Fried Chicken Gizzards are a beloved Southern delicacy! When cooked properly, they’re tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe uses simple ingredients and a seasoned breading for a crunchy, golden finish.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
🍳 Equipment
- Deep fryer, large skillet, or heavy-bottomed pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
- Plate or tray
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the gizzards and adds flavor.
- Cornmeal: Optional, gives extra crunch.
- Spices: Adjust to your taste — cayenne or chili powder works for heat.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the gizzards
- Place cleaned gizzards in a bowl.
- Pour buttermilk over them and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the breading
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornmeal (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Coat the gizzards
- Remove gizzards from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry the gizzards
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry gizzards in batches for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to remove and place on paper towels to drain.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, hot sauce, or honey mustard.
📊 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Tenderize further: Simmer gizzards in water with salt for 30–40 minutes before marinating.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or hot paprika to the breading.
- Extra crispy: Double-dip in flour for a thicker crust.
- Oven-fried: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with sides: Coleslaw, fries, or mashed potatoes make great accompaniments.
