Chicken Heart Skewers
Discover the surprisingly delicious world of grilled chicken hearts. Marinated in a savory, smoky blend of soy, Worcestershire, and paprika, these tender morsels are grilled to perfection, offering a unique and budget-friendly option for your next barbecue or appetizer spread.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Hearts (15 minutes)
- b.Using kitchen shears or a small knife, trim any tough connective tissue, veins, or excess fat from the top of each chicken heart.
- c.Gently squeeze each heart to remove any remaining blood clots inside.
- d.Rinse the hearts thoroughly under cold running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Hearts (35 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
- c.Add the cleaned and dried chicken hearts to the marinade, tossing well to ensure they are fully coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Skewer the Hearts (5 minutes)
- b.If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- c.Thread the marinated chicken hearts onto the skewers, piercing them through the thickest part. Aim for 8-10 hearts per skewer.
- d.Leave a small gap between each heart to allow for even cooking and charring.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Skewers (10 minutes)
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
- c.Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, turning once.
- d.The hearts are done when they have a nice char, are firm to the touch, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a platter.
- c.Let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- d.Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- 2Patting the hearts completely dry before marinating is crucial for getting a good sear and helping the marinade adhere.
- 3Don't overcrowd the skewers. Leaving a little space between each heart ensures they cook evenly and get a nice char.
- 4Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Organ meats can become tough if overcooked, so precision helps.
- 5For a brighter finish, squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the skewers just before serving.
- 6These skewers pair wonderfully with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli, spicy yogurt dip, or chimichurri.
Adapt it for your goals.
Brazilian Style (Churrasco de Coração)
For a zesty, authentic South American flavor, marinate the hearts in a simple mix of minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Japanese Yakitori Style (Hatsu)Japanese Yakitori Style (Hatsu)
Marinate in a classic tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a little sugar. Baste the skewers with the sauce while grilling for a sweet and savory glaze.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Chicken hearts are an excellent source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for producing red blood cells, preventing anemia, and boosting energy levels.
B-Vitamin Powerhouse
Packed with essential B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, which supports healthy nerve function, DNA synthesis, and overall metabolic health.
Excellent Source of Protein
Provides high-quality, complete protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy body composition.
Contains Coenzyme Q10
A good natural source of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant that supports cardiovascular health and energy production at a cellular level.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving, which is about 2 skewers, contains approximately 350 calories. This can vary slightly based on the exact size of the hearts and marinade absorption.