This Popcorn Fried Chicken Hearts recipe is the most delicious way to eat chicken hearts, hands down! A great recipe for those who are new to eating chicken offal, because they seriously taste and feel like popcorn chicken!
squeeze of srirachato taste (omit if you prefer non-spicy dip)
Instructions
Bread the chicken hearts:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour (1.5 cups) with the next 6 ingredients (salt through black pepper), and mix well. In another bowl, scramble together the egg and milk (½ cup) until well-mixed. Prepare a large plate with a paper towel.
Add half the chicken hearts to the egg mixture and swirl around. Use a slotted spoon or your hands to transfer the hearts from the egg mixture to the flour mixture, then use a fork or your hands to get them coated really well in the flour mixture. The more flour is stuck on the chicken, the crispier and more flavorful your fried chicken hearts will be!
Fry the chicken hearts:
Pour 1-2 cups of vegetable oil into a medium saucepan or a small pan with high sides. You will want at least 2 inches of oil on the bottom of the pan so the chicken hearts will be covered in oil and cook evenly. Heat the oil to about 350-375F, or do a "test fry" to test the temperature: Use a clean slotted spoon or metal tongs to carefully add one breaded chicken heart to the oil. If it starts sizzling, the oil is hot enough. If it doesn't start sizzling, remove it with a metal slotted spoon and wait a little longer.
Use a clean slotted spoon or heat-safe tongs to carefully place the breaded chicken hearts into the hot oil. Add a few at a time and do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry for ~3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. If they turn brown too fast, lower the heat a little to give them time to cook through. If they take longer than 4-5 minutes to get to a beautiful golden brown color, you can turn the heat up a little. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried hearts onto your plate with a paper towel.
Fry the rest of the breaded chicken hearts, then repeat step 2 to bread the rest of the chicken hearts and fry them. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dip.
Make the dip:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well... or use your favorite dip!
Notes
Try adding any of these to your dip: A teaspoon or two of relish, some fresh lime juice, pinch of garlic powder, or chopped scallions.
Please note that the nutrition facts do not include the dip, and are an estimate that will vary widely depending on how much oil will actually be used during the frying process, which also depends on how breaded your chicken hearts are.