Fried Chicken Hearts: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Fried Chicken Heart in the Skillet: Simple and Tasty Recipe
Want to prepare a fried chicken heart tender on the inside, crispy golden on the outside, and with that bar-food flavor? You’ve come to the right place! In this complete guide, I’ll show you a practical step-by-step and essential tips to avoid rubberiness, plus serving suggestions to make your meal perfect.
How to Make Fried Chicken Heart in the Skillet
This recipe combines flavor and convenience, ideal for those who enjoy a quick and delicious snack. With homemade seasonings and some simple techniques, you can achieve juicy, well-seasoned hearts. Let’s check the ingredients and preparation method!
Ingredients
- 500g of cleaned chicken hearts
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or your preferred paprika)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
- Oil enough to cover the bottom of the skillet
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley and chives) to finish
Preparation Method
- Wash the hearts well under running water. Soak them for 15 minutes in a mixture of water with lemon or vinegar to remove the strong odor. After that, drain and, if desired, remove any visible fat.
- In a bowl, mix the hearts with garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and vinegar. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate and tenderize.
- Heat a wide skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom. When the oil is very hot, add the hearts gradually, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Let them brown on one side, carefully turn, and stir occasionally to brown evenly. The process takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the hearts with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Finish with chopped fresh herbs and, if you like, squeeze a little lemon to enhance the flavor.
Tips to Avoid Rubber Chicken Heart
Nobody wants a tough, rubbery heart, right? The secret to avoid this texture lies in controlling moisture and cooking time. Check these recommendations:
- Dry the hearts: Before frying, dry the hearts thoroughly with paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet: Fry in small batches to prevent the hearts from releasing too much water and steaming instead of frying.
- Medium-high heat: Keep the oil very hot before adding the hearts.
- Frying time: Remove as soon as they are golden, do not overcook to prevent them from toughening.
- Acidic marinade: Using lemon or vinegar in the marinade helps make the hearts more tender and flavorful.
Following these tips ensures a juicy, tender, and flavorful heart!
Fried Chicken Heart without Oil: Is It Possible?
Yes! For those seeking a healthier option, it’s possible to prepare chicken hearts without oil — with excellent results. Here’s how:
- Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Heat the skillet well before adding the hearts.
- Place the hearts and let them sear without stirring initially to form a golden crust.
- If you want, add a drizzle of olive oil or butter to enhance flavor and color.
Another practical alternative is the air fryer:
- Season the hearts and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Set it to 200°C for about 15 minutes.
- Halfway through, stir to brown evenly.
This technique results in grilled, tasty, less greasy hearts without the mess!
Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken Heart
Fried chicken hearts are very versatile and pair well with various options. Here are ideas ranging from snacks to main dishes:
- Crunchy garlic farofa: The contrast of buttery garlic farofa and the tender heart is delicious.
- French bread or garlic bread: Make a sandwich with hearts, vinaigrette, and homemade mayonnaise for a solid snack.
- Fluffy rice and fresh salads: A light, balanced meal with green leaves or tomato with red onion.
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Various sauces:
- Chimichurri for an aromatic touch
- Hot sauce for those who like spice
- Squeezed lemon to enhance flavors
- Ideal drinks: Cold beer is classic, caipirinha refreshes, and passion fruit or lemon juices balance the dish.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the fried chicken heart in the skillet recipe and know how to make the most of its taste and texture, how about getting hands-on? This snack is quick, economical, and pleasing to everyone — ideal for happy hour or a casual dinner.
Don’t forget the tips to avoid rubberiness and try the suggested side dishes for a full experience. Trust me: there won’t be anything left on the plate!
Enjoy your meal and see you next recipe!
