Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards

Introduction

When it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards.

This recipe takes a humble, often overlooked cut of meat and transforms it into a golden, crunchy, and flavorful snack or main dish.

 

Beloved across the American South and beyond, fried chicken gizzards combine tender, slow-simmered meat with a seasoned flour crust that delivers the ultimate crispy bite.

For many families, Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards carry nostalgic value, reminding them of cookouts, gatherings, or Sunday dinners where platters of fried goodness were shared at the table.

 

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but in how budget-friendly and versatile it is. With a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you’ll turn a simple ingredient into something unforgettable.

In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe works, what you’ll need to make it, step-by-step instructions, expert tips for success, creative serving suggestions, and the exact timing breakdown so you can plan your meal with confidence.

 

By the end, you’ll not only master Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards but also gain inspiration for customizing it to your taste.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards lies in a carefully balanced process that guarantees tenderness on the inside and crunch on the outside. Gizzards are naturally tough, muscular organs, so the first step—slow simmering—is essential.

 

Cooking them low and slow for about an hour breaks down the connective tissue, ensuring that each bite is tender rather than chewy.

Next comes the marinade. Soaking in buttermilk serves two purposes: it tenderizes the meat further while infusing a subtle tang. This also helps the flour coating stick better, ensuring even coverage for frying.

 

 

The dredge mixture, a blend of flour and cornstarch, is another reason why Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards live up to their name.

Cornstarch makes the crust extra light and crisp, while the spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne—bring layers of flavor. Each bite is not just crunchy but seasoned to perfection.

 

Finally, frying at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) locks in the crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil. The result is a dish that’s deeply satisfying, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Making Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards doesn’t require anything fancy, but every ingredient plays an important role.

 

Main Ingredients

Chicken gizzards (1 lb): Cleaned and trimmed, these are the star of the dish.

Buttermilk (2 cups): Adds tang and tenderizes the meat. Substitute with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar.

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base for the coating.

 

Cornstarch (½ cup): Provides extra crispiness.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best.

 

Equipment

Large pot: For simmering gizzards until tender.

Mixing bowls: For marinating and dredging.

Slotted spoon or tongs: To handle hot gizzards safely.

Deep fryer or heavy-bottom pot: For frying evenly.

 

Paper towels or wire rack: For draining excess oil.

With just these essentials, you’re ready to make restaurant-quality Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards right in your own kitchen.

How to Make This Recipe

The process of making Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards can be broken down into five simple steps.

1. Tenderize the Gizzards

Place the cleaned chicken gizzards in a large pot, cover with water, and simmer gently for about 1 hour. This step ensures the meat becomes tender before frying. Once done, drain and let them cool slightly.

 

2. Marinate in Buttermilk

Transfer the cooked gizzards to a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This step infuses flavor and helps with tenderness.

 

3. Prepare the Dredge

In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Coat the Gizzards

Remove gizzards from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Let them rest on a tray for 10–15 minutes.

 

5. Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry gizzards in small batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack before serving.

And there you have it—the perfect batch of Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards.

Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success

To take your Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards to the next level, keep these expert tips in mind:

Don’t skip the simmering step. Frying raw gizzards without tenderizing will leave them chewy and tough.

 

Use a thermometer for the oil. Maintaining 350°F ensures even frying and prevents soggy gizzards.

Double dredge for extra crunch. For an even thicker crust, dip the gizzards back into the buttermilk and then dredge again in flour before frying.

 

Season generously. Don’t be shy with spices in the dredge—this is what gives your gizzards bold flavor.

Let them rest before frying. After coating, a short resting period helps the crust adhere better.

Experiment with flavors. Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or chili powder for different variations of Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards.

 

Drain properly. Use a wire rack instead of just paper towels to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve This Recipe

Once you’ve perfected Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards, it’s time to enjoy them. They’re incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

 

As a snack or appetizer: Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

As a main dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or collard greens for a Southern-inspired meal.

In sandwiches or wraps: Tuck the gizzards into a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of sauce.

 

With rice or grits: A hearty, comforting option for dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative pairings to elevate your Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards experience:

Game-day platter: Combine with wings, fries, and onion rings for the ultimate snack spread.

 

Southern feast: Serve alongside fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, and biscuits.

Spicy kick: Toss fried gizzards in buffalo sauce or sprinkle with chili flakes for heat lovers.

Global twist: Pair with kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a soy-garlic dipping sauce for fusion flair.

 

No matter how you serve them, Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards are sure to impress.

Time

Here’s the breakdown of how long it takes to make Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Simmering time: 1 hour

 

Marinating time: 1 hour (minimum; overnight recommended)

Cooking time: 15 minutes (frying in batches)

Total time: About 2 hours 35 minutes (or longer if marinated overnight)

 

The hands-on work is minimal, and most of the time is spent letting the gizzards simmer or marinate.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards are proof that with a little care, even the simplest ingredients can shine.

 

This recipe transforms a humble cut of meat into something golden, crunchy, and utterly delicious. By simmering, marinating, and frying with precision, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness.

Whether you serve them as a snack, an appetizer, or a centerpiece for a Southern-inspired meal, Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards will win over anyone lucky enough to try them.

 

They’re budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable with seasonings and dips.

So, roll up your sleeves, heat up the oil, and give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards have remained a beloved comfort food across generations.