Your ultimate guide to chicken offal

You can now buy chicken necks, livers, gizzards and hearts at Woolworths stores! These cuts are perfect for creating deep, savoury broths and hearty stews. They’re not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with everything from crispy snacks to creamy pâtés. Plus, cooking them doesn’t take much time – just a bit of love and patience to bring out their best. Give them a try to recreate your favourite South African stews or to add some delicious variety to meals.

Gizzards

Chicken gizzards form part of the bird's digestive system. They’re muscular pouches found in the chicken’s stomach that aid digestion. Gizzards are really versatile and can be used to make gravy or stews, or they can be grilled on skewers. They have a rich, slightly gamey flavour and chewy texture. For the best results, slow-cook them in a stock or broth until soft.

Livers

This cut needs no introduction. Where would South Africans be without peri-peri livers and liver pâté? The livers are vital organs responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, which explains their deep crimson-brown colour. Chicken livers are the most popular and versatile cuts of chicken offal and are often sautéed, made into pâté, added to stews, or used in stuffing. Chicken livers have a rich, slightly earthy flavour and a smooth texture when cooked correctly. Overcooking them may result in a grainy texture.

Necks

Chicken necks are often overlooked, but they can impart a lot of flavour to meals. They're typically used to add depth to soups, stews and broths. They become tender and flavourful when cooked, with the meat clinging close to the bone and the skin adding extra richness. They’re usually simmered to extract their full flavour resulting in a savoury broth that’s perfect for soups or sauces. Some people roast chicken necks as a crispy treat, or use them in dishes like gumbo. Home cooks looking to stretch their ingredients and reduce waste will love chicken necks for their price point and flavour.

Hearts

Chicken hearts are often used in various cuisines for their rich, meaty taste and tender texture. They can be grilled or sautéed, or added to stews and soups. They offer a hearty flavour that’s a bit more robust than other chicken cuts, making them a great choice for those looking to explore different textures and tastes in their cooking. Plus, using chicken hearts is a good way to make the most of every part of the chicken, reducing waste and adding variety to your meals.

Now that you're all clued up about chicken offal, it's time to cook! This chicken gizzard-and-dumpling stew uses humble ingredients to make a comforting stew that's perfect for chilly days.

Get the recipe for chicken gizzard-and-dumpling stew here.

Photography: Shavan Rahim
Videography: Romy Wilson
Recipes and production: Jacqueline Burgess
Food assistant: Saxon Angelica Kinnear

Find more offal recipes here. 

You can now find chicken necks, livers, hearts and gizzards at Woolworths stores. Make South African classics or explore new recipes using these budget-friendly cuts.

Shop at Woolworths.