Slow cooked chicken hearts garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs

Tender Slow-Cooked Chicken Hearts with a Zesty Lemon Twist

Name: Tender Slow-Cooked Chicken Hearts with a Zesty Lemon Twist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: international
Ingredients: 500 g Chicken hearts (fresh) - choose fresh, firm, and bright-colored hearts without odor; 2 piece Fresh lemons - preferably unwaxed for zest and juice; 2 tbsp Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor; 3 piece Garlic cloves - peeled and minced; 1 piece Onion - medium, finely sliced; 200 ml Chicken broth - low sodium for better control of saltiness; 2 tbsp Fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish; 1 tsp Salt - to taste; 0.5 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground, to taste

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Chicken Recipes

easy

1 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories220kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat12gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken hearts (fresh) - choose fresh, firm, and bright-colored hearts without odor500 g
Fresh lemons - preferably unwaxed for zest and juice2 piece
Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
Garlic cloves - peeled and minced3 piece
Onion - medium, finely sliced1 piece
Chicken broth - low sodium for better control of saltiness200 ml
Fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish2 tbsp
Salt - to taste1 tsp
Black pepper - freshly ground, to taste0.5 tsp

Discover the delight of tender, slowly cooked chicken hearts infused with bright lemon flavor. This foolproof recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to try something new with accessible ingredients and simple steps. You’ll enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed dish that’s both economical and delicious. The total ingredient cost is approximately $8 (7 € / 6 £ / 650 ₹). This dish is rich in protein, low in carbs, and fits well within a balanced diet. Complexity is easy to medium, taking about 1.5 hours total including prep and slow cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the chicken hearts

1Rinse the chicken hearts under cold running water to remove any residual blood. Pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any fat or connective tissue for a cleaner taste and appearance. This helps improve texture and prevents any unpleasant flavors.

Marinate with lemon and garlic

2In a bowl, combine the juice and zest of one lemon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss the cleaned chicken hearts in this mixture and let them marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. Marinating infuses flavor and tenderizes the hearts.

Sauté onions and chicken hearts

3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the marinated chicken hearts and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown lightly. This seals in flavor.

Add broth and slow cook

4Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Slow cooking tenderizes the hearts and develops rich flavors.

Check doneness with safe temperature

5Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken hearts, which should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption. The hearts should be tender and cooked through, not rubbery.

Finish with fresh lemon and parsley

6Just before serving, squeeze the juice of the second lemon over the hearts and sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken hearts and other ingredients.

2If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a heavy pan with a tight-fitting lid, cooking gently on the lowest heat possible.

3For more flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes during the sauté step.

4Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry to ensure food safety.

Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Bowls for marinating
Meat thermometer
Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan with lid
Spoon or spatula for stirring
Measuring spoons and cups

Shopping List

[ ] 500g fresh chicken hearts (~$4): Choose hearts that are bright red and firm.
[ ] 2 fresh lemons (~$1): Preferably unwaxed and firm with a bright yellow color.
[ ] Olive oil, extra virgin (~$1 for required amount): Use high-quality for best flavor.
[ ] 3 garlic cloves (~$0.30): Fresh and firm bulbs.
[ ] 1 medium onion (~$0.50): Choose firm, dry-skinned onions.
[ ] 200 ml low sodium chicken broth (~$1): Homemade or store-bought.
[ ] Fresh parsley (~$0.50): Look for vibrant green leaves.
[ ] Salt and black pepper: Pantry staples.

Total approximate cost: $8

FAQ

How do I know when chicken hearts are fully cooked?

Chicken hearts are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). They should be tender, not rubbery. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure safety.

Can I use frozen chicken hearts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken hearts. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking, and rinse well to remove any ice crystals or residue.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker or thermometer?

You can cook the hearts gently on the stove over low heat, ensuring they simmer covered for 45 minutes. While a thermometer is best for safety, cooking gently and thoroughly should produce a safe and tender result.