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🍗 Fried Chicken Gizzards
Crispy, Tender, and Rooted in Soulful Tradition
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📖 Introduction
Fried chicken gizzards are a treasured dish across many cultures, especially in the Southern United States, where deep-frying turns this humble offal into a crispy, golden delicacy. With the perfect mix of seasoning, buttermilk soak, and crunchy coating, gizzards transform into a snack or side dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition.
Whether you grew up eating them at cookouts, picking them up at soul food joints, or are just curious about this hidden gem, this recipe is for you.
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🌍 Origin & Cultural Significance
Gizzards — a small muscular part of a chicken’s digestive tract — have been consumed globally for centuries. In African, Asian, and Latin American cultures, they’re celebrated for their unique texture and affordable nutrition.
In the American South, particularly among African American communities, fried gizzards became a staple during times when no part of the animal was wasted. Over time, they became a beloved part of soul food, served at gatherings, family reunions, and roadside diners.
What was once born of necessity is now embraced as a comfort food classic.
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🧂 Ingredients & Quantities
1 lb chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 10 min)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (adds crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika (optional, for color & depth)
1 tsp salt (plus more for seasoning after frying)
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
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🌶️ Optional Additions
1 tsp cayenne or hot sauce in the buttermilk (for heat)
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the flour
½ tsp ground mustard or celery salt for depth
Serve with hot sauce or remoulade dipping sauce
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💡 Tips for Success
Soak gizzards in buttermilk overnight (or at least 4 hours) to tenderize.
Parboil before frying for extra tenderness: simmer gizzards in salted water for 30–40 minutes, then drain and cool.
Use cornstarch in the dredge for unbeatable crispiness.
Fry in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan — this keeps oil hot and crisping.
Drain on wire rack, not paper towels, to prevent sogginess.
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🍳 Instructions
1. Prep Gizzards: Clean and trim gizzards. Optional: parboil them for 30–40 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
2. Soak in Buttermilk: Place gizzards in a bowl with buttermilk. Let sit in fridge for 4+ hours or overnight.
3. Prepare Dredge: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat Oil: Pour oil into a deep pan or fryer (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Dredge & Fry: Remove gizzards from buttermilk, shake off excess, dredge well in flour mixture. Press coating to stick.
6. Fry: Fry in batches, 3–5 minutes each side or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain & Season: Remove to wire rack. Sprinkle with salt while hot.
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🍽️ Description
Perfectly seasoned and delightfully crispy on the outside, tender and meaty on the inside — these fried chicken gizzards offer a satisfying chew and bold flavor. Serve them hot with a spicy dipping sauce, over rice, or tucked inside a sandwich roll.
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🧾 Nutritional Information (per approx. 5 oz serving)
(Note: varies based on oil absorption and additions)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 23g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 480mg
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✅ Conclusion
Fried chicken gizzards are a delicious blend of old-school cooking and new-age appreciation. They’re frugal, flavorful, and deeply rooted in culinary history — proving that even the humblest ingredients, when prepared with care, can shine on any table.
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⭐ Recommendation
Don’t skip the buttermilk soak and cornstarch dredge — those two steps make all the difference. For an even more indulgent take, serve with a drizzle of honey or spicy aioli. For a healthier spin, try air frying!
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🌿 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
You don’t have to give up rich, nostalgic foods to stay on a health journey. Instead, focus on quality over quantity — savor a small portion, pair with greens or a fresh slaw, and enjoy every bite with intention. Gizzards are high in protein and iron, so they offer some real benefits too.
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