Sautéed Chicken Gizzards Recipe

A simple and flavorful way to cook chicken gizzards until tender. This recipe highlights the natural taste of the gizzards with basic seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed  
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, olive, or canola)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional seasonings: paprika, thyme, rosemary, soy sauce, hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Clean and Trim Gizzards: Rinse the chicken gizzards under cold water. Trim away any excess connective tissue, fat, or the tough inner lining if it hasn’t already been removed. You may want to slice larger gizzards into smaller, bite-sized pieces for more even cooking.
2. Heat Oil: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If using onion and garlic, add the sliced onion to the hot oil and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Gizzards: Add the cleaned and trimmed chicken gizzards to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
5. Season: Sprinkle the gizzards with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (paprika, thyme, rosemary, etc.).
6. Cook: Cook the gizzards, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the gizzards. They should be firm but not tough. If they start to brown too quickly but are not yet tender, you can reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking.
7. Add Liquid (Optional for Tenderness): If you prefer more tender gizzards, you can add a splash of liquid (such as water, chicken broth, or soy sauce) to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking, cover, and let them simmer until the liquid has reduced and the gizzards are tender.
8. Serve: Once cooked and tender, remove the gizzards from the skillet and serve hot. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a main dish.

Notes:

• Tenderness: Chicken gizzards can be slightly chewy if not cooked properly. Sautéing over medium heat for a sufficient time helps tenderize them. Alternatively, you can braise or slow-cook gizzards for a very tender result.  
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings to create your preferred flavor profile. Soy sauce and a touch of ginger can add an Asian-inspired twist, while hot sauce can add some heat.  
• Serving Suggestions: Sautéed chicken gizzards can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside vegetables. They can also be added to stews or stir-fries.