Cooking from the Heart
Growing up, I remember my grandmother always saying, “Waste not, want not.” That philosophy extended to every part of the animal, and it’s a big reason why dishes like chicken gizzards and hearts were more than just meals—they were traditions. Now, as a mom of two constantly hungry kiddos, I’m always looking for high-protein, budget-friendly meals that taste like comfort and cook like magic.
This recipe is inspired by the hearty Southern cooking I grew up with and the umami-rich, crispy textures of Asian street food. It’s a beautiful fusion of cultures, flavor-packed, and most importantly, yes—it answers that burning question: Are chicken hearts good for you? (Spoiler alert: they absolutely are!)
Are Chicken Hearts Good for You?
Oh mama, YES. Chicken hearts are nutritional powerhouses, and they’re seriously underrated.
- High in Protein: Just one serving can help hit your daily protein goals. That’s great for muscle growth and staying full longer—especially important when you’re constantly on the go with little ones.
- Rich in Iron & Zinc: Perfect for energy, immune function, and keeping that glow strong even after a long day of toddler tantrums.
- B12 Bonanza: Essential for brain health and nerve function.
- Collagen Boost: Natural collagen helps with skin elasticity, joint health, and hair strength. Hello, natural beauty booster!
So yes, chicken hearts are not just good for you—they’re amazing. Especially when cooked right (like in the recipe below ).
Recipe: Tender Fried Chicken Gizzards & Hearts
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Prep:
- 1 lb chicken gizzards
- 1/2 lb chicken hearts
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp salt
- Water for boiling
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce (Asian twist!)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Clean and Prep the Gizzards & Hearts
- Place the gizzards and hearts in a large bowl. Add vinegar and salt, then cover with water. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Drain, rinse thoroughly, and trim any excess fat or membrane.
2. Boil for Tenderness
- In a pot, add the cleaned gizzards and hearts with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes. This step makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Drain and let cool.
3. Marinate for Flavor
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and soy sauce.
- Add the gizzards and hearts. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight if possible!).
4. Coat for Crunch
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and chili powder.
- Remove gizzards and hearts from marinade and coat them generously in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
5. Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer.
- Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping sauces: Try honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or sweet soy glaze.
- On the side: Creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- For the kids: Slice up the hearts and gizzards and serve with ketchup or ranch!
Health Benefits of Eating Organ Meats (Yes, Even for Kids!)
If you’re still a little hesitant about serving chicken hearts and gizzards, especially to the little ones, here’s something to ease your mind: organ meats are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
Here’s why organ meats like chicken hearts deserve a spot in your family meal rotation:
- Brain Boosting Nutrients: The B vitamins, especially B12, found in chicken hearts help support brain function and development—so important for growing kids!
- Iron-Rich Energy: Tired mama? Chicken hearts are packed with heme iron, which is easier for our bodies to absorb. Great for fighting fatigue and keeping that “supermom” energy going.
- Essential Amino Acids: These are the building blocks of protein that our bodies need to function, grow, and heal. Chicken hearts provide all of them in a single bite-sized snack!
And here’s a fun tip: Mix them in with other familiar foods (like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes), and kids often won’t even notice the difference!
Southern Meets Asian: The Fusion Flavors
This recipe dances beautifully between two worlds—Southern comfort and Asian street-style flair. That buttermilk marinade? Classic South. The soy sauce twist and chili powder? Straight outta Southeast Asia. The result is something totally unique and 100% crave-worthy.
Tips for Tender Chicken Gizzards & Hearts
- Boiling is Key: Don’t skip this step. It’s how you avoid chewiness and get that buttery bite.
- Double-Dip: For extra crispy bites, dip once in the flour, then back in the marinade, and again in flour.
- Air Fry Option: Yep, mama! Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make It a Meal Plan Hero
Chicken gizzards and hearts are freezer-friendly and budget-friendly. Boil and freeze them in batches, then fry or stir-fry whenever you need a quick, protein-packed dinner.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight meals
- Lunchbox surprises
- Game day snacks
- Dinner parties (they’re total conversation starters!)
Let’s Talk Texture
Worried about texture? Once you’ve boiled them, chicken gizzards become delightfully chewy (think calamari!), and hearts are tender like dark meat chicken. Fried to golden perfection, they develop a crispy exterior that even picky eaters find hard to resist.
Real Talk: Kid-Approved?
Surprisingly, YES! My own kids were skeptical at first. I told them it was “crispy chicken nuggets with extra superpowers.” After the first bite, they were hooked. With the right dipping sauces, these little bites are totally family-approved.
Final Thoughts: Are Chicken Hearts Good for You? Yes—and Delicious Too!
So, back to our question: Are chicken hearts good for you?
Yes, yes, and yes! They’re nutritious, economical, and when fried up with love and spices, absolutely irresistible.
So next time you see them at the butcher’s or market, don’t walk past. Grab a bag, channel your inner Southern-Asian fusion queen, and fry up a batch of love.
Try It, Tweak It, Love It!
Have you cooked with chicken hearts or gizzards before? How did it go? Share your experience in the comments or tag me on Instagram or facebook — I LOVE seeing how my fellow kitchen queens make magic.
Common Questions About Chicken Hearts & Gizzards
Q: Are chicken hearts good for you if you’re watching cholesterol?
A: Chicken hearts do contain cholesterol, but they’re also low in saturated fat and packed with heart-healthy nutrients like CoQ10. As with all good things, moderation is key—but they’re a healthier indulgence than many processed snacks.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken hearts and gizzards?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and give them a good rinse before cooking. The quality holds up beautifully, especially for this fried version.
Q: Are they safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes (unless advised otherwise by your doctor). Their high iron and B12 content actually makes them beneficial during pregnancy. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.
Q: Do I have to fry them?
A: Not at all! You can stew, grill, sauté, or even add them to soups. But if you’re introducing them to picky eaters? That crispy fried coating makes them irresistible.