Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (2024)

Published on . Updated on . By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 2 Comments

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These chicken hearts are full of protein and healthy fats and are so flavorful! Pair them with mushrooms for a quick and easy, healthy meal.

Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (1)

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Chicken hearts are organ meats (also known as offal meat) that are super nutritious and have great health benefits. Some other organ meats are beef heart, chicken or beef liver, and gizzard.

Offal meat is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids. They also contain essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

If you like organ meat, be sure to check out my peppered gizzard and Nigerian pepper soup recipes. They are finger-licking good!

I also love that this easy recipe is keto-friendly and very budget-friendly. Chicken hearts are sold really cheaply in grocery stores, at least here in the United States. I get a pound of this organ meat for about $1.50.

Chicken and mushrooms taste incredible when paired together. Each serving contains only 3 net carbs and 18g of healthy fats, which will keep you full for a long time. Chicken hearts are also a great source of protein that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They are also perfect for those on a weight loss or low carb diet!

Jump to:
  • Where can I get Chicken Hearts from?
  • Ingredients Used
  • How To Make Chicken Hearts
  • Storing and Reheating
  • What can I eat it with?
  • Helpful Tips
  • Variations
  • Frequently asked questions
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Where can I get Chicken Hearts from?

Chicken hearts are usually sold in the chicken aisle in the grocery store. You can also get fresh chicken hearts from a meat market or local butchers.

Ingredients Used

Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (2)

This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients you may already have on hand in your pantry. The ingredients you will need to make this tasty meal are:

  • Raw chickenhearts:I like to slice each piece so it cooks through quickly.
  • Mushrooms:Any mushroom, such as baby bella or portobello, would taste delightful in this dish. I prefer sliced mushrooms for this recipe to ensure a balanced bite.
  • Spices: Bouillon powder, coconut aminos, cayenne pepper, salt. You can omit the coconut aminos or substitute with soy sauce.
  • Other ingredients used: Olive oil, one small onion, and garlic.

How To Make Chicken Hearts

This recipe is super easy to make and requires just a few simple steps:

  1. Slice each piece of chicken heart into two and wash under running water. Pat dry lightly with paper towels.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil in a large pan on medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken and spices.
  4. Stir and cook till no longer pink. The chicken hearts will release a lot of water while being cooked.
  5. Add the mushrooms and coconut aminos and simmer until it is done (roughly 10 minutes).
Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (3)

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Then, reheat in the microwave for about two to three minutes.

You can also reheat this recipe on a stovetop with just a little water. This is a great meal prep option since it can easily be stored and reheated with minimal effort.

What can I eat it with?

This nutritious recipe goes great with grains like rice and quinoa. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles. Chicken hearts also pairs well with a side of vegetables like green beans.

For something different, try this air fryer chicken hearts recipe. It's so good!

Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (4)

Helpful Tips

  • Do not cook the chicken hearts too long, as this can make them tough and overly chewy.
  • After adding the mushrooms, if the liquid has reduced, you can add about ¼ cup of water, so it cooks a little longer.
  • If you want to thicken the sauce, you can make a slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with two tablespoons of water and pour it into the sauce to thicken it. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

Variations

  • You can top this dish with some fresh herbs to provide flavor and a nice pop of color. I like to use cilantro or parsley. You can also add dried herbs if that is what you have on hand.
  • Add scotch bonnet pepper or habanero pepper for more heat.
  • Mix and match your vegetables! Mushrooms are a staple for this dish, but it also tastes incredible paired alongside other vegetables like spinach, kale, asparagus, or zucchini.
  • You can use your favorite spices or experiment with others like chili flakes, garlic powder, or black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

What do chicken hearts taste like?


Chicken hearts have a firm texture, and the flavor is comparable to that of dark meat chicken. They are a bit sweeter and more metallic-like than other cuts of chicken but taste delicious.

Do you have to clean chicken hearts?

Many people like to clean their chicken hearts before serving to remove any excess blood. This will also allow the meat to be more tender when prepared. Rinse and soak the chicken hearts in warm water and trim off any veins or fatty pieces.

Check out these delicious African recipes!

Nigerian Pepper Soup

African Chicken Stew

Cow foot Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

Nigerian Snail Recipe

Goat Meat Pepper Soup

Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (5)

📖 Recipe

Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (6)

Chicken Hearts Recipe

These chicken hearts are full of protein and healthy fats and are so flavorful! Pair them with mushrooms for a quick and easy, healthy meal.

Print Pin Save

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: African

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Tayo Oredola

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken hearts into two and wash thoroughly under running water.

  • Add olive oil to a pan, then add the onions and stir till translucent.

  • Add the chicken hearts and spices.

  • Stir and cook till the chicken hearts are no longer pink. The chicken hearts will release a lot of water while being cooked.

  • Add the mushrooms and coconut aminos and simmer till done.

Notes

This recipe serves 4 and contains 3 net carbs per serving.

  • Do not cook the chicken hearts too long as this can make it tough and overly chewy.
  • After adding the mushrooms, if the liquid has reduced, you can add about ¼ cup of water so it cooks a little longer.
  • If you want to thicken the sauce, you can make a slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with two tablespoons of water, and pour it into the sauce to thicken it. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • The chicken hearts will release a lot of water while being cooked.
  • Add as much or as little cayenne pepper as you like!
  • Top with fresh herbs for flavor and a nice pop of color.
  • Throw in extra vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, spinach, or kale.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 799mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 7mg

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More African Recipes

  • Mafe (Maafe) - Senegalese Peanut Stew
  • Kuku Paka (Kenyan Chicken Curry)
  • Sega Wat (Ethiopian Beef Stew)
  • Berbere Chicken (Delicious Ethiopian Chicken)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (11)John Orban says

    I made this tonight. Surprisingly good. I love how simple it is and how easy it is to make. I didn't have mushrooms, but I threw in a Vidalia Onion. I will DEFINITELY be making this again. I'm a Carnivore and like to eat "nose to tail."

    Thanks...looking forward to trying your other organ meat recipes.

    Reply

    • Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (12)Tayo says

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it, John. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply

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Easy Chicken Hearts Recipe - Low Carb Africa (2024)

FAQs

Are chicken hearts good for weight loss? ›

Are Chicken Hearts Good for Weight Loss? Yes, are not just a great addition to your diet for nutritional reasons, but they may also help with weight loss. Chicken hearts are low in calories and high in protein. They help you build more muscle mass and you will feel full sooner adding them to your diet.

Is chicken hearts good for diabetics? ›

Chicken Heart Provides 19.2 mg of CoQ10

CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor in the electron transport chain for the production of ATP. It may be helpful in treating or preventing heart and blood vessel conditions, diabetes, gum disease, muscular dystrophy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and breast cancer.

What is the internal temperature of chicken hearts? ›

When the grill is hot, place the chicken hearts over the direct heat and cook them for about ten minutes, flipping them halfway. Then move the skewers to indirect heat and continue cooking for another fifteen minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What are the disadvantages of chicken hearts? ›

Potential downsides. Although chicken hearts can be a healthy and nutritious addition to the diet for most healthy adults, people with gout may need to moderate their intake. This is because chicken hearts are high in purines, a compound found naturally in many foods, including organ meats.

How many carbs are in chicken hearts? ›

NameAmountUnit
Total lipid (fat)9.33g
Ash0.85g
Carbohydrate, by difference0.71g
Fiber, total dietary0g
24 more rows

How often can you eat chicken hearts? ›

No, it is not recommended to eat chicken gizzards and hearts every day. Eating too much of these organ meats can increase your risk of high cholesterol and other health problems. It is best to limit your consumption of these organ meats to a few times a week.

How many carbs should a diabetic have a day? ›

As a diabetic person, you should try to get half of your daily calories from carbs. For example, if you consume 1,800 calories daily, you should aim for 900 calories in carbs a day. There are four calories per one gram of carbs, so that means you should aim to eat at least 200 grams of carbs.

Does chicken spike blood sugar? ›

Chicken is a perfect protein to make a fantastic low-glycemic meal. Because chicken doesn't contain any carbohydrates, it has little effect on blood sugar levels. However, be sure that the chicken recipes you make contain foods that are also low-GI!

Can you eat too many chicken hearts? ›

Eventually, this excess fat can cause liver damage. It's possible that eating a lot of chicken heart could increase your risk for NAFLD. One study found that adults who ate organ meats had a moderately high risk of NAFLD, though more research is necessary.

Do I need to wash chicken hearts? ›

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.

How long should chicken hearts be boiled? ›

If boiling, simmer the hearts for around 20-30 minutes until they are fully cooked. For baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the hearts for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer to sauté them, cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Should chicken hearts be pink inside? ›

It is important to note that chicken hearts should be cooked to about medium doneness with a blush of pink as they can get tough if overcooked. Some ways to use chicken hearts include: Grilled: Chicken hearts can marinated, skewered, and grilled as a skewer or a kabob.

Can chicken hearts be pink? ›

Color is not a reliable indicator of safety or doneness. Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Do chicken hearts taste like liver? ›

If you're turned off by the metallic taste of liver or kidney, then rest assured: heart does not taste like that. In fact, it tastes just like muscle meat (steaks, chops, and all the other cuts you're used to seeing at the grocery store) because that's exactly what it is.

What part of the chicken is best for weight loss? ›

The chicken breast is lean and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass and improve recovery. Fattier cuts like the thigh, drumstick and wings have more calories, which make them better for people wanting to build muscle or gain weight.

Is chicken liver and heart good for weight loss? ›

High in protein, low in fat - paleo diet followers tend to love foods like chicken liver, because they are high in protein and low in fat - making them a perfect choice for weight management, fitness training diets, or just generally healthy eating!

Which form of chicken is best for weight loss? ›

If your main aim is weight loss, then the best type of chicken you can opt for is- skinless, boneless chicken breast. Do you know that 3-ounce serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast provides just 140 calories, a whopping 26 grams of protein, and just 3 grams of fat?

Is chicken heart better than breast? ›

Organ meats are nutritious,and even though they aren't as popular as they once were, they are experiencing a comeback. Chicken hearts and gizzards are a good source of protein, and although they have more fat than the breast, they are high in iron and zinc, both essential minerals.

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