This recipe creates tender and flavorful braised chicken gizzards, a budget-friendly and often overlooked cut of meat. The gizzards are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until they become incredibly tender and absorb the surrounding flavors. This dish is popular in many cultures and can be served as a stew, over rice, or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Gizzards: Rinse the chicken gizzards and remove any tough membranes or connective tissue.
- Sear Gizzards: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken gizzards and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the gizzards from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth and Gizzards: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the browned gizzards to the pot.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the gizzards are very tender.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Cleaning Gizzards: Cleaning the gizzards thoroughly is essential for removing any tough or unpleasant parts.
- Tenderizing: Slow cooking is key to tenderizing the gizzards.
- Broth Flavor: You can use beef broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the braised gizzards over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta. You can also shred them and use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store any leftover braised gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Enjoy these tender and flavorful braised chicken gizzards!