Chicken Gizzards and Hearts Recipe

Name: Chicken Gizzards and Hearts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken gizzards and hearts (cleaned and trimmed); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups chicken broth; Fresh parsley to garnish; Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat); Optional: 1/2 cup white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar

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This chicken gizzards and hearts recipe is a beautiful throwback — the kind of old-school cooking that reminds us where we come from. It feels like reaching back in time, honoring the resourcefulness of generations before us, where nothing went to waste and every dish had a story.

I know these cuts might not be everyone’s first pick, but give them a chance. When cooked right, chicken hearts and gizzards turn into tender little bites of flavor-packed magic. Whether it was a Sunday supper or something Grandma made when the budget was tight, these recipes for chicken gizzards and hearts always found their way to the table with love.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gizzards and Hearts Recipe

Affordable, humble ingredients that turn into something special
High in iron, protein, and nutrients. They’re high in iron, protein, and nutrients — organ meats like these are actually nutritional powerhouses, as explained in this Healthline breakdown on organ meats.
A great base for fried chicken gizzards, stews, or rice bowls
Traditional, soulful, and surprisingly crowd-pleasing

Ways to Serve This Chicken Gizzards and Hearts Recipe

Over white rice with pan juices
Tucked into warm tortillas with pickled onions
With buttery mashed potatoes and crusty bread
Add some greens for a rustic stew feel

Plated chicken gizzards and hearts recipe with brown gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley for a cozy comfort food meal. — A warm plate of chicken gizzards and hearts served in rich brown gravy over mashed potatoes — a comforting, old-fashioned favorite.

Variations on Chicken Gizzards and Hearts Recipes

Fried Chicken Gizzards: Boil gizzards until tender, dredge in seasoned flour, and fry until crispy.
Pressure Cooked Gizzards: Speed things up by pressure cooking them for 25-30 minutes before sautéing.
Giblet-Style Gravy: Use the cooking liquid as a base for a deep, savory gravy.

FAQs: Recipes for Chicken Gizzards and Hearts

How long do you cook gizzards and hearts?

Low and slow works best—about 1.5 to 2 hours simmering, or 25-30 minutes in a pressure cooker.

What do gizzards and hearts taste like?

Meaty and rich, with a slightly firm texture. They soak up flavor like a sponge.

Are chicken giblets healthy?

Yes! They’re full of iron, protein, and B vitamins, and can be a great part of a balanced diet.

Can I use this for a chicken giblets recipe?

Absolutely. This method works for any mix of chicken giblets: liver, heart, and gizzard.

Closing Thoughts

So there it is—a simple, hearty chicken gizzards and hearts recipe that brings the old ways back to life, just a little. Whether you’re new to these ingredients or grew up with them, this dish delivers flavor, warmth, and a quiet kind of satisfaction. The kind you only get from real food, made slow, with heart.

Try it, tweak it, make it yours. And if it reminds you of home, well… I’d call that a win.