Bbq Chicken Gizzards: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Chicken gizzards are a cheap, protein-rich food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are a part of the chicken's digestive tract and are made mostly of cartilage, which can make them tough and chewy. However, when prepared correctly, they can be tender and packed with flavour. Gizzards can be boiled, fried, grilled, or braised, and are often marinated or coated in a batter before cooking. They are typically cooked slowly over low heat to ensure they remain tender, and can be served with a variety of sauces and side dishes.

How to prepare chicken gizzards for BBQ

Chicken gizzards are a cheap and protein-rich food option. They are also packed with flavour and can be turned into delicious dishes if prepared properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken gizzards for BBQ:

Step 1: Clean the Chicken Gizzards

Rinse the gizzards under cold water to remove any impurities. Trim off any excess fat, gristle, veins or connective tissue. Then, pat the gizzards dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Gizzards

Create a marinade with buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the gizzards to the marinade and let them soak for 1-2 hours. This will help to tenderise the meat and add flavour.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

In a large bag, mix together self-rising flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. Give the bag a good shake to ensure all the ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Gizzards

Take the gizzards out of the marinade and place them in the bag with the breading mixture. Shake the bag to ensure the gizzards are evenly coated. Place the breaded gizzards on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the flour.

Step 5: Prepare the BBQ

Heat your BBQ grill to a medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, light the briquettes and wait until they are hot and ashy before dumping them into the grill.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken Gizzards

Place the gizzards on the BBQ grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. You can also brush the gizzards with marinade or your favourite barbecue sauce while they are grilling.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the gizzards from the BBQ and serve immediately. Chicken gizzards go well with a variety of sauces, including hot sauce, ranch dip, remoulade sauce, homemade gravy or chipotle BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Marinating chicken gizzards for BBQ

Marinating chicken gizzards is an important step in making them tender and flavourful. Gizzards are made mostly of cartilage, so they can be very tough and chewy if not cooked properly. The key to a good marinade is choosing the right ingredients and allowing enough time for the gizzards to soak up all the flavours.

First, you'll need to clean your gizzards. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. You can also trim off any excess fat and gristle.

Next, prepare your marinade. For a basic marinade, you'll need an acidic component like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, oil (olive or vegetable), and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other herbs and spices according to your taste preferences. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.

Now, it's time to marinate the gizzards. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, let the gizzards marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat.

Once the gizzards have finished marinating, you can cook them by grilling, frying, or braising. If you're grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the gizzards for 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. For frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the gizzards for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. If you prefer braising, place the gizzards in a pot with broth or water and simmer over low heat for 1-2 hours until tender.

By following these steps and allowing enough time for the gizzards to marinate, you'll end up with delicious, tender BBQ chicken gizzards that your family and friends will love!

BBQ techniques for chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards are a cheap, protein-rich food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Gizzards are made mostly of cartilage, so they can be tough and chewy, but with the right cooking technique, they can be tender and taste just like chicken. Here are some BBQ techniques to help you prepare delicious chicken gizzards:

Cleaning and Preparation:

Before cooking, it is important to clean and prepare the gizzards thoroughly. Start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any impurities. Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue, and peel away the tough outer membrane, as it can become chewy after cooking. You may also need to cut the gizzards in half lengthwise and wash away any sediment using your fingers. Once cleaned, pat the gizzards dry with a paper towel.

BBQ Techniques:

Grilling:

For a smoky flavour, grilling is a great option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the gizzards onto skewers and brush them with your favourite barbecue sauce or marinade. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through.

Braising:

Braising is a slow-cooking method that will result in tender and flavourful gizzards. Heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the gizzards and sear them on all sides until browned. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and your choice of vegetables. Pour in enough broth or liquid to cover the gizzards and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the gizzards are tender.

Smoking:

Smoking is another great way to prepare chicken gizzards. Rinse the gizzards with cold water and cover them completely with buttermilk. After soaking for about 2 hours, arrange them in a baking dish and sprinkle with your choice of spices or seasonings. Let them stand for an hour at room temperature. Then, heat your grill or smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit and use hickory chips for smoking. Smoke the gizzards over indirect heat for 1-2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving Suggestions:

Once your BBQ chicken gizzards are cooked, you can serve them in a variety of ways. Try tossing them with your favourite sauce and serving them over rice or pasta, or add them to soups or stews for extra flavour and texture. You can also chop them up and use them as a topping for salads or pizzas, or serve them alongside mashed potatoes and vegetables for a hearty meal.

How to serve chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Main Course

You can serve chicken gizzards as a main course by themselves. They can be grilled, fried, boiled, or baked. For example, you can make BBQ chicken gizzards by slow-cooking them in a Crock-Pot with chicken stock, onions, vinegar, and BBQ sauce. You can also bread or batter them and deep-fry them until crispy, serving them with garlic aioli. Another option is to fry them in butter and season with salt and pepper.

As Part of a Larger Dish

Chicken gizzards can be added to various dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, bolognese sauce, lasagna, soups, fried rice, or chili. They can also be wrapped in bacon and deep-fried as fancy hors d'oeuvres. You can even chop them up and add them to your homemade stuffing.

As a Sandwich Filling

Chicken gizzards can be scooped onto a bun with some coleslaw to make a BBQ chicken gizzard sandwich.

As a Side

Chicken gizzards can be served as a side dish alongside other fried foods such as okra, pickles, onion rings, or green tomatoes. They also go well with Southern-style sides like mustard greens, collard greens, Southern green beans, or creamed spinach.

With Dipping Sauces

Chicken gizzards pair well with various dipping sauces. You can serve them with hot sauce, ranch dip, remoulade sauce, homemade gravy, or chipotle BBQ sauce.

Cultural Variations

Chicken gizzards are a popular food worldwide and are served in different ways across cultures. In Haiti and Southeast Asia, they are often grilled and sold as street food. In Mexico, they are commonly used in soup. In Africa, they are fried, boiled, or grilled, while in Europe, they are typically served in salads or pâtés.

Chicken gizzard BBQ recipes

Chicken gizzards are a great, inexpensive way to add protein to your diet. They are a part of the chicken's digestive tract and have a similar taste to dark-meat chicken. Gizzards are very chewy, so they need to be cooked properly to avoid toughness. Here are some delicious BBQ recipes to try:

Grilled Gizzard and Pepper Kebabs

This recipe combines the flavours of chicken gizzards, peppers, and a sweet and sour marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 pounds chicken gizzards
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 bell peppers (2 yellow, 2 red)
• Bamboo or wooden skewers

Method:

• Clean the gizzards by rinsing them and cutting each gizzard in half lengthwise. Remove any debris and the tough yellow lining.
• Prepare the marinade by combining oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and tomato sauce in a large bowl.
• Stir the gizzards into the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes.
• Soak the skewers in water for at least 15 minutes.
• Chop the peppers into 2-inch chunks after rinsing and removing the stems and seeds.
• Heat your grill to high.
• Thread the gizzards and peppers onto the skewers, alternating between the two.
• Place the kebabs on the grill and brush them with the remaining marinade.
• Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning frequently, until the gizzards are slightly crisp and the peppers are charred.
• Serve the gizzard kebabs with sides of your choice, such as grilled corn or salad.

Filipino Gizzards (Balon-Balonan)

This recipe involves simmering the gizzards in a spice blend before grilling them with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1.1 pounds chicken gizzards
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1/2-inch piece of ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 shallot
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 to 15 bamboo or wooden skewers
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1/4 cup honey

Method:

• Clean the gizzards by rinsing and cutting them in half lengthwise. Remove any debris and the yellow lining.
• Soak the gizzards in vinegar for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with water.
• In a pot, cover the gizzards with water and add salt, peppercorns, ginger, garlic, shallot, and bay leaf.
• Simmer the gizzards for 60 to 90 minutes over medium-low heat until they reach your desired tenderness.
• Drain the gizzards and let them cool before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
• Soak the skewers in water for at least 15 minutes.
• Thread the gizzards onto the skewers.
• Combine ketchup, Sriracha, mustard, and honey in a bowl to make the sauce.
• Grill the gizzards for about 4 minutes on each side, brushing them with the sauce.
• Serve the Filipino gizzards with rice, noodles, or salad.

BBQ Chicken Gizzards

This recipe involves slow-cooking the gizzards until they're soft and pulling them apart, similar to pulled pork or chicken BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 package chicken gizzards
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth (or water)
• BBQ sauce of your choice (or make your own by combining brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, salt, and steak sauce)
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (optional)
• Diced onion (optional)

Method:

• Place the gizzards in a slow cooker, Crock Pot, or large pot on the stove.
• Add the broth, onions, vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper.
• Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 5 hours and then high for 3 hours in a slow cooker or Crock Pot. On the stove, simmer on low heat for 5 hours.
• Test the gizzards with a fork—they should have the consistency of chicken leg or thigh meat.
• Chop the gizzards into small pieces.
• Stir the chopped gizzards in a bowl with BBQ sauce until they hold together.
• Serve as desired—on a bun, in a baked potato, on mac-n-cheese, or plain.

Southern Fried Chicken Gizzards

This recipe involves marinating the gizzards in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coating them in seasoned flour and frying them to golden brown perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken gizzards
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

Method:

• Trim any excess fat and gristle from the gizzards.
• Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a plastic bag, then add the gizzards and marinate for 1-2 hours.
• In a separate bag, combine flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and paprika.
• After marinating, coat the gizzards in the flour mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to a depth of 2-3 inches.
• Fry the gizzards until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately with dipping sauces such as hot sauce, ranch dip, or remoulade sauce.

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