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Chicken Hearts: The Unsung Hero of the Protein World

Cooked chicken hearts garnished with fresh parsley on a black plate.

Chicken hearts are a flavorful, nutrient-packed cut of meat, loved for their rich, meaty taste and tender texture. Affordable and versatile, they’re perfect for grilling, sautéing, or stewing. Packed with protein, iron, and B vitamins, chicken hearts are a healthy, delicious addition to meals and a hidden gem in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of chicken hearts, cleaned and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Clean the Hearts
    • Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim any connective tissue or excess fat with a small knife.
  2. Heat the Pan
    • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, melt 1 tablespoon of butter into the skillet.
  3. Sauté the Garlic
    • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring often. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should just turn golden and fragrant.
  4. Cook the Hearts
    • Toss the cleaned chicken hearts into the skillet. Spread them out into an even layer so they cook evenly. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper.
  5. Stir and Brown
    • Stir the chicken hearts occasionally, letting them brown on all sides. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the hearts are cooked through. They should feel firm but not rubbery when done.
  6. Add Butter and Lemon
    • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Let it melt and coat the chicken hearts. Drizzle the lemon juice over everything for a fresh, tangy finish.
  7. Garnish and Serve
    • Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a slice of bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Notes

Before you cook them, you’ll want to give them a quick rinse and trim off any connective tissue.
It’s not hard—just grab a sharp knife, and you’re good to go

Nutrition

Keywords: Cooking Chicken Hearts, Chicken Hearts, How to Prepare Chicken Hearts