Chicken hearts are quick and easy to prepare; they taste delicious and are nutritionally dense. This tasty protein is pan-seared with some garlic and onion for an effortless meal that is on the table in less than 15 minutes! They are perfect for a last-minute dinner any night of the week.
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Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe
If you've never eaten chicken hearts before, you are really missing out. This organ meat is easy and quick to prepare, healthy, and super tasty!
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights since they cook to perfection in a snap. Plus, it adds in some great variety for protein so you aren't using the same meats over and over again.
🥘 Ingredients
You may be able to find chicken hearts at some select grocery stores or health food stores. If not, you can always order them online.
- Chicken Hearts - 8 ounces of chicken hearts.
- Olive Oil - ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. You may need to use up to 1 full tablespoon.
- Onion - ½ cup of diced yellow onion. Alternatively, you can use white onion.
- Garlic - 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
- Salt & Pepper - ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper to taste.
- Butter (optional) - 1 tablespoon of butter for an extra rich taste, if desired.
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🔪 How To Make Chicken Hearts
Don't worry if you've never made chicken hearts before, they are incredibly easy to prepare. Just grab a cooking pan, and you are good to go.
A single serving of chicken hearts is about 4 ounces, so adjust the recipe as needed.
- Heat the pan. Add your ½ tablespoon of oil to a ceramic pan or small Dutch oven and put it over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and onion. Next, add in the ½ cup of diced onion and 2 teaspoons of garlic and saute for 5-10 minutes.
- Add chicken and seasoning. Next, reduce the heat to medium, add in the 8 ounces of chicken hearts, and season with ¼ teaspoon of salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook. Cook the combination for an additional 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add butter. Once the chicken hearts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), add the optional 1 tablespoon of butter, if using, and stir to melt it. Serve immediately.
Try them with some potatoes O'Brien and sauteed green beans. Enjoy!
💭 Tips & Notes
- The best way to ensure that your chicken hearts are properly cooked is by using a meat thermometer.
- Avoid overcooking your chicken hearts, as it can make them tough and chewy.
- For an extra touch of richness, top them with a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- To store: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of three days.
- To reheat: Gently reheat your leftovers in the microwave, covered, on medium power.
📊 Chicken Heart Nutrition Chart
The values are approximate and can vary based on the source and preparation method. The values provided are per 100 grams of cooked chicken hearts:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 153 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Total Fat | 5.6 g |
| - Saturated Fat | 1.6 g |
| - Unsaturated Fat | Varies |
| Cholesterol | 242 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Vitamin B12 | 9 µg (375% DV) |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.9 mg (69% DV) |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 8.9 mg (56% DV) |
| Iron | 8.5 mg (47% DV) |
| Zinc | 3.1 mg (28% DV) |
| Selenium | 16.7 µg (30% DV) |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | Varies |
| Taurine | Varies |
DV = Daily Value
Please note that the percentage of Daily Value (%DV) is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Chicken hearts are a nutrient-dense food, providing a significant amount of protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc, with relatively low calories and carbohydrates.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes, this organ meat is incredibly nutritious! They are rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc!
Chicken hearts have a similar taste to dark meat chicken but with a slightly metallic flavor. Plus, they are chewy and sweet!
Some standard grocery stores sell chicken hearts. However, you are more likely to find them in select stores or online.
⏲️ More Quick Dishes
- Mexican Torta - This traditional Mexican sandwich is extremely customizable since you can add all of your favorite toppings!
- Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes - Making your sweet potatoes in the microwave is an awesome cooking hack for saving time!
- Sofritas - This vegan tofu dish is loaded with flavor and easy to prepare!
- Roasted Bone Marrow - Roasted bone marrow is an elegant and decadent appetizer that is ready in a snap!
- Green Beans Almondine - This green bean side dish features roasted almond slivers!
- Microwave Omelet - Yes, you can make your omelet in the microwave and it still tastes great!
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📖 Recipe Card
Pan Seared Chicken Hearts
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken hearts
- ½ tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin, up to 1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced, or white onion)
- 2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Add your oil to a ceramic pan or small Dutch oven and put it over medium-high heat.
- Add in the onion and garlic and saute for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, reduce the heat to medium, add in the chicken hearts, and season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook the combination for an additional 5-8 minutes, making sure to stir frequently.
- Once the chicken hearts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), add the optional butter, if using, and stir to melt it. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The best way to ensure that your chicken hearts are properly cooked is by using a meat thermometer!
- Avoid overcooking your chicken hearts as it can make them tough and chewy!
- For an extra touch of richness, top them with a tablespoon of butter before serving!
- To store: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of three days.
- To reheat: Gently reheat your chicken hearts in the microwave, covered, on medium power.
Chris P says
Amazing! I picked up a huge packet of chicken hearts from my local grocery, these are fantastic. Thank o much, I will be making them again.