Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards

Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards are a delicious treat with a crunchy coating and tender, flavorful meat. Here’s a crispy recipe for you to try:

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken gizzards

• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Gizzards:

   • Clean the chicken gizzards well. Trim any excess fat or gristle. You can also cut the gizzards in half or into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized portions.

2. Soak in Buttermilk:

   • Place the gizzards in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).

3. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

   • Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated.

4. Coat the Gizzards:

   • Remove the gizzards from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off.

   • Dredge each gizzard in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. For extra crispy gizzards, you can dip them back in the buttermilk and then coat them in flour again.

5. Heat the Oil:

   • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of flour into it—if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready.

6. Fry the Gizzards:

   • Carefully add the gizzards to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

   • Fry the gizzards for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Drain and Serve:

   • Remove the fried gizzards from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

   • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (hot sauce, ranch, or honey mustard).

Tips:

• For an extra kick, add a bit more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk soak.

• If you prefer, you can also use a deep fryer for more consistent results.

• Gizzards are typically served as an appetizer or snack, but they also go great with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.