5 Chicken Gizzards Taste Facts You Need to Know

Like any animal, chickens have many different organs and body parts. Each of them has a different texture and flavor. Typically, people stick to the white and dark meat in chicken breasts and wings.

However, there are several other parts of the chicken to eat, like the gizzards. So, what do chicken gizzards taste like, and are they safe to eat?

While they are not the most popular part of the chicken, chicken gizzards are a delicacy in some parts of the world. Some people love chicken gizzards, so you never know, you might like them.

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Does Chicken Gizzard Taste Good?

Chicken gizzards taste similarly to dark meat. So, if you like the taste of wings, thighs, and legs, you will probably like gizzards too. However, the flavor is a little more intense than what you get from those other body parts.

Gizzards are deep inside the chicken, and as a result, they marinate in more juices, giving them more flavor. So, you should not try gizzards unless you are prepared for some intense flavors.

So, what do chicken gizzards taste like? It depends on who you are, but some people love chicken gizzards, whereas others hate them.

Some people love the flavor because they love dark meat. However, other people hate chicken gizzards because of their strange, chewy texture. 

With that in mind, there are things you can do to make chicken gizzards less chewy. If you braise or parboil them, they will be more tender and less chewy.

What Are the Drawbacks to Eating Chicken Gizzards?

The gizzard is an organ you can find in the digestive system of every chicken on the planet. It is similar to a human’s stomach in that it breaks down food the chicken eats. While it is a delicacy in some regions, there are some drawbacks to eating chicken gizzards.

Chicken gizzards supply people with many different vitamins and minerals. Notably, they are a great source of protein, but there are some less-than-ideal ingredients in chicken gizzards. Notably, they have a lot of cholesterol and fat.

In every 100 grams of chicken gizzards, you can find three grams of fat, but less than a third of that is saturated fat. Saturated fat may lead to high cholesterol while unsaturated fat helps lower its level.

Additionally, chicken gizzards contain 370 milligrams of cholesterol. In a 100-gram serving. This number is significantly higher than the 300 milligrams of cholesterol you should limit yourself to daily.

So, if you like chicken gizzards, you should only have them in moderation. Eating too much will result in an unhealthy intake of fat and cholesterol. Too many of these things can lead to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

Are Gizzards Healthier Than Chicken?

Although there are some unhealthy aspects of chicken meat, it is one of the healthiest parts of the chicken. Most chicken is healthy, especially the white meat, but gizzards are healthier than almost all sections of the chicken.

This fact is notable because dark meat is notoriously unhealthy compared to white meat. Since the gizzard is dark meat, it is a healthy alternative for people who prefer dark meat.

Gizzards have an impressive amount of protein. It is not easy for everyone to get their daily dose of protein. It is for that reason that many bodybuilders drink protein shakes.

However, if they replaced their shakes with chicken gizzards, they would have similar results. A cup of chicken gizzards can meet 88% of your daily protein requirements.

Which Is Better, Chicken Liver or Gizzard?

Gizzards are very nutritious, and as a result, they are recommended for people looking to improve their diet. However, the gizzard is not the only healthy organ available for people to eat. The liver is also a healthy option, but which organ is better?

Gizzards are a fantastic source of protein, vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium copper, and manganese. Additionally, gizzards do not have carbohydrates, and as a result, they are low in calories. So, you can eat chicken gizzards if you want to lose weight.

Comparatively, chicken liver is higher in fat than gizzards, but they have more nutrients. The liver is slightly higher in calories than the gizzard, but it has more protein. 

So, which one is better is difficult to see. Truly, it comes down to what you need. If you need something low in fat and calories, you should go with chicken gizzards. However, if you are nutrient deficient, you would probably be better off with the chicken liver. 

They are both healthy options, but they have different benefits.

Where To Buy Chicken Gizzards

If you want to try chicken gizzards, you can find them in your local grocery store. Unfortunately, not every store has them, but if you try a few grocery stores, you should find them.

You should be able to find chicken gizzards in the poultry section. Usually, you will find them prepackaged or in shrink-wrapped styrofoam trays. They are usually sold by the pound.

If you cannot find them at your local grocery store, you can check international or Asian food markets. Since they are more popular in Asian countries, Gizzards are usually sold there. Additionally, you should be happy to buy from these stores because they usually have lower prices.

What Can You Put in Chicken Gizzards To Improve the Taste?

If you do not like the natural flavor of chicken gizzards, you can tenderize the gizzards and add various spices to them to improve the taste.

A popular option is to air fry them or make popcorn chicken with them. By doing these things, you will not be able to differentiate the gizzards from other parts of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do chicken gizzards taste like chicken?

Chicken gizzards do taste like chicken as they are a muscle, which results in a chewy texture and a flavor reminiscent of dark meat chicken. Despite being small, gizzards are rich in protein and low in fat, making them a nutritious and healthy part of the chicken.

Are gizzards a delicacy?

Gizzards are indeed considered a delicacy in some countries and are enjoyed as a popular poultry dish worldwide. They are consumed in various creative and delectable ways across every habitable continent on the planet.

What does fried chicken gizzard taste like?

Fried chicken gizzards taste like rich, dark meat with a slightly chewy texture, as they are mostly muscle. It is common for the gizzards to have a twisted appearance after being fried.

Are chicken gizzards good tasting?

Chicken gizzards have a delicious taste that is similar to dark chicken meat. They have a chewy texture that is best achieved through slow, low-heat cooking. Gizzards can be used to enhance the flavor of dishes, such as gravy, or enjoyed on their own.

Do chicken gizzards taste like liver?

Chicken gizzards do not taste like liver; contrary to common belief, they have a flavor that is distinct from other organs. If you anticipate a taste similar to liver or kidneys, you will be pleasantly surprised. Instead, chicken gizzards have a resemblance to the dark meat found in chicken.