizzards in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot
Why Chicken Gizzards Are Worth Trying
If you’ve never had fried chicken gizzards before, you might be wondering if they’re worth seeking out. Here’s why I think they absolutely are:
Nutritional Benefits
Gizzards are actually quite nutritious:
- High in protein
- Rich in vitamins like B12 and iron
- Lower in fat than many other fried foods
- Contain selenium and zinc
Cultural Significance
Gizzards have important cultural roots:
- Traditional in Southern American cuisine
- Significant in many international food cultures
- Represent the “waste not, want not” approach to cooking
- Connect us to culinary traditions that value using the whole animal
Unique Culinary Experience
From a food perspective, gizzards offer:
- A texture unlike any other part of the chicken
- Complex flavor that develops as you chew
- An affordable way to try something new
- A conversation starter at dinner!
To recap your best options:
- Check KFC locations in Southern states
- Look for Chester’s Chicken restaurants
- Search DoorDash specifically for “fried chicken gizzards near me”
- Ask locals for their favorite spots
- Try soul food restaurants and Southern diners
- Consider making them at home
Remember that availability can vary by region, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t pan out. The hunt is part of the fun, and finding that perfect batch of crispy, flavorful gizzards is absolutely worth the effort!
Happy gizzard hunting!
Gizzards, Two Ways
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Fried-gizzard-lovers fall into two camps. In the first camp, there are the succulent-loving folk, and these eaters enjoy the fork-tender quality of gizzards that have been stewed for a long time before being deep-fried. The second camp comprises the masticators, who like a bit more bite to their morsels. In lieu of stewing, these chewier-type gizzards are brined in buttermilk, which breaks down the sinewy composition of the muscle.
I can never quite make up my mind as to which camp I fall into. On one hand, stewing the gizzards for a long time is a surefire way to achieve a tender interior; as a significant by-product, a flavorful chicken stock is produced by way of cooking. The offal-lover in me, however, gravitates toward the chewier, slightly gamey taste of raw gizzards that have been bathed in buttermilk. With its acidic qualities, the buttermilk penetrates the gizzards and adds a pleasantly tangy depth that it is evident even after frying. My indecisiveness usually leads to my making these Southern fried gizzards two ways. This is fine too; you can never be surrounded by too many gizzards.
When Did ‘Frying’ Become a Dirty Word?
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Im not sure how we arrived at this stage in our culinary development, when the term “fried” has become synonymous with “unhealthy” or “low-class.” Perhaps its due to the prevalence of fast-food chains that use fats and oils as their sole cooking mediums, or the opinions of the medical community concerning the carcinogenic effects of high and dry heat. Think about this, though: When we use words without even meaning to be evaluative, certain terms will carry positive and negative connotations anyway.
When restaurant menus feature the words “grilled,” “seared,” and “poached,” these terms sound desirable to us. The word “fried,” on the other hand, appears with much less frequency. Diners concerned about their well-being or their weight may associate food that has been fried with being unhealthy, but what they may not consider is that at most restaurants, a deep-fryer is in operation at all times. Even dishes described as simmered or braised may have been flash-fried at some point, because frying is such an efficient way of cooking. Hot oils and fats, which may be heated well above the boiling point of water, cut down drastically on cooking time while providing the all-important qualities of browning and crisping.
Its interesting to note which foods have escaped the pejorative associations of frying. Tempura or calamari dishes, for instance, are never thought of as very bad for you, even though all the items are deep-fried. Fried chicken, on the other hand, is too often regarded as a fast food item or, at best, a guilty pleasure. This is an unfortunate state of affairs, especially considering the prevalence of dry and insipid breast meat. At its finest, fried chicken captures all the important qualities of the bird: a crisp, crackly skin and a juicy, tender interior. When I fry my chicken, I serve the breast meat to health-conscious friends and the dark meat to fat-loving ones, but for myself, I squirrel away the gizzards. Gizzards are the cooks reward for a job well done: nubby, chewy little bits with a slightly feral taste.
Tender Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe | Crispy Chicken Gizzards
FAQ
How do I buy chicken gizzards?
To buy chicken gizzards, you only need to add them to your cart and place your order via the Instacart app. We’ll do our best to ensure same-day delivery! Get Chicken Gizzard products you love delivered to you in as fast as 1 hour via Instacart or choose curbside or in-store pickup.
Does KFC sell fried chicken gizzards?
It turns out that your local KFC may just sell fried chicken gizzards. Some Kentucky Fried Chicken locations do indeed have fried gizzards on the menu. Although there is no known standardization regarding which restaurants offer the dish, several such locations exist in the American South, a region where fried gizzards are a traditional food.
How to choose the best fried chicken gizzards?
If possible, ask the seller to give the fried chicken gizzards a bite to try so that you can decide if you like the dish or not. Normally, they will have some gizzards available as the sample for consumers to try out before purchasing their products. 4. Read the ingredient list to stick with your favorite
Do farmers markets sell chicken gizzards?
Farmers markets are not always guaranteed to have chicken gizzards, as their availability depends on the specific vendors and their offerings. However, it’s worth exploring your local farmers markets, as they often have a diverse range of meat products. 5. Are there any international grocery stores that sell chicken gizzards?
How do I find chicken gizzards near my location?
In conclusion, finding chicken gizzards near your location requires exploring various options, such as local grocery stores, butcher shops, meat markets, online platforms, and even farms. Additionally, considering ethnic markets and specialty stores can expand your choices.
Are gizzards coming back to KFC?
Regions where gizzards are more popular, such as the South, are the most likely markets, though gizzards have appeared at other locations across the United States. Online groups calling for the return of KFC’s gizzards suggest that the unusual fried chicken snack used to be more commonplace on the fast food chain’s menu than it is now.
Does KFC have fried gizzards?
Do Popeyes have chicken gizzards?
Does Church’s chicken have gizzards?
Photo: Fried chicken, chicken strips and chicken gizzards.
Do Walmart sell chicken gizzards?
Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Cage Free Chicken Gizzards & Hearts – Walmart.com.