Have you ever stared at those little muscly bits in the poultry section and wondered – what do chicken gizzards taste like anyway? You’re not alone! As someone who’s cooked just about every part of the chicken I’ve had my fair share of experiences with these mysterious morsels.
Chicken gizzards are one of those divisive foods that people either love or haven’t worked up the courage to try yet. Today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about the flavor, texture, and cooking methods for chicken gizzards. Whether you’re a curious foodie or looking to embrace your inner adventurous eater this guide has got you covered!
What Exactly Are Chicken Gizzards?
Before diving into the taste, let’s clear up what we’re actually talking about. Chicken gizzards are a muscle found in the digestive tract of chickens. They’re not technically a stomach, but they serve a similar purpose in the bird’s digestive system.
The gizzard consists of thick, strong muscles on the walls that grind up food for the chicken. Since chickens don’t have teeth to chew their food (ever seen a chicken chewing? Nope!), the gizzard does all the heavy lifting in breaking down what they eat.
When chickens peck at the ground, they’re actually swallowing tiny bits of grit and gravel that travel through their digestive tract and lodge in the gizzard. This powerful little muscle then contracts like a tiny fist, using those bits of grit to grind up the food before it continues into the stomach. Pretty fascinating, right?
The Big Question: What Do Chicken Gizzards Taste Like?
Here’s what you’re really here for – the flavor profile of chicken gizzards:
Flavor
Contrary to what many expect, chicken gizzards don’t taste like other organ meats such as liver or kidneys. If that’s what’s been holding you back, I’ve got good news!
Chicken gizzards taste remarkably similar to the dark meat of chicken. If you enjoy chicken thighs, legs, or wings, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the flavor of gizzards too. They have a rich, meaty flavor that’s:
- More intense than regular chicken meat
- Similar to dark chicken meat
- Distinctively “chickeny” but with more depth
- Not “organ-like” in taste at all
Texture
Now, texture is where gizzards stand apart from other chicken parts:
- Slightly chewy (when not cooked properly)
- Firm and dense muscle
- More substantial mouthfeel than regular chicken meat
The texture is often the thing that takes people by surprise. Gizzards are tougher than other pieces of chicken and may not feel as tender initially. But with the right cooking method (which we’ll get to), this becomes less of an issue.
How to Cook Chicken Gizzards to Perfection
The key to enjoying chicken gizzards is all in the preparation and cooking method. Due to their muscle composition and connective tissues, gizzards need special attention to become tender and delicious.
Cleaning Gizzards
If you buy gizzards from a local butcher or poultry farmer, ask if they’ve been cleaned. Commercial gizzards from supermarkets are typically cleaned already. If they haven’t been cleaned, you’ll need to remove any grit that resides in them – not the most pleasant task but necessary!
The Secret to Tender Gizzards
The absolute best way to cook gizzards is slowly, with moist heat, at a low temperature. This is crucial! If you throw them directly into a hot pan, the connective tissues will tighten up and turn your gizzards into chewy little balls of shoe leather.
Instead, use one of these methods:
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Braising – This is ideal for gizzards. Cook them slowly over low heat (between 180-205°F) so the connective tissues relax and melt away. Don’t let them boil or they’ll toughen up!
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Slow cooking – Slow cookers are perfect for gizzards. Use the low setting (around 210°F) and let them cook for several hours until tender.
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Pre-boil then cook – Many people recommend boiling gizzards first to make them more tender, then cooling them down before cooking them another way.
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The two-step method – My personal favorite: after an hour or two of gentle braising, let them cool, dry them thoroughly, then bread them and deep fry until crisp. Serve with garlic aioli for a mind-blowing appetizer!
Gizzards vs. Giblets: What’s the Difference?
You might see gizzards labeled as part of “giblets” in stores. Giblets are a loosely defined group of miscellaneous chicken parts that typically includes:
- Gizzards
- Hearts
- Livers
These are usually the parts you find in that little paper bag stuffed inside the cavity of a whole chicken. But you can also purchase gizzards separately if that’s all you’re after.
Creative Ways to Use Chicken Gizzards
Once you’ve mastered cooking tender gizzards, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals:
- Add them to tacos or enchiladas
- Mix them into bolognese sauce or lasagna
- Use them in soups, chili, or fried rice
- Serve them slightly warm with a plate of greens
- Chop them up and add to homemade stuffing
- Wrap them with bacon and deep fry until crispy for fancy appetizers
- Include them in dirty rice for authentic Southern flavor
- Add them to stir-fries for extra protein and flavor
Pro tip: If you’re slicing gizzards, chill them first. They’ll be firmer and you’ll get a cleaner slice!
Where to Buy Chicken Gizzards
You can typically find chicken gizzards in:
- Supermarkets (usually near other chicken parts or in the organ meat section)
- Local butcher shops
- Poultry farms
- International or ethnic markets
If you don’t see them displayed, ask the butcher – they might keep them in the back. The average cost is quite budget-friendly, usually around $1.50 per pound or less.
Storing Chicken Gizzards
Fresh gizzards should be:
- Placed in a disposable plastic bag to prevent leakage
- Stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below
- Used within 1-2 days
If you want to freeze them:
- Store at 0°F
- Use within 4 months for best quality
- Though technically, they’ll keep indefinitely when frozen properly
Are Chicken Gizzards Worth Trying?
100% yes! Not only are gizzards incredibly affordable, but they’re also:
- Packed with protein
- Low in fat
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- A sustainable choice (using all parts of the animal)
- Delicious when prepared correctly
In many cultures around the world, gizzards aren’t considered unusual at all – they’re staples! You’ll find them:
- Served as street food in Haiti and Southeast Asia
- In soup in Mexico
- Fried, boiled, or grilled in Africa
- Featured in salads and pâtés in Europe
My Personal Experience with Gizzards
The first time I tried cooking gizzards, I’ll be honest – I messed up big time. I treated them like regular chicken and ended up with something that resembled rubber bouncy balls. Not appetizing!
But after learning the low-and-slow method, I’ve become a huge fan. My favorite preparation is to braise them in chicken stock with herbs for about 2 hours, then slice and crisp them up in a cast iron pan with a bit of butter and garlic. The result is tender, flavorful morsels that even my picky eaters enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Are Chicken Gizzards For You?
If you enjoy the dark meat of chicken and aren’t afraid of a slightly different texture, chicken gizzards are definitely worth adding to your culinary repertoire. The key is proper preparation and having realistic expectations – they’re not chicken breast, and that’s what makes them special!
For the adventurous eater, gizzards offer a unique taste experience that’s both familiar and novel at the same time. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and nutritious – a win-win in my book.
So next time you’re at the butcher or grocery store, grab a pound of gizzards and give them a try. You might just discover your new favorite chicken part!
Have you tried chicken gizzards before? What’s your favorite way to prepare them? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your experiences with this underappreciated delicacy!
Looking for more unique ingredients to explore? Check out our other articles on underrated cuts and ingredients that can transform your cooking!
What are Chicken Gizzards?
The gizzard is an organ and like the liver, it is a widely consumed delicacy. Gizzards have a tough and chewy texture therefore, you either love them or hate them. In terms of flavour, gizzard meat tastes similar to thigh meat but slightly richer. Owing to its toughness, the gizzards take time to cook and require time and patience.
What are the health benefits of eating gizzards?
The various health benefits of eating chicken gizzards are:
- The chicken gizzard is very rich in protein.
- Gizzards also contain important vitamins such as B12, which aids in brain health.
- high in zinc, iron and phosphorous, these minerals are essential for our bodies.
- They are low in fats and cholesterol.
At Licious, we deliver fresh gizzards to your doorstep. Our expert meat technicians cut and clean the offal so you need not do any prep, just use the gizzards straight out of the pack upon delivery. Furthermore, all Licious chicken is sourced from biosecure farms, passed through 150+ quality checks and contains no hormones or antibiotic residue.
Our meats are never frozen, instead, we maintain constant temperature controls between 0- 4°C for freshness. So, order Chicken Gizzards from Licious today and enjoy speedy home delivery. All our meats are hygienically vacuum-sealed.
What Do Gizzards Taste Like? – Southern Culture Collective
FAQ
What are the drawbacks to eating chicken gizzards?
Are chicken gizzards good for you?
Are chicken gizzards rubbery?
They are a little rubbery. Parts are parts: all chicken. Crop and gizzard work together to allow small grit to pulverize their food, it’s a compact muscle. They have no teeth so it works well for them.
What’s the best way to eat chicken gizzards?
Eating: Simply pick up a gizzard with your fingers or a fork, dip it in your chosen sauce, and take a bite. Chew thoroughly since gizzards can be a bit chewy. Accompaniments: They can be served with sides like coleslaw, fries, or pickles for a more complete meal. Enjoy your gizzards!