Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Gizzards

🕒 Prep: 2 hours
🔥 Cook: 7 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Gizzards! This recipe transforms humble chicken gizzards into a crunchy, flavorful delight that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients for Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Gizzards

Chicken gizzards are the star of this dish, offering a unique texture and flavor that's enhanced through marination and frying. Buttermilk tenderizes the gizzards, making them juicy and flavorful. The all-purpose flour creates the crispy coating, while garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper add layers of savory, smoky, and spicy notes. Lastly, a touch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, double-dip the gizzards in flour after the first coating.
  • Maintain oil temperature by not overcrowding the skillet.
  • Marinate the gizzards overnight for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy gizzards are fantastic alongside a tangy coleslaw or served with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the flavors, or add them to a warm, buttery biscuit for a Southern-style treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover gizzards in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Gizzards Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving those chicken gizzards a good rinse under cold water. Trim away any excess fat to keep things neat and tidy. In a large bowl, soak the gizzards in buttermilk. This step is crucial for tenderizing, so let them sit covered in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you've got the time, overnight is even better!

Next, create your seasoning mix. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well blended. This is where the magic happens!

Heat up your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. You want it to reach 350°F (175°C) for the perfect fry. Now, dredge each gizzard in the seasoned flour, making sure they're nicely coated all over.

Carefully drop the coated gizzards into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they're golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, golden-brown texture that delivers a satisfying crunch.
  • A unique blend of spices for a flavorful kick.
  • Simple to make and budget-friendly.
  • Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken gizzards
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken gizzards thoroughly under cold water and trim any excess fat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken gizzards with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for tenderizing.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Dredge each gizzard in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
6. Carefully place the gizzards into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

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