A chicken gizzard is a muscular part of the chicken's digestive system that functions similarly to a stomach. Since chickens lack teeth, the gizzard acts as a grinder that crushes and pulverizes food, often with the help of ingested grit like sand or small pebbles, to aid digestion and nutrient extraction
. It is a firm, red muscle that is usually included in the giblet pack when buying a whole chicken
. Culinarily, chicken gizzards taste similar to dark meat but have a chewier and tougher texture due to their muscular nature. They are typically slow- cooked or braised to tenderize them and are popular in various dishes worldwide, including soups, stews, fried preparations, and grilled skewers
. Nutritionally, gizzards are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins such as B12, niacin, riboflavin, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, and zinc, making them a healthy and affordable food option
. In summary, a chicken gizzard is the bird's muscular stomach that grinds food to aid digestion and is enjoyed as a flavorful, protein-rich food in many cuisines globally
