Fried Chicken Gizzards: Crispy, Golden Southern Comfort

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Fried Chicken Gizzards: Crispy, Golden Southern Comfort 🍗✨

Craving a bold, crunchy, and flavorful Southern classic? These Fried Chicken Gizzards deliver crispy perfection with every bite! Coated in a seasoned flour-cornstarch mix and fried to golden goodness, these tender gizzards are a true comfort food gem. Soaked in buttermilk for extra tenderness, they’re packed with savory spices and a hint of heat. Perfect for a hearty appetizer, game-day snack, or Southern-style meal, this recipe is easy to make and absolutely addictive. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love Fried Chicken Gizzards

These Fried Chicken Gizzards are a must-try for foodies and Southern cuisine fans:

Crispy & Tender: A crunchy coating with juicy, tender gizzards inside.
Flavor-Packed: Buttermilk soak and bold spices create a savory, slightly spicy kick.

Budget-Friendly: Gizzards are affordable yet delicious when prepared right.
Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with Southern sides.

Ready in about 30 minutes (plus soaking time), these gizzards bring the soul of Southern cooking to your kitchen. Let’s get frying!

Ingredients

To make Fried Chicken Gizzards, you’ll need:

1 lb chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
The star of the dish, offering a chewy yet tender texture when cooked properly.

2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
Tenderizes the gizzards and adds tangy flavor.
1½ cups all-purpose flour
Forms the base of the crispy coating.
½ cup cornstarch
Adds extra crunch to the breading.
1½ tsp garlic powder
Infuses savory, aromatic depth.
1 tsp onion powder
Enhances the flavor with a subtle onion kick.
1 tsp paprika
Adds color and mild smokiness.
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Brings a spicy kick; adjust to taste.
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Seasons the coating perfectly.
Vegetable oil, for frying
Ensures crispy results; peanut oil is a great alternative for flavor.

Yield: Serves 4-6 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main
Calories per serving: ~350 kcal (based on 4 servings, varies with oil absorption)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2+ hours soaking)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (for frying in batches)
Total Time: ~30 minutes (excluding soaking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Fried Chicken Gizzards:

Soak the Gizzards
Place 1 lb cleaned and trimmed chicken gizzards in a bowl and cover with 2 cups buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 minutes). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (if using), ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well to distribute spices evenly.
Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer, Dutch oven, or heavy skillet, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping a pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
Dredge the Gizzards
Remove gizzards from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off (don’t rinse). Dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
Fry Until Golden
Fry the gizzards in batches (avoid overcrowding) for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to remove excess oil.
Serve Hot
Serve immediately with hot sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping. Pair with coleslaw, fries, or cornbread for a Southern-style meal. Garnish with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Serving Suggestions

Dipping Sauces: Offer hot sauce (like Frank’s or Tabasco), ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy remoulade for variety.
Southern Feast: Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, collard greens, or cornbread.
Game-Day Snack: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces for easy grabbing.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a pinch of extra paprika for color and flair.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Gizzards

Clean Gizzards Thoroughly
Ensure gizzards are trimmed of any fat or tough membranes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry before soaking to remove any grit.
Maximize Tenderness
Soak gizzards overnight in buttermilk for the most tender texture. If short on time, 2 hours still works but won’t be as soft.
Enhance the Coating
- For extra crunch, double-dredge: dip gizzards back in buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Keep oil at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy gizzards (too cool) or burnt coating (too hot). Fry in small batches and let oil recover between batches.
Prevent Soggy Results
Drain fried gizzards on a wire rack over paper towels to stay crispy. Don’t stack immediately to avoid steaming.
Make Your Own Buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne to 1 tsp or add 1 tbsp hot sauce to the buttermilk soak.
- Herbed: Mix ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano into the coating.
- Garlicky: Double the garlic powder or add ½ tsp garlic salt.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Coat gizzards, spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Oven: Bake coated gizzards on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked gizzards on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, not microwave, to maintain texture.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder. Ensure spices are gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Yes, but gizzards have a unique chewy texture. Chicken livers or hearts can work but will be softer and cook faster (3-4 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. How do I clean gizzards properly?
Rinse under cold water, trim off fat and tough membranes, and remove any grit. Pat dry before soaking. Pre-cleaned gizzards from the store save time.

3. Can I skip the buttermilk soak?
The soak tenderizes and adds flavor, but you can skip it if short on time. Marinate in milk with a splash of hot sauce for 30 minutes as a quick alternative.

4. Why are my gizzards tough?
Tough gizzards result from insufficient soaking or undercooking. Soak for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) and ensure they reach 165°F internally.

5. Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Omit cayenne pepper and use mild paprika instead. Reduce black pepper to a pinch for a milder flavor.

6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or peanut oil is ideal for high smoke points and flavor. Canola oil works too. Avoid olive oil, as it burns at lower temperatures.

7. Can I make these gizzards ahead of time?
Soak and coat gizzards up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, and fry just before serving. Reheat cooked gizzards in the oven for best texture.

8. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat gizzards dry before soaking, press coating firmly, and let dredged gizzards sit for 5 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~25g (from flour and cornstarch)
Protein: ~20g (from gizzards)
Fat: ~15g (from oil and buttermilk, varies with frying)
Note: Values are approximate and depend on oil absorption and portion size.

Nutritional Benefits:

Gizzards: High in protein, iron, and zinc, supporting muscle and immune health.
Buttermilk: Adds calcium and a tangy flavor.
Spices: Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary Information:

Contains dairy and gluten.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and arrowroot powder.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace buttermilk with a mix of plant-based milk and lemon juice.
Low-Carb Option: Limited options due to breading; consider air-frying with almond flour (less crispy).

Conclusion

These Fried Chicken Gizzards are a Southern comfort food classic, delivering crispy, golden goodness with a tender, flavorful bite. Perfect for casual snacking, game-day spreads, or a hearty meal, they’re easy to make and budget-friendly. With our tips and FAQs, you’ll master this recipe like a pro, whether you’re a gizzard newbie or a seasoned fan. Grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and enjoy this crunchy, addictive dish that’s sure to steal the show!