WHAT IS A CHICKEN KIDNEY?
Also known as an organ meat or offal, their digestive system is a bit different then ours. Chickens don’t have bladders, so any urine produced by the bird’s kidney is excreted by the animal along with the rest of its fecal matter. While rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients, the kidney doesn’t have the same level of popularity as chicken feet or hearts do in some cultures.
WHERE IS THIS CUT LOCATED?
Unlike in humans, this organ is actually located inside the chicken’s thigh near the tail. They are a dark, reddish color, symmetrical and easily removed by hand.
ARE CHICKEN KIDNEYS SAFE TO EAT?
In China and France this organ is considered to be delicious, despite often not being included in giblets. While they’re a filtering mechanism in the body, if farm raised they should be fine to eat.
WHAT RECIPES WORK WELL WITH THIS CUT?
So the general rule is that the pinker the meat, the more flavor it will have. However undercooking chicken is NEVER advised out of food poisoning concerns. British cuisine has a classic deviled kidney recipe that can easily be applied to chicken. Or you can take a Lebanese approach to your dish and fry it up! Or grind them up as a part of any sausage or hot dog recipe.
