Directions
Clean and Prep the Gizzards: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken gizzards. Remove any excess fat and gristle, then rinse them under cold water.
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.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
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.
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.
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.
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