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)

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.

5 from 2 votes

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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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Tried this Recipe? Let me know!tag @lowcarbafrica on Instagram and please leave a comment below

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

Can diabetics eat chicken hearts? ›

Chicken Heart Provides 31% DV Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Niacin has therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia, and may also be protective against cancer and type 1 diabetes. Some research suggests it could benefit health outcomes for patients with HIV or schizophrenia as well.

Are chicken hearts good for you? ›

One serving of chicken heart would get you halfway to your daily recommended intake. A chicken heart is also rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, B vitamins, and selenium. You need iron to make hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in your blood.

Does chicken heart have carbs? ›

Nutrients in chicken hearts

Protein: 26 grams. Fat: 8 grams. Carbs: 0.1 grams. Vitamin B12: 304% of the Daily Value (DV)

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

Should you wash chicken hearts before cooking? ›

We get it: Raw chicken is slimy when it comes out of the package, and you want to wash it off. But according to the USDA, it's safer to destroy bacteria when you cook it. A recent study looked at people who washed raw poultry for a meal.

Do you need to clean chicken hearts before cooking? ›

Ensure the hearts are cleaned thoroughly, then fry them at 350 degrees for about six to eight minutes.

Can you eat too much chicken heart? ›

They are mostly protein and fat from a calorie perspective and are quite rich in nutrients. Like any protein or meat source, they probably should not make up the bulk of your calories. However, if you enjoy eating them feel free to incorporate them into your diet.

What is the healthiest chicken organ? ›

Liver: Liver is the detox organ. It's also the nutritional powerhouse of organ meats and sometimes referred to as “nature's multivitamin.”

Is chicken heart a superfood? ›

Pasture-raised chicken hearts do a body good. It's a fact. Nutritionists call them superfood sources of vitamins and minerals like omega-3s. Of course, the health of those hearts and the benefit to you directly correlate to the source.

How do you know when chicken hearts are done? ›

You will know when the chicken hearts are fully cooked when they are no longer pink in the middle, similar to when you are cooking other parts of a chicken.

How to tell if chicken hearts have gone bad? ›

If your chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color, these are signs that your chicken has gone bad. Toss any chicken that's past its use-by date, has been in the fridge for more than 2 days raw or 4 day cooked, or has been in the temperature danger zone for over 2 hours.

What does cooked chicken heart taste like? ›

Chicken hearts taste much like dark meat, but with a slightly metallic, gamey flavor. They have a satisfying, chewy texture when grilled. The taste is noticeable but not overpowering. This makes chicken hearts highly customizable; the bite-sized morsels lend themselves to all sorts of marinades and seasonings.

What part of the chicken is best for diabetics? ›

When following a healthy diabetes-friendly meal plan, fat should be eaten in moderation with a focus on lean meats. Eating skinless chicken breast is one of the best ways to enjoy meat that's not super high in fat. Also, using cooking methods to make your food that doesn't add fat is a good idea.

Is chicken heart better than beef heart? ›

Overall chicken hearts are much lower in B vitamins in comparison to pork and beef heart; although they are a better source of folic acid. Additionally, chicken heart is often the easiest to source. The amount of calories, protein, fat, and carbs are based on 1oz (28g).

What is the best meat for diabetics? ›

Beef, pork, veal and lamb
  • Select or Choice grades of beef trimmed of fat including: chuck, rib, rump roast, round, sirloin, cubed, flank, porterhouse, T-bone steak or tenderloin.
  • Lamb: chop, leg or roast.
  • Veal: loin chop or roast.
  • Pork: Canadian bacon, center loin chop, ham or tenderloin.

What foods should be avoided in a heart healthy diet for someone with diabetes? ›

Avoid high-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as butter, beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon. Limit coconut and palm kernel oils. Trans fats. Avoid trans fats found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines.

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