Is eating chicken heart good for you? Exploring this nutrient-dense superfood

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

A single 100-gram serving of cooked chicken hearts packs an incredible 304% of the daily value for Vitamin B12. This fact prompts the question: Is eating chicken heart good for you? Indeed, this often-overlooked organ meat is a powerful source of vital nutrients and a flavorful addition to a well-rounded diet.

Quick Summary

Chicken hearts are a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc. They offer numerous health benefits but should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with certain health conditions like gout or high cholesterol,.

Key Points

Rich in B Vitamins: Chicken hearts are exceptionally high in Vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and energy production.
Excellent Source of Iron: The high content of easily absorbed heme iron supports oxygen transport and fights fatigue.
Boosts Protein Intake: A single serving provides a significant amount of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and growth.
Moderate Consumption Advised: Due to high purine content, individuals with gout should eat chicken hearts in moderation.
Versatile and Affordable: As a budget-friendly protein source, chicken hearts can be prepared in many delicious ways, including grilling, sautéing, and adding to stews,.
Supports Sustainable Eating: Utilizing organ meats like chicken heart aligns with the 'nose-to-tail' eating philosophy and helps reduce food waste.

The Powerful Nutritional Profile of Chicken Heart

Often overlooked in Western diets, chicken heart is a powerhouse of nutrition cherished in cuisines worldwide. As an organ meat, it contains a different, and in some ways more concentrated, nutrient profile than standard muscle meat like chicken breast. A typical 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked chicken heart provides a significant amount of essential vitamins and minerals, including approximately 26 grams of protein, over 300% of the Daily Value for Vitamin B12, 50% of the Daily Value for iron, and 66% of the DV for zinc. It also contains Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), riboflavin (B2), and pantothenic acid (B5),.

How the Nutrients in Chicken Heart Benefit Your Health

The rich blend of nutrients in chicken heart translates into several notable health advantages when incorporated into your diet. The high levels of Vitamin B12 and iron support red blood cell production, improve oxygen transport, and help fight fatigue. Vitamin B12 is also important for brain health. The protein content supports muscle growth and repair, while zinc contributes to a strong immune system. CoQ10 may support cardiovascular health, and utilizing organ meats like chicken heart promotes sustainability by reducing food waste.

Comparing Chicken Heart to Other Protein Sources

To put its nutritional value into perspective, here is a comparison of a 100g (3.5 oz) serving of cooked chicken heart, chicken breast, and beef liver,,:


Nutrient (per 100g)	Chicken Heart	Chicken Breast	Beef Liver
Protein	~26g	~31g	~27g
Calories	~185 kcal	~165 kcal	~191 kcal
Vitamin B12	304% DV	~1.4% DV	>1000% DV
Iron	50% DV	Minimal	~35% DV
Zinc	66% DV	~7% DV	~35% DV
Vitamin A	Minimal	Minimal	>1000% DV

Note: Nutritional content can vary based on the animal's diet and cooking method. DV = Daily Value.,,.

Cautions and Considerations for Eating Chicken Heart

While highly beneficial, chicken heart is not without its considerations, particularly regarding moderation and certain health conditions.

High in Purines

Chicken hearts are rich in purines, which are converted to uric acid in the body. Individuals with gout may experience flare-ups from consuming large amounts of purine-rich foods, so moderate intake is advisable.

High Cholesterol Content

Organ meats are higher in cholesterol, with a 100-gram serving of cooked chicken heart containing about 242mg. While dietary cholesterol's impact on blood cholesterol is minimal for most healthy people, those with pre-existing high cholesterol should be cautious and monitor intake,.

The Importance of Quality

Choosing high-quality, responsibly sourced chicken hearts is recommended to avoid undesirable additives or contaminants.

How to Safely and Deliciously Prepare Chicken Hearts

Chicken hearts are easy and quick to cook, but overcooking should be avoided to prevent toughness. Begin by rinsing and trimming any fat. Marinating for at least an hour can add flavor and tenderize them. Pan-frying is a popular method; cook in a hot skillet for a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C),. They can also be grilled on skewers, sautéed, or added to stews.

Conclusion: Is Eating Chicken Heart Good for You?

For most healthy adults, eating chicken heart is a beneficial and cost-effective way to increase nutrient intake. It provides protein, B vitamins, iron, and other minerals that support energy, immune health, and muscle function. While those with gout or high cholesterol should consume it cautiously, chicken heart is a valuable addition to a balanced diet due to its nutrient density, versatility, and support for sustainable eating practices. For more information on the health benefits of organ meats, consult a reputable nutritional resource like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken hearts are high in cholesterol, but for most healthy individuals, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. However, those with pre-existing high cholesterol or who are sensitive to dietary cholesterol may need to limit their intake and should consult a doctor,.

Chicken hearts are high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the body and potentially trigger a gout flare-up. It is best for individuals with gout to moderate their consumption of organ meats.

To prevent chicken hearts from becoming rubbery, avoid overcooking them. They cook quickly and are best pan-fried, grilled, or sautéed over medium-high heat for just a few minutes until they are cooked through but still tender,.

Chicken hearts are often available at local butcher shops, ethnic grocery stores, farmer's markets, and some larger supermarkets or online retailers specializing in organ meats,.

From a micronutrient standpoint, chicken hearts are significantly more nutritious than chicken breast, containing much higher levels of iron, B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and other essential minerals,. Chicken breast is slightly higher in protein and lower in fat,.

For those hesitant about the taste, you can mince chicken hearts and mix them into ground meat dishes like meatballs or meatloaf. For a more direct approach, pan-frying with bold seasonings or adding them to stews can be a flavorful introduction.

To help tenderize chicken hearts, you can marinate them in a mixture containing olive oil, soy sauce, or acidic ingredients like lime juice for at least an hour before cooking,. Another option is to braise them with moisture over a longer cooking time.