What Do You Eat with Fried Chicken Gizzards? Perfect Pairings and Sides

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Though less common than fried chicken breast, the flavorful crunch of fried chicken gizzards is a delicacy in many regions. Learning what do you eat with fried chicken gizzards is the key to transforming this flavorful, budget-friendly treat into a complete and unforgettable meal.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best side dishes and dipping sauces to pair with fried chicken gizzards, offering a mix of classic Southern comfort foods and lighter, fresher options to balance the richness.

Key Points

Classic Comfort: Pair fried gizzards with Southern staples like creamy mac and cheese or flavorful Cajun rice for a hearty, traditional meal,.
Fresh Contrast: Balance the richness of the gizzards with light, zesty sides such as coleslaw or a simple green salad to cleanse the palate.
Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor with a variety of dips, including spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or a tangy, spiced vinegar,,.
Proper Preparation: Achieve the perfect tender texture by boiling or brining the gizzards before frying, which prevents them from being too chewy,.
Versatile Delicacy: Fried gizzards can be served as a main course with savory gravy or as a simple appetizer with dipping sauces,.
Textural Balance: Complement the crispy exterior and chewy interior of the gizzards with sides that offer contrasting textures, like soft rice or creamy pasta.

The Perfect Plate: Complementing Fried Gizzards

Fried chicken gizzards, when prepared correctly by boiling or brining before frying, offer a unique, savory flavor and a tender, slightly chewy texture encased in a perfectly crispy crust. Their rich, meaty profile means they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces that can either complement their deep flavor or provide a refreshing contrast.

Classic Southern Comfort Sides

For a traditional meal, there's no better pairing than classic Southern side dishes. These heavy-hitting comfort foods stand up beautifully to the gizzards' robust flavor.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, creamy mac and cheese provides a rich, decadent contrast to the savory gizzards. The soft pasta and creamy sauce create a textural balance that is incredibly satisfying. For a twist, try a baked version with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Collard Greens

Stewed collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and pair exceptionally well with fried gizzards. The slightly bitter flavor of the greens, often cooked with smoked meat, cuts through the richness of the fried gizzards, creating a balanced and flavorful combination. A splash of vinegar adds a tangy note that brightens the entire plate.

Cajun or Dirty Rice

This is a classic combination, as Cajun rice is often made with chopped chicken gizzards and livers,. The seasoned rice, packed with savory flavor and sometimes a touch of spice, serves as a hearty base that soaks up all the rich taste of the fried gizzards. Serving the gizzards on a bed of Cajun rice creates a fulfilling, cohesive dish.

Fresh and Light Counterpoints

While comfort food is a great option, lighter sides can offer a refreshing contrast that cuts through the fat and savory taste of the fried gizzards.

Zesty Coleslaw

A crisp, tangy coleslaw is an ideal side for fried foods. The cool, crunchy texture and acidic dressing provide a palate-cleansing element that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy. A vinegar-based coleslaw works particularly well.

Fresh Green Salad

For a simple, healthy option, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect choice. The freshness of the lettuce and vegetables offers a crisp, clean bite that contrasts with the rich gizzards, while the acidity of the dressing adds a pleasant tang.

Corn on the Cob

Simple and sweet, a side of grilled or boiled corn on the cob provides a light, slightly sweet flavor that works well with the salty, savory gizzards. It adds a pop of natural sweetness and a different texture to the plate.

Dipping Sauces and Flavorful Toppings

Sometimes, all you need is a great dipping sauce to complete the fried gizzard experience. These sauces can add moisture, heat, or a creamy element.

Spicy Mayo or Aioli

A spicy mayo, often made with sriracha or chipotle sauce, provides a creamy and fiery counterpoint to the gizzards. The richness of the mayonnaise is balanced by the heat, creating a dynamic flavor profile that's hard to resist.

Creamy Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing

For a milder, classic option, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is a perfect choice. The cool, herbaceous flavors of ranch or the pungent, tangy flavor of blue cheese provide a cooling contrast to the hot, fried gizzards.

Hot Sauce or Vinegar-Based Dips

Many diners love to dip their fried gizzards in a simple hot sauce, like Frank's RedHot, or a spiced vinegar dip. The sharpness of the vinegar and the heat of the peppers cut through the fat and add a lively kick.

David's Gizzards and Gravy

For a truly hearty experience, serve your fried gizzards smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This is a traditional approach that turns the gizzards into a decadent main course, perfect over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

The Fried Gizzard Pairing Guide: Sides vs. Sauces


Side Dish / Pairing	Flavor Profile	Texture Contrast	Best For...
Cajun/Dirty Rice	Savory, mildly spicy, earthy	Soft rice vs. crispy gizzard	A hearty, one-dish meal
Creamy Mac & Cheese	Rich, cheesy, comforting	Creamy vs. crispy	Ultimate comfort food
Collard Greens	Earthy, savory, slightly bitter	Soft vs. chewy, crispy	A classic Southern supper
Zesty Coleslaw	Tangy, crunchy, fresh	Crunchy veggies vs. crispy gizzard	A lighter, refreshing meal
Spicy Mayo Dip	Creamy, spicy, tangy	Smooth dip vs. crispy gizzard	An appetizer or snack
Ranch Dressing Dip	Cool, creamy, herbaceous	Smooth dip vs. crispy gizzard	A crowd-pleasing snack

Getting Tender Gizzards Every Time

The key to a great fried gizzard is tenderness. Since gizzards are a muscle, they require a tenderizing step before frying. Boiling the gizzards for an hour or more until fork-tender is a common method. Alternatively, soaking them in a buttermilk brine for an extended period, sometimes overnight, also helps to break down the tough fibers and adds flavor. For a detailed recipe on tenderizing gizzards, consult a trusted resource such as Serious Eats Tender Fried Gizzards Recipe.

Conclusion: The Perfect Plate

Whether you prefer a classic Southern spread with collard greens and Cajun rice or a simpler snack with a zesty dipping sauce, fried chicken gizzards are a versatile canvas for flavor. Their robust taste and satisfying crunch are the perfect complement to a variety of textures and profiles. The key to a great experience lies in proper preparation and choosing a side or sauce that truly makes the gizzards shine. Experiment with different combinations to discover your ultimate fried gizzard plate. From creamy gravies to spicy mayos, the possibilities are delicious and endless.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make gizzards more tender, boil them first for 1 to 2 hours until they are soft and fork-tender. Soaking them in a buttermilk marinade for several hours or overnight can also help tenderize the meat.

Popular sauces include spicy mayo or chipotle sauce, ranch dressing, a tangy hot sauce, or a simple vinegar dip spiced with chili flakes. For a classic Southern meal, a rich gravy is also an excellent choice.

Yes, fried gizzards are a perfect appetizer. They can be served in a basket with a side of dipping sauce, much like chicken wings, making them ideal for snacking or sharing.

Traditional Southern pairings include creamy macaroni and cheese, collard greens cooked with smoked meat, or Cajun-style 'dirty' rice,.

Chicken gizzards are a nutritious source of protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals,. However, when fried, they are high in fat, so they should be consumed in moderation.

After tenderizing the gizzards through boiling or brining, ensure they are patted completely dry. Dredge them in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, then fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Yes, for a healthier alternative, you can cook properly tenderized and breaded gizzards in an air fryer. This method will result in a crispy exterior with less oil, though the texture may differ slightly from deep-frying.