Name: Fried Chicken Hearts – A Quick and Flavor-Packed Keto Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 300g chicken hearts (about 0.6 lb); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil); 1 tablespoon crushed garlic and ginger; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional); ½ teaspoon ground paprika (sweet or smoky); ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; 3 stems spring onion, sliced (plus more for garnish); 1 tomato, roughly chopped (optional – for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick this dish comes together—it’s done in under 30 minutes and only requires a handful of ingredients. The chicken hearts are mildly gamey but absorb spices beautifully, making them perfect for frying. It’s a great way for me to add variety to my meals while staying aligned with my health goals. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

300 g chicken hearts (about 0.6 lb)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
1 tablespoon crushed garlic and ginger
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground paprika (sweet or smoky)
3 stems spring onion (plus more for garnish)
1 tomato, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I begin by cleaning the chicken hearts—removing any excess fat or vessels, then giving them a rinse.
I boil them in water for about 10 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the boiled chicken hearts, chopped spring onions, and the garlic-ginger mixture. I stir everything together to coat the hearts in flavor.
I add turmeric, cumin (if using), salt, curry powder, and paprika. Then I cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the spices bloom and coat the meat.
I add in the tomato chunks (if using) and let everything cook for another 2 minutes.
Before serving, I garnish with extra chopped spring onion or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 3.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories: Approximately 252 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes add chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh herbal finish.
If I want a bit of heat, I include chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne while sautéing.
I serve it with cauliflower rice for a keto meal, but it also goes well with polenta, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad.
A squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens up the flavors nicely.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm the chicken hearts gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
I avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture tender—not rubbery.

FAQs

How do I clean chicken hearts properly?

I trim off any visible fat or vessels and rinse them under cold water. A quick parboil also helps remove impurities before frying.

Are chicken hearts tough?

Not when cooked correctly. I boil them briefly and avoid over-frying to keep them tender and flavorful.

Can I skip boiling the hearts?

You can, but I find that boiling helps with both texture and removing the strong organ flavor some people are sensitive to.

What oil works best for this recipe?

I usually go with olive oil, but avocado oil or ghee also work great—especially for high-heat cooking.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with healthy fats—perfect for keto or low-carb diets.

Conclusion

This fried chicken hearts recipe is a quick, protein-rich dish that I turn to when I want something unique, nutrient-dense, and flavorful. With a short ingredient list and big taste, it’s an easy way to explore organ meats and expand my culinary comfort zone. Whether I pair it with a side of cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own, it’s always deeply satisfying.