Gizzard Recipe Crock Pot: Hands-Off Rich and Savory Stew

Slow-cooked gizzards transform into a rich and savory stew with minimal effort in this hands-off crock pot recipe.

I developed this method to maximize flavor while keeping the process simple. Tender gizzards absorb the deep, aromatic broth as they cook low and slow, resulting in a dish that feels hearty and homemade.

This approach ensures every bite is packed with bold taste, and the crock pot does most of the work for you. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

The final result is a comforting, savory stew that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Ingredients for Gizzard Recipe Crock Pot

A few humble ingredients become a deeply flavorful hands-off meal in the slow cooker.

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The gizzards are the foundation here. look for fresh chicken gizzards at your butcher or the meat section of Whole Foods or Kroger. Avoid pre-frozen if possible—they can get rubbery. If they’re not pre-cleaned, trim off the silverskin and any fat. The broth should be good quality; Swanson or Better Than Bouillon work well for a rich base without overpowering.

No chicken gizzards? Chicken hearts can be substituted for a similar texture and flavor (cook time remains the same). Beef stew meat works but needs less time—about 4-5 hours on low. Fresh herbs at the end? A sprinkle of flat-leaf parsley or chives brightens things up. If you’re out of tomato paste, 1/4 cup ketchup in a pinch (adjust sweetness with a pinch of salt).

This stew tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove—microwaving can make the gizzards tough. The broth will thicken as it cools, so thin with a little water if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gizzard Recipe Crock Pot

This hands-off method delivers tender gizzards with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Sear the Gizzards for Depth of Flavor

Heat the 1 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the 2 lb Chicken Gizzards dry with paper towels—this ensures a proper sear instead of steaming. Season them with 1.5 tsp Salt and 1 tsp Black Pepper.

Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the gizzards to the hot oil. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. The surface should develop a rich, golden crust that locks in juices. Transfer the seared gizzards to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the diced 1 whole Yellow Onion, 3 whole Carrots, and 3 whole Celery Stalks. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced 4 cloves Garlic Cloves, 1 tsp Dried Thyme, and 1 tsp Dried Rosemary, crushing the herbs between your fingers as you sprinkle them in. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for your stew.

Push the vegetables to one side and add the 2 tbsp Tomato Paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This step removes the raw taste and enhances its umami depth.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine in the Slow Cooker

Pour 1 cup of the 4 cups Chicken Broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These flavorful bits, called fond, will dissolve into the liquid and enrich your stew. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.

Add the remaining 3 cups of Chicken Broth, the 2 whole Bay Leaves, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the gizzards are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The long, gentle cooking time transforms the gizzards from tough to fall-apart tender. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides in with minimal resistance.

For a thicker stew, remove the gizzards and set them aside. Mix the 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour with 2 tbsp of the cooking liquid until smooth, then stir this slurry back into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove and discard the Bay Leaves before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional Salt or Black Pepper if needed. The gizzards should be tender and the broth rich with the flavors of the aromatic vegetables and herbs.

Serve the stew hot, with the gizzards and vegetables ladled into bowls alongside some of the flavorful broth. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce.

Best Sauces and Condiments for This gizzard recipe crock pot

Hot Sauce Boost

I love adding 1-2 tsp of Crystal Hot Sauce for a Louisiana-style kick that complements the rich broth beautifully. The vinegar tang cuts through the richness while adding just enough heat to wake up your taste buds. 🌶️

Herb Finishing Touch

Fresh herbs at the end make all the difference. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves right before serving. This adds a bright, fresh note that balances the deep flavors.

Tangy BBQ Swirl

For a smoky twist, mix in ¼ cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The sweetness and smoke pair perfectly with the savory gizzards, creating a modern comfort food vibe.

Citrus Brightener

A squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar just before serving adds acidity that lifts all the flavors. Start with 1 tbsp and adjust to taste—this simple trick makes the stew taste more vibrant. 💡

Creamy Option

For a richer finish, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. This mellows the bold flavors and creates a velvety texture that feels extra indulgent on a cold evening.

Spice Blend Upgrade

I keep a Cajun seasoning blend (like Tony Chachere’s) in my pantry for just this purpose. Sprinkle ½ tsp into each bowl as you serve for an instant flavor boost that honors the dish’s Southern roots.

Frequently Asked Questions