Introduction
Fried chicken gizzards are a beloved Southern comfort food. Slowly simmered until tender, then seasoned and fried to golden perfection, they’re crunchy, savory, and irresistible—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Simmer Time: 45–60 minutes
- Fry Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot
- Deep skillet or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (optional)
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1½ lbs chicken gizzards, cleaned
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Seasoned Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable or peanut oil
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Simmering first is key to tender gizzards.
- Cayenne adds heat—adjust to taste.
- Peanut oil gives the best fry flavor but vegetable oil works fine.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Tenderize Gizzards
- Rinse gizzards thoroughly.
- Place in a pot with water or broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 45–60 minutes until tender.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
- Season & Coat
- In a bowl, mix flour and seasonings.
- Dredge gizzards thoroughly in seasoned flour.
- Heat Oil
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet.
- Fry
- Fry gizzards in batches 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & Serve
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—this keeps them crispy.
- For extra crunch, double-dip in flour.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt right after frying.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Gizzards: Add hot sauce to flour or drizzle after frying.
- Air Fryer Gizzards: Spray with oil and cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes (after boiling).
- Gravy Style: Serve smothered in brown gravy.
- Pepper-Heavy: Add cracked black pepper for extra bite.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Hot sauce or ranch dressing
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- White bread (Southern classic!)
