Fried chicken gizzards

Directions

1. Clean and Prep the Gizzards: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken gizzards. Remove any excess fat and gristle, then rinse them under cold water.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the cleaned gizzards, buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Coat the Gizzards: Remove the gizzards from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they are well-coated.
6. Fry the Gizzards: Carefully place the coated gizzards into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the gizzards from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Deep skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Tips and Variations

Tips

• Soak in Buttermilk: Soaking the gizzards in buttermilk helps tenderize them and adds flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the gizzards in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

Variations

• Spicy Gizzards: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for extra heat.
• Herbed Gizzards: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Food and Drink Pairings

Fried Chicken Gizzards are great served with a variety of sides and sauces. Try them with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. They also pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce. For beverages, consider sweet iced tea, a cold beer, or a refreshing lemonade.