Crispy and Tender Chicken Gizzards Recipe

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!

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