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Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards: A Southern Classic
If you’re looking for the perfect fried chicken gizzards recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you grew up eating these crispy bites of flavor or you’re trying them for the first time, this Southern comfort food will leave you hooked. Perfectly seasoned, tender on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, fried chicken gizzards are an affordable and delicious dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
In this post, we’ll go over how to prepare, season, and fry chicken gizzards to perfection — along with some pro tips for the crispiest results.
What Are Chicken Gizzards?
If you’re unfamiliar, gizzards are a small muscle found in the digestive tract of chickens. They’re tough when raw, but when cooked properly, they become tender, flavorful, and oh-so-addictive. In the South, fried gizzards are a staple, often served with hot sauce or ranch for dipping.
Not only are they packed with protein, but they’re also budget-friendly, making them a popular dish for families looking to stretch their meals without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Crunchy – The flour and cornstarch combo ensures the ultimate crunch.
Budget-Friendly – Gizzards are inexpensive but full of flavor.
Customizable – Adjust the seasoning to your liking — spicy, mild, or extra-garlicky.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as a snack, appetizer, or with sides for a full meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make the perfect batch of crispy fried chicken gizzards:
1 lb chicken gizzards, cleaned and trimmed
2 cups buttermilk (or substitute with 2 cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Seasonings (to taste) – salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or your favorite spice blend
Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean and Marinate
Rinse the chicken gizzards thoroughly and trim off any tough silver skin or extra fat.
Place the gizzards in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even more tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Dredge the Gizzards
Remove the gizzards from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
Toss them into the seasoned flour mixture, coating each piece completely.
For extra crunch, double-dip by returning the gizzards to the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
- Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the gizzards in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crispy fried chicken gizzards hot with a side of ranch dressing, hot sauce, or honey mustard. They also pair perfectly with fries, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete Southern-style meal.
Tips for the Best Fried Gizzards
Tenderize Them – Marinate the gizzards overnight in buttermilk for the best texture.
Use Cornstarch – This helps create a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy longer.
Season Well – Don’t skimp on the spices; the seasoning makes the gizzards flavorful.
Maintain Oil Temperature – Keep your oil around 350°F for even frying without greasy results.
Serving Suggestions
As a Snack – Perfect for game day or family gatherings.
With Sides – Add mashed potatoes, gravy, or mac and cheese for a hearty meal.
Dipped in Sauce – Buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch are classic pairings.
Storage and Reheating
Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crunch. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines buttermilk marination for tenderness, a flour-cornstarch coating for crunch, and balanced seasoning for irresistible flavor. It’s simple, foolproof, and delivers that authentic Southern fried chicken gizzard taste every single time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering this Southern delicacy, these crispy fried chicken gizzards are sure to become a new favorite. Affordable, flavorful, and easy to make, they’re a true comfort food that brings people together.
Try this recipe today and let me know — will you be dipping yours in hot sauce or ranch?
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