Chicken gizzards are a delicious and affordable delicacy that can be transformed into a crispy, tender, and flavorful dish with the right preparation. This recipe will help you achieve the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside. With a few simple ingredients and the correct cooking method, you can enjoy a delightful snack or side dish that pairs well with dips and sauces. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the best crispy and tender chicken gizzards at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken gizzards
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
1. Clean and Prep the Gizzards
- Rinse the chicken gizzards thoroughly under cold water.
- Remove any tough membranes or extra fat if present.
- Pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Marinate for Tenderness
- Place the cleaned gizzards in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
- Add half of the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well, ensuring the gizzards are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
3. Prepare the Coating Mix
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and add a tablespoon of buttermilk to it.
- If using breadcrumbs, place them in a third bowl for an extra crispy layer.
4. Coat the Gizzards
- Remove the gizzards from the buttermilk marinade and let the excess drip off.
- Dip each gizzard into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Then, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring a light coat.
- For extra crispiness, roll the gizzards in breadcrumbs before the final flour coating.
5. Heat the Oil for Frying
- In a deep pan or fryer, heat cooking oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing with a small piece of coated gizzard; it should sizzle immediately.
6. Fry Until Golden and Crispy
- Carefully place the coated gizzards into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the fried gizzards rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
This crispy and tender chicken gizzards recipe delivers a deliciously crunchy texture while keeping the meat soft and flavorful inside. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fried gizzards are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!