If you're looking to spice up your dinner routine with something truly unique, look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Mexican Grilled Chicken Hearts with a zesty citrus marinade! Bursting with flavor and packed with protein, chicken hearts are a delicacy that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Perfect for adventurous eaters and those looking to explore new culinary horizons, this dish promises to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken hearts
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Clean chicken hearts thoroughly under cold running water, removing any excess fat or connective tissue. Pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper marinade absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk ingredients together until well integrated to create a vibrant citrus marinade.
- Place cleaned chicken hearts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F). Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken hearts from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Arrange chicken hearts on the hot grill, spacing them evenly. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until hearts are nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove grilled chicken hearts from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Thorough Cleaning: When preparing chicken hearts, make sure to clean them thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial for removing any excess fat or connective tissue that can affect the texture and flavor.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While a minimum of 30 minutes is recommended for marinating, allowing the chicken hearts to soak in the citrus marinade for up to 2 hours will result in a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F) before adding the chicken hearts. This will help achieve that perfect char and prevent sticking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Grill the chicken hearts for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning once. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they can become tough if left on the grill for too long.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled chicken hearts to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the overall presentation and flavor of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 350mg
