Gésiers de Poulet Confits on a frisée salad
Medium

Gésiers de Poulet Confits

(198)
2 hr 10 min4285 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|May 15, 2024

Gésiers de Poulet Confits is a beloved French bistro dish where chicken gizzards are slow-cooked in duck fat until meltingly tender, then served warm over a frisée salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The confit method transforms the naturally tough gizzards into a luxuriously tender, rich delicacy. This is a staple of Southwest France and a wonderful way to explore nose-to-tail cooking.

gizzardsfrenchconfitsalad

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

About This Recipe

Gésiers de Poulet Confits is a culinary gem that showcases the best of French bistro cuisine, transforming humble chicken gizzards into a luxurious dish. The slow-cooking process in duck fat not only tenderizes the gizzards but also infuses them with a rich, savory flavor that is beautifully complemented by the crisp, slightly bitter frisée salad. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weekend meal when you want to impress your guests with something unique and comforting. Canadian home cooks love it for its nod to nose-to-tail cooking, turning often-overlooked ingredients into something truly special and decadent.

The textural contrast between the silky gizzards and the crunchy walnuts, along with the freshness of the frisée, creates a delightful experience for the palate. The tangy vinaigrette adds a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the confit, making every bite satisfying. It’s a dish that not only warms the heart but also invites conversation around the table, celebrating the art of cooking and sharing good food with friends and family.

Tips for the Best Gésiers de Poulet Confits

To achieve the perfect doneness with your gizzards, ensure they are simmered gently in the duck fat for a full two hours at a low temperature, ideally around 90°C (194°F). This slow process allows the collagen in the gizzards to break down, resulting in a tender texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness. The addition of whole garlic cloves and herbs during the confit process will imbue the gizzards with rich flavor, so don’t skip that step!

What to Serve With It

When serving Gésiers de Poulet Confits, arrange the warm gizzards atop a bed of frisée and drizzle generously with your tangy sherry vinaigrette. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or a side of roasted root vegetables, creating a full French-inspired meal that is perfect for a Canadian gathering. A glass of robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the richness wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Gésiers de Poulet Confits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of duck fat or olive oil to prevent dryness. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the gizzards in their fat for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful.

Nutrition Per Serving

285
Calories
24g
Protein
18g
Fat
6g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar2g
Sodium460mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for duck fat in this recipe?+

If you don't have duck fat, high-quality olive oil works as a suitable substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. For a richer taste, you could also use a mix of olive oil and butter.

Can I use different greens instead of frisée?+

Absolutely! While frisée adds a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with arugula or mixed salad greens. Just remember to adjust the vinaigrette to balance the bitterness.

How do I know when the gizzards are properly cooked?+

The gizzards are done when they are fork-tender and have a melting texture. This usually takes around two hours of gentle simmering. You can also taste one to check for tenderness.

What other dishes can I make with leftover gizzards?+

Leftover gizzards can be diced and added to a hearty soup or stew, or even tossed into a savory pasta dish for added flavor and protein. They are versatile and can enhance many recipes!

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?+

Yes, Gésiers de Poulet Confits is perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, and the flavors only improve as they sit, making it an ideal dish for busy weeks.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (198 reviews)
Nicole T.
Nov 5, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Michelle R.
Mar 3, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Tyler V.
Feb 11, 2025

Really good! I added a bit more seasoning but otherwise perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
2 hr
Total:
2 hr 10 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Medium

Pro Tips

  • 1If duck fat is unavailable, olive oil works well for the confit.
  • 2The confit gizzards can be stored submerged in their fat in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • 3The warm-cold contrast between gizzards and salad is essential — serve immediately.

Variations

  • Serve over lentils instead of frisée.
  • Add a poached egg on top for a classic Lyonnaise treatment.
  • Use a mix of greens — arugula and frisée work well together.

Chicken Salads

Gésiers de Poulet Confits

One bite of this Gésiers de Poulet Confits and you will be hooked. Save for later!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Gésiers de Poulet Confits on a frisée salad
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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