I grew up loving fried chicken gizzards. They were a treat we would order from restaurants, usually in a basket meal with fries. While they aren't as common as a menu item today, you can easily find the packages of chicken gizzards and hearts for $2 or less on sale at most grocers. As a rare fried treat, you can't find it much cheaper!
How do you fry chicken gizzards? And what's with the chewy texture? Can you fry tender chicken gizzards? Yes, you can! Here's how to cook chicken gizzards tender and make restaurant-quality meals at home for your family!
(See also: How to Fry Morel Mushrooms)
How to Fry Tender Chicken Gizzards
1. Start by putting the gizzards in a large stock pot and just cover with water. (This would be the point you remove the hearts from the mixture if you don't want to eat them. But I love them, too!)
2. Add salt and black pepper, then turn the stove to medium-high heat and bring the water to boiling. (You can also add a stalk of celery or even a bay leaves for extra flavor if you have time.)
3. Boil for a minimum of 30 minutes for chewier gizzards. Increase the cooking time to 45 minutes for more tender gizzards. After the boil, reduce heat.
4. Drain the water off and allow the gizzards to cool. You can also rinse the gizzards with cool water to help them cool faster for handling.
(See also: Fried Mashed Potato Balls)
5. Prepare two bowls for dredging. One should have 2 eggs beaten. (I use a fork to quickly scramble up the eggs.) The other bowl should have a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, OR you can do half flour and half panko bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper for a crunchier breading.
This is also where you can add seasoning to suit your cooking style. Add-in ideas include garlic powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
6. Dip each gizzard first in the eggs, shaking the excess egg off of them before putting them in the flour mixture. Make sure the seasoned flour mix and egg mixture completely cover the meat.
Drop into preheated vegetable oil in a small stock pot OR use a fryer. You should fry until golden brown. How can you tell if they are cooked all the way through? When the gizzard floats to the top, it's done! If you are using a shallow pan, you may need to start on one side, turn the meat, and then cook on the other.
7. Remove carefully from the oil with a spatula designed for frying, and lay the cooked gizzards on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra grease. Enjoy while hot and with your favorite sauce.
The kids enjoy ketchup or mustard, but the grownups are big fans of eating with hot sauce. Deep fried gizzards can be eaten as an appetizer or snack, or made as a complete meal when served with potatoes or a salad.
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