Where to Buy Chicken Hearts Near Me: A Guide to Finding Affordable, Quality Chicken Hearts

Chicken hearts are an underrated and often overlooked cut of meat They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, versatile to cook with, and most importantly – budget-friendly But finding chicken hearts at your average grocery store can be a challenge. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on where to find chicken hearts for sale near you!

Why Chicken Hearts?

Before diving into where to source chicken hearts let’s go over why they’re worth seeking out in the first place

• Affordable – Chicken hearts are one of the cheapest cuts of chicken you can buy. Per pound, they cost about half as much as chicken breast.

• Nutritious – Ounce for ounce, chicken hearts contain more iron and zinc than a chicken breast or thigh. They’re also high in B vitamins and selenium.

• Packed with Protein – A 3 oz serving of chicken hearts contains around 161 calories and 21 grams of protein. That’s even more than chicken breast!

• Strong Chicken Flavor – Hearts are essentially a muscle, so they have a rich chicken-y taste when cooked. The texture is firm and meaty too.

• Versatile Ingredient – Chicken hearts can be used in a wide variety of cuisines and dishes. Braise them for tacos, skewer and grill them, turn them into kebabs, stir fry, stew – the list goes on!

Check Your Local Grocery Store Meat Counter

The first stop in your chicken heart search should be your regular grocery store. Many mainstream chains like Kroger, Safeway, etc. now carry them either pre-packaged or available to order fresh at the butcher counter.

Prices and availability will vary by location. I’ve seen them priced anywhere from $1.99/lb to $3.99/lb at major stores. Specialty and ethnic grocers may offer even better deals.

Ask the butcher if chicken hearts can be special ordered if you don’t see them in the regular meat cases. Make sure to call in advance so they have time to get them in stock.

Buying them fresh from the butcher allows you to specify exactly how many pounds you need, ensuring minimal waste. Just remember to use them within 2 days or freeze any excess.

Look to Local Farms & Butchers

Checking in with local meat suppliers is a great next step to score quality chicken hearts for less.

• Farmers Markets – Ask around at farmers stalls and stands if any carry chicken hearts. Local farmers may have them available seasonally.

• Butcher Shops – Independent butcher shops are an excellent source for chicken hearts and gizzards. They work directly with suppliers and processors. Let them know chicken hearts are on your wishlist!

• Ethnic Markets – In particular, Latino and Asian markets frequently stock chicken hearts and other organ meats. Their prices may beat out even big box stores.

• Direct from Farms – Reach out to poultry farms in your area to ask if they sell chicken hearts directly to consumers. Buying direct cuts out the middleman.

Shopping local saves on shipping and overhead. Supporting smaller suppliers means fresher, higher quality chicken hearts on your table.

Order Chicken Hearts Online

When local options are scarce, ordering chicken hearts online is convenient. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh or frozen chicken hearts online:

• ButcherBox – This popular meat delivery service offers chicken hearts in their custom boxes. Choose how frequently and much you want.

• Crowd Cow – All of Crowd Cow’s meat is ethically raised. Pick a one-time order of chicken hearts or subscribe.

• Holy Grail Steak Co – Alongside luxury steaks, Holy Grail sells chicken hearts and other bits like liver. Shipping is free!

• Porter Road – Artisan butcher Porter Road has chicken hearts available to add to your box. Shipping is $15 flat.

• Williams Sonoma – Surprisingly, the high-end retailer sells chicken hearts! Choose between fresh or frozen.

No matter which online supplier you choose, always look out for discounts on your first order. Shopping online lets you buy chicken hearts from small farms across the country.

Check the Frozen Section

If you strike out finding fresh chicken hearts nearby, the frozen section is your next best bet. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Tyson, and Perdue sell pre-packaged frozen chicken hearts.

Obviously, the quality won’t be as high as fresh or butcher shop chicken hearts. But for a budget pick, they’ll still provide great value and nutrition. Plus, they keep for months in the freezer.

Pro tip – let frozen chicken hearts thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking for the juiciest results. And always give them a rinse to wash off any ice crystals.

The frozen food aisle ensures you can get your chicken heart fix wherever you’re located. Just make sure to check the price per pound against fresh options.

Time to Cook Up Chicken Hearts

Now that you know where to source affordable, quality chicken hearts, it’s time to start cooking! They’re extremely versatile in a wide range of cuisines.

Here are just a few of my favorite ways to prepare them:

• Skewer and grill over hot coals for smoky barbecue chicken heart kebabs

• Braise in a tomato sauce, chili, or mole until fall-apart tender for tacos

• Chop and add to fried rice or stir fries for extra protein and texture

• Stew in a hearty tomato or red wine braise for a rustic chicken heart ragout

• Sauté with onions, peppers, and Cajun seasoning for a Southern chicken heart hash

However you choose to cook them, chicken hearts are budget-friendly, nutritious, and pack bold chicken flavor. Now that you know where to source them nearby or online, it’s easy to work this underrated ingredient into your meal planning.

Yes, chicken hearts are generally considered healthy to eat. They are a nutrient-rich organ meat, packed with protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.