Tender Slow-Cooked Chicken Hearts: Quick & Easy Comfort
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat15gram
Protein26gram
Ingredients
- Chicken hearts, cleaned (avoid any with strong odors)500 g
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced (choose fresh garlic with firm cloves)3 piece
- Onion, finely chopped (yellow or white, firm and without spots)1 medium
- Soy sauce2 tbsp
- Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)1 cup
- Bay leaf1 piece
- Black pepper, freshly ground1/2 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
This slow-cooked chicken hearts recipe is a beginner-friendly and delicious way to enjoy a hearty poultry dish. Chicken hearts become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow, making this a comforting meal. The recipe uses common ingredients and straightforward steps to ensure success in your kitchen. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $6 USD, €5.50 EUR, £4.80 GBP, and ₹490 INR. Each serving contains about 250 kcal, providing a good source of protein suitable for a balanced diet with moderate fat and carbs. The dish is easy to prepare and takes about 2 hours including prep and cooking time, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
Preparation instructions
Prepare Chicken Hearts
1Rinse the chicken hearts under cold running water and trim any excess fat or connect tissue. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear. This step takes about 5 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics
2Heat olive oil in a slow cooker insert or pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This releases flavors essential for the dish.
Brown Chicken Hearts
3Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken hearts. Sear them, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on the outside, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor.
Add Liquid and Seasonings
4Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Add the bay leaf, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. The liquid will help cook the hearts gently and keep them moist.
Slow Cook
5Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker if not already there and cover. Cook on low for 1.5 hours. Alternatively, if cooking on the stovetop, cover and simmer gently over very low heat for 1.5 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the hearts perfectly.
Check Internal Temperature
6Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken hearts have reached an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure safety according to food safety guidelines.
Serve
7Remove the bay leaf, adjust salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. The chicken hearts should be tender and flavorful.
Cooking Tips
1If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a heavy-bottomed pot and simmer on the stove with the lid on low heat.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw chicken hearts and other ingredients.
3For a different flavor profile, add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika during cooking.
4Ensure chicken hearts smell fresh before cooking; a strong off odor indicates spoilage.
5The dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken hearts (500g) - Approx. $3 / €2.75 / £2.40 / ₹245 : Choose fresh hearts that are firm and glossy, avoid any with off smells or discolorations.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.20 / €0.18 / £0.16 / ₹16 : Extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) - Approx. $0.15 / €0.13 / £0.12 / ₹12 : Select firm bulbs without sprouting.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Approx. $0.30 / €0.28 / £0.25 / ₹25 : Yellow or white onions are best for cooking.
- [ ] Soy sauce (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.35 / €0.30 / £0.28 / ₹28 : Low sodium preferred.
- [ ] Chicken broth (1 cup) - Approx. $1 / €0.90 / £0.85 / ₹85 : Can use low sodium or homemade.
- [ ] Bay leaf (1 piece) - Approx. $0.05 / €0.04 / £0.04 / ₹4 : Ground or whole leaf works.
- [ ] Black pepper (to taste) - Approx. $0.05 / €0.04 / £0.04 / ₹4 : Freshly ground preferred.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional, 1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50 / €0.45 / £0.40 / ₹40 : Choose fresh, vibrant leaves. Total Approximate Cost: $6 / €5.50 / £4.80 / ₹490
FAQ
How do I know when chicken hearts are fully cooked and safe?
Chicken hearts should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) measured with a meat thermometer to ensure they are safe to eat.
Can I use frozen chicken hearts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even cooking and food safety.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can cook the chicken hearts on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for the same duration to get tender results.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding diced carrots or mushrooms during the sauté step can add flavor and nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.