Crispy & Fried

Fried Chicken Gizzards

Name: Fried Chicken Gizzards
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) chicken gizzards; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; Vegetable oil for frying

By Delia Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Crispy & Fried

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Fried Chicken Gizzards at my grandmother's house. The combination of the crispy exterior and the tender interior was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe to share with my family and friends. In this article, I'll walk you through the steps to make delicious Fried Chicken Gizzards from scratch.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can find chicken gizzards at most butcher shops or supermarkets, and the rest of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a family favorite.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of the crispy exterior and the tender interior. The key to achieving this is to not overcook the gizzards and to use the right amount of oil. In the following sections, I'll share my tips and tricks for making the perfect Fried Chicken Gizzards.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves chicken and is looking for a new and exciting way to cook it. The gizzards are a often overlooked part of the chicken, but they're packed with flavor and texture. With this recipe, you'll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

In the next section, I'll explain the science behind why this recipe works. From the importance of heat control to the role of seasoning, I'll break down the key elements that make this recipe a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The combination of the crispy exterior and the tender interior is a game-changer
You can serve Fried Chicken Gizzards as a main course or as a side dish
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences
Fried Chicken Gizzards are a great way to use up leftover chicken parts
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Fried Chicken Gizzards is to understand the science behind the cooking process. First, it's essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, the gizzards will burn on the outside before they're fully cooked on the inside. On the other hand, if the oil is too cold, the gizzards will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Another important factor is the seasoning. By seasoning the gizzards in layers, you can build a deep and complex flavor profile. First, you'll season the gizzards with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Then, you'll dredge them in flour to create a crispy coating.

Finally, it's essential to not overcook the gizzards. If you cook them for too long, they'll become tough and dry. By cooking them for the right amount of time, you can achieve a tender and juicy interior.

By understanding the science behind the cooking process, you can make adjustments to the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. In the next section, I'll share my favorite benefits of this recipe and why it's a staple in my household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients. You'll need chicken gizzards, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and your favorite herbs and spices. You'll also need oil for frying, which you can choose based on your personal preference.

When shopping for chicken gizzards, make sure to look for fresh and high-quality ingredients. You can find chicken gizzards at most butcher shops or supermarkets, and they're usually relatively inexpensive.

1 pound (450g) chicken gizzardsMake sure to choose fresh and high-quality chicken gizzards for the best flavor and texture. You can find them at most butcher shops or supermarkets.
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is a great choice for this recipe because it provides a light and airy coating. You can also use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if you prefer.
2 eggsEggs are an essential ingredient in this recipe because they help to bind the coating to the chicken gizzards. Make sure to choose fresh eggs for the best results.
1 cup (60g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs add a nice crunch to the coating and help to keep the chicken gizzards moist. You can use plain breadcrumbs or flavored breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
1 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the coating and helps to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken gizzards. You can use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
1 teaspoon garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the coating and helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can use fresh garlic if you prefer, but garlic powder is a convenient alternative.
1 teaspoon saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken gizzards and adds depth to the coating. Make sure to use a high-quality salt for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the coating and helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can use freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the coating and helps to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken gizzards. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
1 cup (240ml) buttermilkButtermilk helps to keep the chicken gizzards moist and adds a tangy flavor to the coating. You can use regular milk or yogurt if you prefer, but buttermilk is a great choice for this recipe.
Vegetable oil for fryingVegetable oil is a great choice for frying because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. You can use other oils like peanut oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlShallow dishFrying pan with at least 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) of depthThermometerInstant-read thermometerPaper towels for draining excess oilWire rack for cooling

How to Make Fried Chicken Gizzards

1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
2
Pour the buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
3
Add the chicken gizzards to the buttermilk and make sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4
Preheat the oil in a large frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is at least 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) deep.
5
Remove the chicken gizzards from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6
Dip the floured chicken gizzards in the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated.
7
Roll the egg-coated chicken gizzards in the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the meat to ensure they stick.
8
Carefully place the breaded chicken gizzards in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken gizzards. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the gizzard.
10
Remove the fried chicken gizzards from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11
Let the fried chicken gizzards rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
12
Serve the fried chicken gizzards hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the chicken gizzards, as they can become tough and dry.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
Don't overcrowd the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the quality of the fried chicken gizzards.
Use a wire rack to cool the fried chicken gizzards, as this will help to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.
Consider using a deep fryer for more even cooking and less mess.
For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the breaded chicken gizzards in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
To make the recipe more budget-friendly, you can use leftover chicken gizzards or buy them in bulk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using a thermometer to check the oil temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken gizzards.
Overcrowding the frying pan, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the quality of the fried chicken gizzards.
Not letting the chicken gizzards rest before serving, which can result in a soggy coating.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the fried chicken gizzards.
Not patting the chicken gizzards dry before breading, which can result in a soggy coating.
Frying the chicken gizzards at too high a temperature, which can result in a burnt exterior and an undercooked interior.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, for a unique flavor and texture.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or garlic powder, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Use leftover chicken gizzards to make a delicious chicken salad or soup.
Add some heat to your fried chicken gizzards by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Try using different types of oil, such as avocado oil or peanut oil, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some crunch to your fried chicken gizzards by using crushed nuts or seeds in the breading mixture.
Make the recipe more substantial by serving the fried chicken gizzards with a side of mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

What to Serve With Fried Chicken Gizzards

Fried Chicken Gizzards are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as a main course, accompanied by your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or baked beans.

They also make a great snack or appetizer, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard.

Serve with mashed potatoes and gravyServe with coleslaw and baked beansServe as a snack or appetizer with dipping sauceServe with a side salad or roasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you want to make the Fried Chicken Gizzards ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To freeze the Fried Chicken Gizzards, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the Fried Chicken Gizzards, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can result in a soggy coating.

It's also a good idea to label and date the containers, so you can easily keep track of how long they've been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook chicken gizzards?

The best way to cook chicken gizzards is to fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside. You can also bake or grill them, but frying is the most popular method.

How do I know when the chicken gizzards are done?

You can check the internal temperature of the chicken gizzards by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I use leftover chicken gizzards to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken gizzards to make this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and to pat the gizzards dry with paper towels before breading and frying.

What is the best type of oil to use for frying chicken gizzards?

The best type of oil to use for frying chicken gizzards is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. Avoid using olive oil or other oils with a low smoke point, as they can burn or smoke during the frying process.

Can I make this recipe in a deep fryer?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a deep fryer. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions for temperature and cooking time, and make sure to not overcrowd the fryer basket.

How do I store leftover Fried Chicken Gizzards?

You can store leftover Fried Chicken Gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or microwave until crispy and hot.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and being mindful of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Just bread and fry the chicken gizzards, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card