Chicken gizzards might just be the best-kept secret in the food world.

They’re packed with nutrients, insanely affordable, and ridiculously delicious when prepared right. Yet, so many people ignore them just because they fall under the category of “offal”—a term that unfairly makes them sound unappetizing.

If you’ve never given chicken gizzards a shot, you’re missing out on a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can fuel your body without draining your wallet. Let’s dive into why these underrated gems deserve a permanent spot on your plate.

What Even Is a Chicken Gizzard?

Think of the gizzard as the bird’s natural food processor. Birds don’t have teeth, so instead of chewing, their food moves through the crop (a storage pouch) and then into the gizzard, which acts as a super-strong grinder. Thanks to its thick, muscular walls, it pulverizes seeds and grains, making digestion possible.

The result? A lean, flavorful cut of meat with a dense, chewy texture that becomes incredibly tender when cooked the right way.

Why You Should Eat Chicken Gizzards

1. They’re a Protein Powerhouse

Gizzards are loaded with protein—around 20 grams per 3-ounce serving. Whether you’re a gym rat, an athlete, or just trying to build muscle, they’re a fantastic (and cheap!) protein source.

2. Low in Fat, High in Gains

Unlike some other meats, chicken gizzards are super lean, containing less than 3 grams of fat per serving. This makes them a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake or aiming for a heart-healthy diet.

3. Packed With Essential Vitamins

• Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy levels.
• Niacin: Boosts metabolism, improves skin health, and supports heart health.
• Choline: Crucial for brain health, liver function, and fetal development during pregnancy.

4. Rich in Iron and Minerals

Iron helps prevent anemia and keeps your energy levels up, while selenium and zinc support your immune system and promote healing. If you’re prone to iron deficiency, gizzards can be a game-changer. Gizzards are also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and manganese.

5. They’re Crazy Cheap

In a world where meat prices are skyrocketing, chicken gizzards remain one of the most budget-friendly protein sources out there. You can often grab a pound for just a few bucks—making them perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing nutrition.

How to Cook Chicken Gizzards (Without Screwing Them Up)

If you’ve never cooked gizzards before, don’t worry. They’re incredibly versatile, and with the right technique, they turn out chef’s kiss delicious.

1. Boil & Stew for Ultimate Tenderness

Gizzards can be tough, but a slow simmer makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. Boil them for 30-45 minutes with salt, garlic, and spices, then toss them into soups or stews.

2. Deep-Fry for Crispy Goodness

Want something crunchy? Coat gizzards in seasoned flour, fry until golden brown, and dip them in your favorite sauce. They’re basically the ultimate bar snack.

3. Sauté or Stir-Fry for Quick & Easy Flavor

Slice boiled gizzards and toss them in a hot pan with onions, bell peppers, and spices. The result? A high-protein stir-fry that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

4. Grill for Smoky Perfection

Marinate gizzards in soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then grill them to smoky, charred perfection. Serve with grilled veggies or a dipping sauce.

5. Slow-Cook for Fall-Apart Tenderness

Throw gizzards in a slow cooker with broth, herbs, and veggies, and let them do their thing for a few hours. The longer they cook, the softer they get.

Must-Try Gizzard Recipes

• Gizzard Adobo: A Filipino favorite—simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a tangy, savory dish.
• Spicy Stir-Fried Gizzards: Tossed in chili sauce with veggies for a kick of heat.
• Gizzard Soup: A hearty, comforting broth loaded with tender gizzards and root vegetables.
• Gizzard Tacos: Crispy, spicy gizzards stuffed in warm tortillas with salsa and lime.
• Gizzard Salad: A protein-packed salad with greens, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.

The Only Drawback? The Texture (But You Can Fix That!)

Not gonna lie—if you’re new to gizzards, the chewy texture might take some getting used to. But if you cook them properly (boil first, then crisp up or stew), they become tender and juicy.

Also, like with anything, moderation is key. Gizzards contain cholesterol, so if you’re on a strict low-cholesterol diet, you might want to enjoy them in moderation.

Are There Any Risks?

Few studies have been conducted on gizzards in particular. As Medical News Today notes, some organ meats are high in saturated fat. If your cholesterol levels are above normal, enjoy these foods in moderation. Gizzards, though, have ‌less than one gram of saturated fat per serving‌, so they’re unlikely to affect blood cholesterol levels or cardiovascular health.

Researchers also point out that ‌organ meats contain purines‌ and should be avoided by people with gout. These organic compounds raise uric acid levels and may trigger gout attacks.

If you think you’re eating too much chicken, including gizzards, consider switching to ‌organic brands.‌ Farmers often use antibiotics to prevent disease in chickens. A diet rich in poultry may promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which claim more than 23,000 lives in the United States each year, according to The Guardian. The only way to mitigate these risks is to go organic.

Bottom Line: Give Gizzards a Chance!

If you’re looking for a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and super affordable meat option, organic chicken gizzards are the way to go. They’re easy to cook, incredibly versatile, and way too underrated.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a pack and try one of these cooking methods. You might just discover your new favorite budget-friendly protein!

Would you try chicken gizzards? Let us know in the comments!

Sleeping well for an entire night, without waking up once, seems to be a surprisingly rare thing, but it’s actually what’s required if you’re to be entirely productive – without feeling tired – the next day.

Many people think that simply going to bed at the right time guarantees them a good night’s sleep, only to then wake up – more often than not – between 3:00am and 5:00am. Sometimes this can cause problems, particularly when someone finds it difficult to return to sleep.

The fact that most people wake up during this window isn’t coincidence, however, nor is down to bad luck. It turns out, there’s a significance to the trend …

The hours between 3:00am and 5:00am are sometimes referred to as the hour of the wolf, after Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s psychological horror^[film of the same name.

”The hour between night and dawn … when most people die, sleep is deepest, nightmares are most real. It is the hour when the sleepless are haunted by their worst anguish, when ghosts and demons are most powerful. The hour of the wolf is also the hour when most babies are born,” Bergman explained.

According to Professor Birgitta Steene, the title is derived from Swedish folklore, wherein the “hour of the wolf” signifies the timeframe between 3:00am and 5:00am.

This period is believed to be associated with a higher occurrence of both deaths and births. It’s also precisely that time when the body often slips into its deepest rest, which is why the body’s functions can be so affected by it.

In folk traditions, the witching hour, also known as the devil’s hour, is a nocturnal period linked to supernatural occurrences. It is believed that during this time, witches, demons, and ghosts are thought to manifest and wield their greatest influence.

The hour of the wolf

For those who are able to sleep as normal, the hour of the wolf represents the period wherein sleep is at its deepest. For those who wake up, however, it supposedly represents the time when feelings of anxiety are at their most potent.

The body’s circadian rhythm (the 24 hour cycle of physiological processes) tends to follow the sun’s rise and fall, meaning that things such as body temperature, blood pressure and metabolism go down during the night.

At around 4:00am they are at their lowest, since this is when the body has entered its natural rest stage. If you suffer from anxiety, however, it’s during this period when feelings can be exacerbated, hence why you find yourself waking up.

Living on a ranch in rural Alberta, Canada, Jannet Talbott may be far away from people but is never alone as she is always surrounded by animals.

The animal lover is used to the many animals, both domestic and wild, who live on her ranch and looks out for them all.

One day she was watching a squirrel enjoying a snack from her bird feeder when she noticed something unusual on his face.

“I could see there was something on the side of his face,” Talbott told The Dodo. “I got closer and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s a massive tooth growing out of his mouth.’”

Squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing but their constant gnawing on nuts and seeds ensure most squirrels’ teeth are kept short. Somehow this had not happened with this squirrel and Jannet knew he was in danger.

The tooth was growing toward the squirrel’s eye and Jannet suspected he was living on powdered bird food as he couldn’t chew on anything.

Here’s what Janett used to trim Bucky’s teeth – a cuticle trimmer. And yes, that is one of the squirrel’s teeth beside it. #sabretoothsquirrel pic.twitter.com/3Kn50AAtpn

— Sarah Ryan (@SarahRyanYEG) June 16, 2018

Now she had the difficult task of trying to catch Bucky, as she named him, so she could give him the help he needed.

“One day, I saw him in the feeder. It was like divine intervention. I just had to reach in and grab him,” she said. “Once I had him in my hand, I just kept telling him, ‘I’m going to help you, Bucky. You’re going to be OK.’”

When Jannet had the canine challenged squirrel in her hands she saw that it wasn’t just one tooth that was an issue.

“His mouth was an absolute mess. His upper incisors were curled around and growing inside his mouth,” she said. “When he ate, his teeth were rubbing on his face. He was so horrific.”

She worried that if she took Bucky to a vet they may not be able to do anything for him and the journey would stress him out too much so she grabbed her cuticle trimmers and attempted the job herself.

After watching some instructional videos on YouTube, Jannet swaddled Bucky and covered his eyes; he instantly became calm which was lucky for this talented rancher as the job took ten minutes.

Jannet Talbott watched the squirrel struggling to eat and wanted to help him. She grabbed Bucky out of the feeder and watched YouTube videos to learn how to trim squirrel teeth. #sabretoothsquirrel pic.twitter.com/VGuOMI8YRY

— Sarah Ryan (@SarahRyanYEG) June 16, 2018

Squirrels have no feeling in their teeth and even after she had finished trimming, the squirrel was in “no hurry to get away,” Jannet said, as per CBC Canada.

“I took him outside, and he ran to a branch and started rubbing his little cheeks. It was like he couldn’t believe those teeth were gone. He just kept rubbing his face,” she said.

“The next day, I saw him back in the feeder — and he had the most amazing little squirrel smile on his face. He was just so happy.”

Now Jannet hopes to inspire others to help a needy animal.

“I really feel a deep connection to animals, and they always seem to come to me when they need help,” she added.

“I’m always happy to help them, and I think if we all did a little, it would end up being a lot.”

I cannot imagine how nervous Jannet must have been attempting dentistry on this creature in distress but thank goodness she did as he may have starved to death had she not been brave that day.

Help us thank this animal hero by sharing this story.