Introduction
Chicken hearts might be the most comfortable introduction to offal for most people. While most heads will not turn by seeing it at the grocery store, I can assure you that with the right cooking, the flavor is sure to surprise anyone. They are extremely tender and savory, and yes, they are one of the easiest forms of meat to cook.
From busy mothers trying to come up with a hearty and healthy meal for dinner, professionals looking to fill their stomachs after a long day, or just someone who is curious, a chicken heart is capable of saving time for all. In addition, chicken hearts have a high protein content, a substantial amount of essential vitamins and minerals, and can aid in heart disease making the meal as satisfying as it is healthy.
We will examine the components and the preparation for this simple and delicious sautéed chicken hearts recipe. It is delicious, takes no longer than fifteen minutes to make, and can be served as a meal at any time. It can also be served for light weeknight dinners, family meals, or lunches when you need a filling dish. In addition, seasoned chicken hearts are very flexible and can be consumed on their own or with sides of your choosing.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Try Chicken Hearts
Wondering if you want to try them? Let’s get to preparing some seasoned chicken hearts!
What captures the interest in this recipe the most? For someone daring to explore a new array of foods, they certainly fall under the category of “adventures” waiting to be tried. When you muster the courage to take the plunge, I have no doubt you will select them as one of the main fixtures that supply you with protein. On top of being incredibly delicious, chicken hearts also have amazing health benefits. They are packed with protein which helps in muscle development and repair while keeping you satiated. On top of this, you’ll also get a healthy dose of iron and B vitamins from chicken hearts.
The Health Benefits of Chicken Hearts
This sautéed chicken hearts recipe is an absolute gem when it comes to finding chicken dishes to support a heart healthy diet. The olive oil and seasoning do a perfect job of complementing the flavor of the hearts instead of masking it. Moreover, the few ingredients used in this recipe allow the rich taste of the hearts to shine. It is a simple, yet satisfying dish that does not make you feel sluggish afterwards.
This recipe is perfect for low carb or keto diets, making it perfect for those trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake. And for the less seasoned offal cooks, there is no need to fret. They are easy to work with and cook, and are surprisingly flexible.
Sautéed Chicken Hearts Recipe
Ingredients
As we will see, the process of sautéing chicken hearts on a skillet is relatively straightforward. In order to prepare one dish, there is no need for an overly complicated set of ingredients, and sautéed chicken hearts are no exception. Below is the list of items needed:
- 1 pound chicken hearts
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Sautéed Chicken Hearts
Chicken Heart Preparation
To start preparing chicken hearts, put them in a large mixing bowl. Here, they will be combined with the ground spices. Proceed to pour the olive oil and season it in this order; kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, followed by smoked paprika and cumin. To warm up the savory flavored them with a hint of smokiness, a touch of garlic, onion, paprika, and cumin is just what the doctor ordered.
With the help of a big spoon, mix all the ingredients together, making sure that the oil and spices have been evenly distributed to the chicken hearts. For the meats to achieve great flavor, every single heart should be meticulously seasoned.
Heat the Pan
Once the chicken hearts are cooked, grab a thick bottomed large pan and put it on medium high flame. Wait for about three minutes so that the pan can get hot. This will allow them to crisp on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. In case the pan gets too hot and starts smoking, you can lower the temperature to medium. The goal here is to give the oil and the heads a nice sear without burning them.
Cook the Chicken Hearts
Spread the seasoned chicken hearts in the pan as a thin layer. Stir them every so often to cook the surface evenly. Aim to brown the hearts as best as possible over the next five to seven minutes. While hearts cook, they’ll release some liquid, and this is where the magic happens. The chicken hearts will cook and absorb the taste, oil with spices and liquid will create a pan sauce as the hearts will soak flavor.
Tip: Be cautious to not overcook them. Their texture is a bit chewy, but palatable. If you push the cooking time over the edge then the hearts become tough, which is undesirable. Always remember to check the temperature of the chicken; the USDA advised temperature for chicken is 165°F for it to be safe.
Plating and Presentation
When the hearts are done cooking, add any juices left in the pan over the hearts to enhance their flavor, and split them evenly among the four plates. For added freshness and color, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. At this point, you are presented with an appealing plate of chicken hearts. The taste, as well as the outward appearance, is going to be surprisingly complex for something so simple.
How to Cook Perfect Chicken Hearts
Key Tips for Cooking Tender Chicken Hearts
Emphasize on Not Rushing: Making certain chicken hearts are properly cooked might take additional time but it is very important to be gentle while handling them. If you want to make sure chicken hearts are tender as well crisp, cooking them on medium to high level should achieve this. Always take care that the frying pan does not overheat to the point that the chicken burns.
No Need to Preserve the Pan Sauce: Capture the flavor by pouring it on top of the chicken hearts. They are the source of taste of the food. Pan juices still are very important.
Recommendations for Sides
Sautéed chicken hearts are best enjoyed with something that can soak the pan sauce. For this reason, I recommend serving it on top of rice, which if looking for a keto option, can easily be made from cauliflower or even mashed cauliflower. These sides together with the sauce are so good that the dish amazes all.
Personal Narrative: A New Favorite Dish
Believe it or not, I didn’t always love chicken hearts. The very thought of them was twisted, to put it lightly. However, I decided to try them when they were served at a friend’s dinner party. Much to my surprise, they were tender and flavorful. Unlike anything I had consumed before. Absolutely Delicious!
In retrospect, I can see that chicken heart-based dishes were not served to make me experience something new, but to provide safe, convenient and packed wholesome meals. I embarked on a journey of culinary exploration within the boundaries of my kitchen by altering the spices and the methods of cooking them. Now, I am proud to say that recipe have become one of the meals I truly enjoy cooking for their ease and the elegant impression they give.
Can Chicken Hearts Ever Be Healthy for the Heart?
With the right cooking methods, chicken hearts can actually be very heart healthy. Chicken hearts are very lean when compared to fatty cuts of meat. They also contain no saturated fat which makes it a great option for anyone trying to maintain heart health. Moreover, the spices used in this recipe along with the olive oil, which is one of the best sources of heart healthy fats, guarantees good health. This is one of the many heart healthy chicken recipes that are simple and easy to prepare.
Q & A Regarding Chicken Hearts :
Can I substitute chicken hearts with other chicken cuts?
Yes. Other cuts of chicken to be used in place of hearts include fryers, thighs, or even breast meat. Just remember that each cut will require slightly different cooking times so measure appropriately. If you decide to use chicken breast or thighs, then those will need to be cooked thoroughly so the internal temperature is 165°F.
Can I prep this dish beforehand?
Certainly! You can prepare and cook the hearts ahead of time, and they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the food, and when it comes time to reheat it, I recommend doing so in the microwave on around 50% power to avoid drying them out.
What are some good pairings for chicken hearts?
Pretty much any side goes well with chicken hearts pair them with rice, of any variety (white, brown, or even cauliflower), and mashed cauliflower, and you are all set. But do not stop there, pair them with roasted vegetables, a refreshing salad, or a low carb pasta dish, and you won’t be disappointed.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
This is one of the recipes that I am aware of that taste equally good while cooking and afterwards. In the highly unlikely event you have left over hearts, which I am sure you do not because they are so delicious, you can keep them in the refrigerated chilled container for three days. If you wish to consume them later, simply microwave them using 50% power setting and they will still taste wonderful.
Should you wish to defer using the hearts, freeze them. You can store them in freezer friendly containers for up to three months. For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and microwave. This is a very easy meal to prepare in advance and enjoy later.
Conclusion
And there you have it – your new favorite chicken recipe that is easy on the heart and delicious at the same time. Whether it is a delightful family dinner or a healthy solo meal, sautéed chicken hearts are the answer every single time. So what are you waiting for, go prepare some chicken hearts and experience the joy of consuming chicken hearts.
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Sauteed Chicken Hearts
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Chicken hearts are small and delicate. They’re ready fast, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken hearts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra-virgin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons parsley – chopped
Instructions
- Place the hearts, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin in a large bowl.
- Use a large spoon to mix everything together, coating the hearts with the oil and seasonings.
- Heat a large, heavy frypan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken hearts. Cook, stirring often, until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. If the pan becomes too hot, lower the heat to medium.
- Divide the hearts between four plates. Drizzle them with the pan juices, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the hearts, or they will turn out tough. When properly cooked, they’re nice and tender, if a bit chewy. Having said that, keep in mind that the USDA says they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- The hearts will release liquid into the pan as you cook them. The liquid will mix with the olive oil and spices. It’s delicious! So, make sure to serve the hearts with this pan sauce. You can serve the hearts on a bed of something to absorb the sauce (rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed cauliflower) or serve them in a bowl with a spoon.
- You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat them covered in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 recipe
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 668 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g