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Chicken Heart Recipe

Chicken hearts are not only nutritious but also tasty.

They’re usually cooked with other meats like beef or pork so they have little fat content.

While many people don’t know how to cook them, there are several ways to prepare it.

This article will provide information on all aspects of Chicken Heart Recipe including its ingredients, nutritional values, health benefits, as well as cooking instructions and more.

What Is Chicken Heart Recipe?

Chickens hearts can be found at supermarkets and butcher shops.

The meat comes from the chest cavity area of the bird.

It has very soft texture and mild taste. In some countries, this meat is known by different names such as chicken livers (in Italy), chicken gizzards (in Germany) or chicken stomachs (in France).

It’s an inexpensive protein source that contains high amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus, niacin, zinc and vitamin B12.

These nutrients help improve your overall health and fight diseases related to aging, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Since chickens hearts are rich in cholesterol, they should always be eaten sparingly.

That said, if you want to enjoy one without any guilt feelings, try this simple chicken heart recipe below.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds chicken hearts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Wash the chicken hearts thoroughly before chopping them into small pieces.

Then add them into a pot along with the remaining ingredients except tomatoes.

Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces slightly.

Add the tomatoes once the sauce starts boiling again. Simmer everything for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Once done, remove the chicken hearts from the pot using a slotted spoon and discard the bones.

Serve immediately with crusty bread.

How Do You Make Chicken Heart Recipe?

Chickens tend to be very popular around the world because they’re cheap to raise.

The meat from their breast has been used in a variety of dishes throughout history.

It was even eaten by Emperor Claudius II during his reign, which lasted about 40 years until A.D. 54.

He reportedly ate over 100 pounds (45 kg) of the delicacy per month.

In China, it’s believed that eating chicken hearts can help increase your life span.

In fact, Chinese medicine practitioners recommend it to patients who need extra energy after major surgery or illness.

The main ingredient needed when preparing chicken heart recipes is chicken hearts.

You can find fresh or frozen ones at most grocery stores.

If you want to use frozen ones, thaw overnight before using.

Once you get the chicken hearts home, wash them thoroughly under running water and pat dry with paper towels.

Then cut into small pieces and place in an oven pan with some oil.

Heat up the stovetop on medium heat and let the chicken hearts sauté for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with onion powder to enhance the taste.

Cook for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, chop up 3 stalks of celery and 1/4 cup (15 grams) dried parsley into tiny bits.

Add these ingredients to the pan and stir continuously until everything is heated through.

Then, take out the chicken hearts and set aside on a plate.

When you finish making the sauce, pour it onto the bottom of the pan then return the chicken hearts back in.

Put the whole thing back on the stove top and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

To serve, put the chicken hearts on a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

Chicken Heart Recipe

What Are The Ingredients Of Chicken Heart Recipe?

A good way to start preparing your own chicken heart recipe is by reading through the ingredients list before purchasing any item.

It may seem simple enough but if you want to be sure that what you buy can meet your requirements then check out the ingredients list.

  • Beef hearts – Beef hearts are rich in iron which helps prevent anemia. As such, they’re often used in recipes where blood is required.
  • Liver – Liver has long been associated with beauty and youth due to its high vitamin A levels. In fact, liver contains almost twice the amount of Vitamin A than cod liver oil!
  • Celery – Celery provides fiber and vitamins B6 and C along with minerals like potassium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. All these nutrients help maintain cardiovascular function, immune system functioning, bone metabolism, and brain development.
  • Onion – Onions contain antioxidants which protect cells from free radical damage that can lead to cancer.
  • Potatoes – Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates which keep us satiated for longer periods of time. They also contain magnesium and phosphorus which aid muscle contraction and relaxation respectively. Magnesium is essential for proper nerve transmission while phosphorous aids energy production.
  • Parsley – Parsley is great for digestion due to its high antioxidant content. It also offers anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.
  • Garlic – Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic thanks to its antibacterial compounds called thiosulfinates. These compounds kill harmful bacteria and fungi present in our bodies without damaging healthy ones.
  • Salt – Salt is necessary for our body to absorb water. If we don’t ingest salt regularly, our skin loses moisture and becomes dry. Salting food prevents dehydration and increases appetite.
  • Chili powder – Chili powder contains capsaicin which stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain helping relieve pain. Capsaicin also promotes weight loss since it blocks the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. The pungent spice may also boost immunity against colds and flu.
  • Tomato paste – Tomato paste is packed with lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. Lycopene protects our eyesight from degeneration caused by aging. It also boosts circulation and prevents oxidation.

Tips when using chicken heart recipe

If you’re planning on eating chicken heart recipe, you might find yourself wondering about some tips regarding preparation.

For example, should you use chicken breast meat instead?

Does the type of bread affect the taste of the finished product?

How much butter should you add?

Here are some answers to these questions and others related to chicken heart recipe.

  • You can substitute the chicken breasts with ground turkey (90% lean) however, you need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  • The type of bread doesn’t really matter as far as taste goes. However, whole wheat bread tends to absorb less liquid during baking than white flour does. So, if you prefer a softer texture, choose whole wheat over white bread.
  • Adding too much butter will reduce the overall taste of this dish. Try adding just 2 tablespoons at most.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Chicken Heart Recipe?

This type of meat has an extremely high protein content (40%), which makes it very filling and satisfying even by itself.

It contains less saturated fats than most cuts of meat because it’s leaner and doesn’t contain much marbling.

It’s also rich in iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin A among others.

If you’re trying to lose weight, however, you should avoid eating too much of this food since it can be quite calorie dense.

For example, one serving of this dish provides about 300 calories per portion, so if you eat two portions it could amount to 600 calories.

Top 5 Benefits Of Eating Chicken Hearts

  • They’re low in sodium.
  • They’re rich in healthy omega fatty acids.
  • They’re an excellent source of fiber, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, thiamine, folic acid, B12, and vitamins C & K.
  • They’re great sources of antioxidants.
  • They’re very low in cholesterol.

What Are The Side Effects Of Chicken Heart Recipe?

The main purpose of cooking chicken hearts is to make them tender and flavorful.

However, some recipes may contain extra seasoning such as salt and pepper which can cause sodium overload or high blood pressure.

On top of that, some spices used in dishes may be harmful if you’re allergic to them.

Some common side effects from eating too much of certain food include bloating, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.

If your diet includes a lot of foods rich in protein, then you may experience muscle cramps, joint aches, and even swelling.

It’s important to note that these symptoms do not mean that you should avoid any particular food or ingredient.

However, if you notice new symptoms after adding one or two new ingredients into your daily menu, it might be worth checking out what the change is about.

How to prevent the side effects of chicken heart recipe?

There are plenty of ways to reduce the risk of experiencing side effects while enjoying Chicken Heart Recipe. Some tips include:

  • Consume small portions of chicken hearts at a time instead of having large servings every day.
  • Avoid consuming raw meat and fish because they are prone to bacterial growth.
  • Cooking is always better than eating uncooked foods.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible since dried ones tend to lose their potency over time.
  • Keep an eye on your allergies and intolerances before starting a new dietary habit.
  • Read labels carefully when buying packaged foods.
  • Don’t forget that different cultures eat differently. If you don’t understand something, ask questions.
Chicken Heart Recipe2

What Are The Benefits Of Chicken Heart Recipe?

If you want to improve your overall health by eating healthier meals, then it helps to be aware of what foods can help you achieve that goal.

One way to do that is by reading up about nutrition facts labels.

You can learn lots of useful information from these labels such as the amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, fat, sugar, vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, etc.

Which will allow you to make better food choices.

One thing worth noting is that chicken hearts are very high in nutrients.

Not only are they rich in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, selenium and copper, but most importantly, they contain healthy fats which keep our body functioning properly.

These fatty acids include omega 3s, omega 6s, monounsaturated fats, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and trans fats.

Another benefit of eating chicken hearts is that their nutritional value doesn’t change much when compared to other types of meat.

The main difference comes from the fact that they don’t have any bones in them.

That means that they require less chewing and therefore, less time spent consuming them.

Some of the benefits include reducing blood pressure, lowering bad LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, decreasing triglycerides, protecting against cancer and cardiovascular disease, improving bone density, boosting brain function, promoting weight loss, maintaining a strong immune system, boosting energy levels, preventing diabetes, etc.

How Does Chicken Heart Recipe Taste?

Cooking times depend on how you choose to cook your meat.

Some methods require longer periods of time while others take less time.

For example, frying requires minimal preparation but takes much longer than boiling.

If you prefer to avoid deep-frying, then try baking instead.

Roasting

  • The process of roasting involves placing raw meat into an oven where it cooks slowly over heat that generates smoke.
  • This method can be used with any kind of poultry and vegetables because it doesn’t involve deep-fryers or high temperatures.
  • After roasting, the meat should be served immediately since it loses moisture during this period. It becomes drier and tougher when left out too long.

Grilling

  • This method uses direct flame heating to cook food quickly without burning it.
  • It works best with small pieces of meat such as steaks or burgers.
  • You need to use tongs to hold the item being grilled while turning it around every few minutes.
  • When grilling, you want to keep moving items around to prevent uneven cooking. You may also add marinades to enhance the flavors.

Baking

  • If you bake chicken hearts, it means you will be using moistening agents to bring back some of their lost water content.
  • They become dry and tough when baked at high temperature.
  • To minimize this, you might consider adding oil or butter to the mix.

Is Chicken Heart Recipe Easy To Make?

The answer depends upon your level of experience.

If you haven’t made any meat dishes before then the first step would be to buy chicken hearts.

You can find them at most supermarkets in different cuts such as whole, half, and quarter pieces.

You should read through the ingredient list prior to buying because some brands may use ground up bones.

The best way to tell if the product has been processed in that manner is by reading the label carefully.

Look out for words such as “ground” or “crushed.”

Once you get home from the store, take the package and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to start preparing the food.

Once you do, read through the detailed steps below.

  • Remove the packaging and wash the chicken hearts thoroughly under running water. Be sure to drain off excess liquid using paper towels.
  • Put the washed chicken hearts into a large pot filled with enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 15 minutes or until the water starts to evaporate. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool down for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the chicken hearts again and pat dry their surfaces with paper towels.
  • Season the chicken hearts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together well.
  • Add 1/4 cup of butter to a nonstick skillet. When the butter melts, add the seasoned chicken hearts. Cook each side over high heat about 3 minutes per side. Add another tablespoon of butter when the second batch is done.
  • Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.

What Are Some Tips For Making Chicken Heart Recipe?

There’s nothing wrong about eating chicken hearts because they’re packed with nutrients.

However, you should still eat healthy meals that include vegetables and fruits, too.

Here are some general guidelines for preparing your own Chicken Hearts Recipe.

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Whole grain flours such as brown rice flour tend to absorb less water than white flour when baking. This means the end result is going to be lighter and fluffier.
  • Make sure you use extra virgin olive oil over vegetable oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants which help fight against cancer and inflammation.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Herbs contain vitamins A, C, E, B1, B6, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin K. These essential elements boost your immune system and improve overall wellness.
  • Don’t overcook your food. You want to avoid getting rid of valuable nutrients by overcooking. Cooking at high temperatures causes proteins to break down into amino acids which is what gives meat its texture and taste. So always keep an eye out for undercooked foods since they lack these important compounds.
  • Add spices to your dishes if you think they would enhance your appetite. For example, adding garlic and ginger enhances your appetite while black pepper increases blood circulation. If you need more reasons to add spices to your diet, check out our list of 9 Health Benefits Of Spices.

Cholesterol And Heart Disease

In addition to being good for your body, chicken hearts are also beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels.

That’s why they’re often served alongside fatty cuts of meat.

Since most of the fat found in chicken hearts comes from skin, trimming off any excess fat helps lower their calorie count.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats since they increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

On the other hand, monounsaturated fats decrease LDL cholesterol levels so it’s best to incorporate them into your diet.

Heart Healthy Food Recipes

If you’re looking for more recipes using chicken hearts, try making chicken liver pâté with rosemary, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley.

It’s great for breakfast or as part of a main course.

Or, serve it along side roasted chicken breast and potatoes for an inexpensive dinner option.

Another option is to sauté chicken hearts with onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and green peppers then pour cream over top of it.

The combination makes for a filling and flavorful dish.

Chicken Heart Recipe3

How Can I Make Chicken Heart Recipe Healthier?

There are two main types of chicken hearts – those that come from the breast and those from the thigh.

The former tend to be leaner while the latter has higher amounts of fats and cholesterol.

Both are very good sources of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, potassium and riboflavin (vitamin B2).

The most important thing you need to keep in mind when preparing this dish is to use fresh meat.

If you buy frozen chicken hearts, then the best way to thaw them is in room temperature water before using them.

Otherwise, you may end up overcooking them because they’ll take longer to heat up than regular meat cuts.

Ingredients for Chicken Heart Recipe

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preparation Instructions For Chicken Heart Recipe

  • First off, cut your chicken into small pieces. Then add these ingredients to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook until the liquid evaporates.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the excess grease and remove from the stovetop. Add 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan.
  • Add the onions and sautee until soft.
  • Next, add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. Finally, pour the mixture back into the pot containing the chicken and let simmer for 5 minutes. You want to reduce the amount of moisture left over after removing the chicken.
  • Pour the mixture through a strainer and set aside. Next, add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge overnight.

Tips for Making Chicken Heart Recipe

  • You need to choose the right kind of chicken heart. It should be free of bones, tendon, cartilage, blood vessels and sinew. You can find these things under the eyes, around the neck area, inside the body cavity and at the base of wings.
  • If you’re unsure about what parts of the chicken you’ve got, check out this video guide:
  • Another tip is to avoid buying frozen chicken hearts. These are likely to contain additives which affect their taste and texture.
  • Finally, if you want your dish to last longer, you need to freeze it first.
  • When you do this, ensure that you place it in an airtight container and label it properly. Then, put it in the freezer for 24 hours before eating.
Chicken Heart Recipe

Chicken Heart Recipe

Chicken hearts are not only nutritious but also tasty.
They’re usually cooked with other meats like beef or pork so they have little fat content.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Heart Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 277kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pot

Ingredients

  • 11/4 pounds chicken hearts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chop
  • 5 garlic cloves,
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound tomatoes
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  • Wash the chicken hearts thoroughly before chopping them into small pieces.
  • Then add them into a pot along with the remaining ingredients except tomatoes.
  • Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces slightly.
  • Add the tomatoes once the sauce starts boiling again. Simmer everything for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  • Once done, remove the chicken hearts from the pot using a slotted spoon and discard the bones.
  • Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 123g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 23g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 1444IU | Vitamin C: 278mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 5mg
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