Chicken hearts are an underrated and often overlooked delicacy But when prepared right, these flavorful morsels can be transformed into a mouthwatering appetizer, snack, or main course The key is knowing exactly how long to cook chicken hearts to achieve the optimal texture – tender and juicy on the inside with a nice caramelized exterior.
Undercook them and you’ll end up with a raw, rubbery mess. Cook them too long and you’ll have little bits of chicken jerky. Neither sounds particularly appetizing. So how can you ensure tender, perfectly cooked chicken hearts every time? Read on for a complete guide.
What Are Chicken Hearts and Why Should You Cook Them?
Chicken hearts are small dense muscles that pump blood throughout a chicken’s body. Don’t let their diminutive size fool you – they are packed with big, bold flavor. Many describe the taste as richer and more intense than chicken breast with a slight metallic or mineral edge.
In addition to their robust taste, chicken hearts offer many benefits:
- Excellent source of protein, minerals like iron and zinc, and B vitamins
- More flavorful and tender than chicken breast when cooked properly
- Inexpensive and easy to find. Sold at butcher shops, Asian grocers, and regular supermarkets
- Quick cooking time makes them perfect for weeknight meals
Chicken hearts are extremely versatile. You can sauté them for salads and appetizers, skewer and grill them, braise them in stews and curries, or use them as a nutrient-dense addition to stir fries. Once you learn how to unlock their full potential, they’ll become a kitchen staple.
Picking and Prepping Chicken Hearts
Success starts with sourcing quality chicken hearts. Look for plump hearts with a fresh, clean smell and reddish-brown color. Avoid any with an off-putting odor or slimy appearance.
Store fresh hearts in the refrigerator tightly wrapped for 1-2 days max. For longer storage, freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Before cooking, rinse the hearts and trim away any fat or blood vessels with kitchen shears. Remove any stubborn clots by squeezing the hearts. Pat thoroughly dry – this promotes better browning.
Key Factors for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Hearts
Achieving tender, juicy chicken hearts relies on two key factors:
1. A Hot Sear – Browning the exterior locks in flavor and juices. Use a hot pan or grill.
2. Quick Cooking – Chicken hearts cook fast. Overdoing it makes them rubbery. Cook just until cooked through.
Armed with those two tips, you’re ready to master cooking chicken hearts.
How Long to Cook Chicken Hearts Based on Method
The cooking method you use determines exactly how long to cook the hearts. Here are guidelines for popular preparation methods:
Pan-Searing or Sautéing
This high-heat method caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Prep: Pat chicken hearts dry. Season all over with salt and pepper or other spices like garlic powder and paprika.
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes per side.
Doneness Cue: Sear until nicely browned. Interior should be just faintly pink.
Tips: Use a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with oil or butter. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan and steaming instead of browning.
Grilling or Skewering
The hot grill or broiler adds delicious charred flavor.
Prep: Thread seasoned hearts onto skewers. Can also marinate for added flavor.
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes per side.
Doneness Cue: Char marks on the exterior. Faintly pink interior.
Tips: Use a clean, well-oiled grill grates. Grill over direct high heat.
Braising, Stewing or Slow Cooking
Low, moist heat tenderizes hearts while infusing them with flavor.
Prep: Sear hearts first to develop fond. Add braising liquid like broth, wine, or tomato sauce.
Cook Time: Simmer gently for 45-60 minutes.
Doneness Cue: Extremely tender with sauce thickened slightly.
Tips: Avoid boiling, which can toughen meat. Braise in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
Deep Frying
Crispy, golden exterior with a tender, juicy interior.
Prep: Pat hearts dry. Season with salt, pepper, spices.
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
Doneness Cue: Deep golden brown exterior. Cooked through but still moist inside.
Tips: Use fresh, high-smoke point oil. Work in small batches. Drain on paper towels.
Recipe Inspiration
Here are just a few of the many delicious ways to enjoy chicken hearts when they’re cooked to tender perfection:
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Sautéed Chicken Hearts – Quick pan-seared hearts topped with lemon butter or chimichurri make an easy, impressive appetizer.
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Chicken Heart Skewers – Grilled, marinated chicken hearts on a stick are perfect party food.
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Chicken Heart Tacos – Spicy braised chicken hearts heaped on warmed corn tortillas for a flavor-packed taco night.
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Thai Chicken Heart Salad – Seared, sliced chicken hearts served over fresh greens and herbs with a Thai vinaigrette.
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Chicken Heart Gumbo – Slow cooked chicken hearts shine in this Creole stew along with okra and andouille sausage.
Don’t limit yourself to just these recipes. Let your creativity run wild! Chicken hearts pair well with a multitude of global flavors from Mediterranean to Southeast Asian.
Checking for Doneness
With their quick cooking time, it’s essential to know when chicken hearts are cooked to safe serving temperature while still avoiding overcooking.
Visual Cues
- Raw chicken hearts are pink with glassy looking exterior
- Perfectly cooked interior will be faintly pink surrounded by opaque cooked meat
- Well done hearts will be fully opaque throughout
Texture
- Raw hearts are soft and squishy
- Done hearts spring back when pressed and aren’t mushy
- Overcooked hearts feel very firm and rubbery
Minimum Safe Internal Temperature
Chicken hearts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
When in doubt, cut into a heart to check for doneness instead of overcooking the whole batch.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Hearts
Here are some tips for storing cooked chicken hearts:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring often, or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little liquid to prevent drying out.
Get Creative with Chicken Hearts!
Now that you know exactly how long to cook chicken hearts to achieve tender, juicy perfection, it’s time to start enjoying these underrated bits of flavorful goodness. Braise them, sauté them, grill or skewer them – the options are endless.
With their quick cook time, mild flavor, and stellar nutritional profile, chicken hearts are an easy and tasty way to add variety to your dinner routine. So grab a pack next time you’re shopping, and get ready to become a chicken heart convert!
Expert Q&ASearch
- Question Are there any other ways to cook chicken hearts? Josiah Salyer Chef Josiah Salyer is a Chef based in Austin, Texas. He offers over 20 years of diverse culinary expertise and currently works as a private chef for various clients. He has trained under three master chefs and two celebrity chefs, including Lorena Garcia from the television show Top Master Chef. He is an active member of the American Culinary Federation. His culinary knowledge spans a wide range of flavors and disciplines, and his work combines both technical levels of flavor and Southern home cooking classics. He aims to bring master-level cooking to his clients and train other chefs to embrace freedom in their cooking. He received his Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Chef Training at the International Culinary Center. Josiah Salyer Chef Expert Answer For a Southern-style preparation of chicken hearts, consider marinating them as you would for fried chicken. Create an egg marinade with onions, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the hearts are cleaned thoroughly, then fry them at 350 degrees for about six to eight minutes. Finish by tossing them in a mix of Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika for a flavorful twist. Another delicious option is to use chicken hearts as a stuffing. For a unique twist, consider incorporating them into a Thanksgiving stuffing with feta cheese and spinach, adding a rich and savory element to the dish. These methods offer diverse and tasty ways to cook chicken hearts, providing a Southern-inspired fried option and a creative stuffing alternative for special occasions.
- Question Can I boil chicken hearts?
Community Answer Yes, this helps seal in the juices (though it will make them rubbery).
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
- In either method, if you are concerned with whether or not your chicken is cooked enough, cut one heart open and the middle should be a nice pink color for medium rare. Darker means more cooked and redder means less cooked. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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- Even though chicken hearts arent technically a white meat, there is always a potential for bacteria and disease to be spread. Be careful to thoroughly clean any surfaces, plates, or hands that the raw meat touches. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Josiah Salyer.
How to Cook Chicken Hearts | Bumblebee Apothecary
FAQ
How long to cook the chicken hearts?
Chicken hearts are small, delicate pieces of meat best cooked quickly. Either pan fry or grill them for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do you cook hearts for?
Cook in a slow cooker.
Add broth, ensuring the liquid comes at least halfway up the meat. If you’re using herbs, add them now. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours until the lamb heart is very tender.
How do you know when chicken hearts are done?
Internal Temperature: The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken hearts and gizzards should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe for consumption. Texture: Properly cooked chicken hearts should be tender but firm. They should not be rubbery.
How long to bake chicken hearts at 400 degrees?
Place chicken hearts in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake them at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
How do you cook chicken hearts?
Cooking methods: There are several cooking methods suitable for chicken hearts, including grilling, sautéing, baking, or even incorporating them into stews and stir-fries. 4. Achieving doneness: Chicken hearts become tough when overcooked, so be careful to cook them just until tender, usually within 8-10 minutes.
How long does it take to fry chicken hearts?
Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil over high heat in a skillet. Use a vegetable oil here rather than olive oil, as olive oil has a lower smoking point and you’re cooking over a fairly high heat. Nonstick skillets work best for frying chicken hearts. It will take around 2-3 minutes for your oil to get up to temperature.
How do you cook chicken hearts in a frying pan?
To cook chicken hearts, start by combining olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and letting the chicken hearts marinate in the mixture for 30 minutes. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. When the oil is hot, add the hearts to the skillet and cook them for 8 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside.
How long do you cook chicken hearts in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken hearts on skewers and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
When should chicken hearts be cooked?
Avoid overcooking as chicken hearts can become tough. Chicken hearts are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve and enjoy! Chicken hearts are delicious when cooked properly. It’s important to cook them just until they’re done. Overcooked chicken hearts can easily become tough.
How long do you cook marinated chicken hearts?
Thread the marinated chicken hearts onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are juicy and slightly charred. – Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat, add some oil, and cook the marinated chicken hearts for around 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and tender.