Are Chicken Hearts High in Cholesterol? Your Guide to Heart-Healthy Organ Meat

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

A cooked 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of chicken heart can contain over 240mg of cholesterol, a figure that often raises eyebrows for health-conscious consumers. However, the link between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol is more nuanced than previously thought, and understanding the full nutritional profile of this organ meat is key.

Quick Summary

Chicken hearts are rich in dietary cholesterol but also packed with valuable nutrients like iron and B vitamins. For most healthy people, moderate intake is fine, but those sensitive to dietary cholesterol or with existing heart conditions should be cautious and monitor consumption.

Key Points

High in Dietary Cholesterol: A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked chicken heart contains over 240mg of cholesterol, a significant amount.
Limited Impact for Most People: For the majority of healthy adults, dietary cholesterol does not substantially raise blood cholesterol, as the liver regulates internal production.
Nutrient-Dense Superfood: Chicken hearts are rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and especially Vitamin B12, making them nutritionally valuable.
Consideration for Specific Health Issues: Individuals with high blood cholesterol, sensitivity to dietary cholesterol, or gout should moderate their intake due to high cholesterol and purine content.
Preparation Matters: Healthy cooking methods like grilling or sautéing with minimal oil, and pairing with high-fiber foods, can maximize benefits while mitigating risks.
Sustainable Eating: Including organ meats like chicken hearts supports a nose-to-tail eating philosophy, which can reduce food waste.

Understanding the Cholesterol Content in Chicken Hearts

Many people are wary of organ meats, including chicken hearts, due to their reputation for being high in cholesterol. It's true that chicken hearts contain a significant amount of cholesterol. A 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving, when cooked, typically contains around 242mg of cholesterol, which is 81% of the daily value based on a 2000-calorie diet. Some nutritional databases even report higher figures, closer to 351mg per cup. While this is a substantial amount, it's important to consider modern nutritional science which has shifted focus away from dietary cholesterol as the sole driver of high blood cholesterol.

How Dietary Cholesterol Impacts Blood Cholesterol

For most healthy individuals, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. The liver produces about 75% of the body's cholesterol, and when you consume foods high in cholesterol, the liver simply adjusts its own production to maintain balance. This homeostatic mechanism means that for many people, eating chicken hearts in moderation won't cause their blood cholesterol to spike. However, a small portion of the population is more sensitive to dietary cholesterol and may see their blood cholesterol levels rise. Individuals with existing high blood cholesterol or cardiovascular concerns should exercise more caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

How Chicken Hearts Compare to Other Protein Sources

To put the cholesterol content of chicken hearts into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other common protein sources. This comparison reveals that while chicken hearts are rich in cholesterol, they are also a nutrient-dense food.


Protein Source (Cooked, 100g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Protein (g)	Iron (mg)	B12 (mcg)
Chicken Heart	~242	~26	~9	~7.3
Chicken Breast (skinless)	~85	~31	~0.7	~0.3
Lean Ground Beef	~80	~26	~2.7	~2.4

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on preparation and source.

Nutritional Profile Beyond Cholesterol

Despite their high cholesterol, chicken hearts are a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous benefits that can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Adopting a nose-to-tail eating philosophy, which uses all parts of an animal, can be both sustainable and nutritionally rewarding.

A powerhouse of nutrients

Rich in Iron: Chicken hearts are an excellent source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. A 100g serving can provide a significant portion of the recommended daily iron intake, crucial for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
Loaded with B Vitamins: They are exceptionally high in Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. They also provide a good source of Riboflavin (B2) and Niacin (B3).
High-Quality Protein: Chicken hearts offer a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Minerals: They are also a good source of essential minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium, which support immune function and cell health.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Chicken hearts contain CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and energy production.

Who Should Be Cautious with Chicken Heart Consumption?

While a healthy addition for most, certain individuals should moderate their intake or avoid chicken hearts due to their specific nutritional profile.

Individuals with high blood cholesterol and sensitivity

As mentioned, some people are genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to dietary cholesterol. For these individuals, a high intake of cholesterol-rich foods like chicken hearts could negatively impact their blood cholesterol levels. It's best for this group to monitor their intake and opt for leaner protein sources if cholesterol is a concern.

People with gout

Chicken hearts are high in purines, a compound that the body breaks down into uric acid. For individuals with gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, excessive purine intake can trigger flare-ups. A low-purine diet is often recommended for gout management, making moderation of organ meats crucial.

Practical advice for healthy consumption

Focus on Moderation: If you're healthy, incorporating chicken hearts into your diet a few times a week is generally safe and beneficial. Avoid daily consumption to maintain balance.
Choose Healthy Preparation: Cooking methods can greatly influence the final dish's health profile. Opt for grilling, sautéing with minimal healthy oil (like olive or canola oil), or adding them to stews rather than deep-frying.
Pair with Fiber: Increase your intake of soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as it helps to lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Pairing chicken hearts with a large salad or roasted vegetables is an excellent strategy.

Conclusion

In summary, the high cholesterol content of chicken hearts is just one part of their story. For most healthy adults, dietary cholesterol is not the primary driver of blood cholesterol levels, making moderate consumption acceptable within a balanced diet. Chicken hearts are a nutrient-dense food, providing significant amounts of protein, iron, and B vitamins that can support overall health. However, individuals with existing high cholesterol or gout should be more mindful of their intake due to the high cholesterol and purine levels. When prepared healthily and eaten in moderation, chicken hearts can be a flavorful, affordable, and nutritious addition to your meals.

For more information on managing cholesterol through diet, you can visit the Better Health Channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have high blood cholesterol, it is important to consult your doctor. While dietary cholesterol's impact varies, some individuals are more sensitive, and your doctor can provide personalized advice on whether to limit or avoid chicken hearts.

Chicken hearts contain a significantly higher amount of cholesterol than skinless chicken breast. For example, a 100g serving of cooked chicken heart has around 242mg of cholesterol, while the same serving of skinless chicken breast has approximately 85mg.

While containing some saturated fat (around 2.3-3.2g per 100g serving), chicken hearts are not excessively high, and their saturated fat content can be less than in some red meats. Healthy cooking methods can further minimize fat intake.

Chicken hearts are packed with nutritional benefits, including being a rich source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12. They also contain Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant important for heart health.

Purines are natural compounds found in certain foods, and chicken hearts are particularly high in them. The body breaks down purines into uric acid, which can cause painful flare-ups in people with gout, so moderation is advised.

Yes, nose-to-tail eating is a sustainable and often nutrient-dense approach to consuming animals. Including nutrient-rich organ meats like chicken hearts ensures that fewer parts of the animal go to waste while providing a wide array of vitamins and minerals.

For a heart-healthy approach, it is best to use cooking methods that don't add excessive fat, such as grilling, broiling, or sautéing with a small amount of healthy oil like olive or canola. Pairing them with high-fiber vegetables also helps balance the meal.