Let me tell you about chicken gizzards – a part of the bird that often gets overlooked in American kitchens. Growing up, I rarely saw them on our dinner table, but once I learned how to cook them properly in my Instant Pot, they became a regular in my weekly meal rotation. They’re budget-friendly and surprisingly tasty when prepared right.
The best part about making gizzards in the Instant Pot is how easy it is. No more hours of slow cooking to get them tender. I usually start these while I’m getting other dinner prep done, and by the time I’m finished chopping veggies for my sides, they’re ready to go. Plus, my kids have actually started requesting them – who would’ve thought?
If you’ve been nervous about trying gizzards or just want a faster way to cook them, this recipe is for you. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gizzards
- Budget-friendly protein – Chicken gizzards are an affordable cut of meat that’s packed with protein and nutrients, making them perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy on a budget.
- Quick cooking time – Thanks to the Instant Pot, these gizzards cook up tender in just 35-40 minutes – much faster than traditional stovetop methods that can take hours.
- Simple ingredients – You only need basic pantry seasonings and water to make this recipe, making it both convenient and cost-effective.
- High in protein – These gizzards are perfect for anyone following a high-protein diet, as they’re naturally lean and protein-rich with minimal added fats.
What Kind of Chicken Gizzards Should I Use?
Chicken gizzards are usually sold cleaned and ready to cook at most grocery stores, either in the poultry section or sometimes at the meat counter. If you’re buying them fresh, look for gizzards that are pinkish-gray in color without any strong odors. Some stores sell them pre-packaged and frozen, which work just as well – just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. When cleaning fresh gizzards, you’ll want to remove any remaining yellow membrane or green-tinted bits, though most store-bought gizzards come already trimmed. Keep in mind that while size can vary, smaller gizzards tend to cook more quickly and evenly than larger ones.
Options for Substitutions
When it comes to this simple chicken gizzards recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind about substitutions:
- Chicken gizzards: This is the main ingredient that can’t really be substituted since it’s the star of the dish. However, if you’re looking for similar recipes, you could use chicken hearts or chicken livers, but cooking times would need to be adjusted – hearts need about the same time, while livers cook much faster (about 5-7 minutes).
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works great here – use 3-4 cloves in place of the powder. You could also use granulated garlic (same amount as powder).
- Onion powder: Fresh grated onion is a good swap – use about 2 tablespoons. Granulated onion works too (same amount as the powder).
- Water: You can use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. If using broth, reduce the amount of salt by half since most broths already contain salt.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when cooking chicken gizzards in an Instant Pot is not cleaning them properly – make sure to trim away any excess fat or connective tissue before cooking, as this can lead to a chewy, unpleasant texture.
Another common error is rushing the natural pressure release, which can make the gizzards tough and rubbery – always allow at least 10-15 minutes for natural release before opening the valve.
For the most tender results, avoid the temptation to skimp on seasoning at the beginning, as gizzards need adequate salt and spices to penetrate the dense muscle tissue during cooking.
If you find your gizzards are still too firm after the first cooking cycle, it’s perfectly fine to add an extra 5-10 minutes of pressure cooking time – different sizes and quantities may require slight adjustments to achieve that perfect, tender bite.
What to Serve With Chicken Gizzards?
Chicken gizzards are really tasty when paired with classic Southern-style side dishes that can soak up all those good cooking juices. Rice is a natural choice – whether it’s plain white rice or dirty rice, it works great with the rich flavor of the gizzards. I like to add some cornbread on the side too, which is perfect for mopping up the sauce. For vegetables, collard greens or black-eyed peas make excellent companions, keeping with the Southern comfort food theme and adding nice balance to the meal. If you want to keep things simple, mashed potatoes also work really well with these flavorful gizzards.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your chicken gizzards have cooled down, place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. I like to keep the cooking liquid with them to help maintain their moisture and flavor.
Freeze: These gizzards freeze really well! Pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to include some of the cooking liquid to prevent them from drying out. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months – perfect for when you want to meal prep or save some for later.
Reheat: To warm up your gizzards, simply place them in a pan with a bit of the saved liquid and heat on medium-low until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between. Just make sure not to overcook them, or they might get tough.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 140-160 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 2 pounds chicken gizzards
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker
Begin by pouring a cup of water into the pressure cooker.
This will create the steam necessary for cooking the gizzards.
Remember that the meat will be over-seasoned because some of the seasonings will end up in the water during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Gizzards
Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder onto the gizzards.
Make sure each piece is well-seasoned to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Arrange Gizzards in the Pressure Cooker
Add the seasoned gizzards directly into the pressure cooker, placing them in the water.
Spread them out in one even layer at the bottom to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Gizzards
Secure the pressure cooker lid and make sure the valve is set to seal.
Press the pressure cook button and adjust the time to 25 minutes on high pressure.
This will cook the gizzards to the right tenderness.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam.
After the pin drops, indicating it’s safe to open, remove the lid.
Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the tenderized gizzards and place them onto a plate for serving.