Variety is key on the Carnivore Diet because eating different animal-based foods gives you a broad range of essential nutrients. So, instead of sticking to familiar cuts like ribeyes and ground beef, you can enhance your nutrient intake and keep meals interesting and budget-friendly by consuming organ meats like chicken hearts. These small, tender muscles are not only flavorful but also packed with vital nutrients that support health. So, let’s learn about chicken heart nutrients, benefits, and recipes.
Highlights
What Are Chicken Hearts?
Chicken hearts may seem an unusual meal, but they are easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. You can fry them for and make a quick snack or simmer them into a Carnivore-friendly stew.
They provide various nutrients with zero carbohydrates, so they can be perfect sources for those on a Keto or Carnivore diet.
Chicken hearts are small, muscular organs about the size of a large grape. Each heart comes from a single chicken and is rich in protein, minerals, and healthy fats.
A chicken heart has a slightly chewy texture and a rich, meaty flavor, similar to dark poultry meat but more intense. It can provide different health benefits. Let’s find out what they are.
The short answer is yes, chicken hearts can be good for you, especially if you are on a Carnivore Diet, because they are loaded with essential nutrients that are usually missing from standard muscle meats.
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These nutrients include iron, zinc, B vitamins, selenium, and CoQ10, a compound necessary for heart health and energy production at the cellular level.
Also, chicken hearts are high in bioavailable heme iron, which is more efficiently absorbed than plant-based iron [1].
They are also rich in taurine, an amino acid that supports cardiovascular function, electrolyte balance, and the development of the nervous system.
Based on data from different sources and packaging labels, you can find the following nutrients in 100 grams (about 3.5 oz) of cooked chicken hearts [5]:
Nutrient in Chicken Heart
Amount per 100 g
Calories
185 kcal
Protein
26.4 g
Fat
~8 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Calcium
19 mg
Iron
9.03 mg
Magnesium
20 mg
Phosphorus
199 mg
Potassium
102 mg
Sodium
48 mg
Vitamin B12
7.29 µg
Vitamin C
1.8 mg
Zinc
7.3 mg
Selenium
8 µg
Cholesterol
242 mg
CoQ10
9.2 mg
This rich nutrient profile makes chicken hearts a true nutrient powerhouse, providing more micronutrients per gram than most conventional meats. That is why it is a good idea to include the chicken heart in our Carnivore Diet.
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Why You Should Add Chicken Hearts to Your Carnivore Diet
Are rich in hard-to-get nutrients like B12, iron, and CoQ10,
Are affordable and widely available,
Help diversify your nutrient intake,
Enhance satiety and metabolic health.
Top Benefits of Chicken Hearts on the Carnivore Diet
In addition to the above benefits, adding chicken hearts to your Carnivore Diet offers many benefits. First, they support nose-to-tail eating, a philosophy that promotes consuming the whole animal for optimal nutrition and sustainability.
Organ meats like hearts contain concentrated nutrition in smaller portions, which can help prevent nutrient deficiencies over time.
Secondly, chicken hearts are very budget-friendly. Compared to steak or even chicken breast, they offer more nutrients per dollar. So, they can be a good choice for those looking to optimize their diet without overspending.
To make chicken hearts and enjoy their various health benefits, we first need to buy them from trustworthy sources.
Chicken hearts are widely available if you know where to look. You can find them sold fresh or frozen, either in bulk or packaged by weight.
They are an especially popular item in Brazilian and Eastern European cuisines, grilled or fried as delicacies.
You can find chicken hearts in various shops depending on your location. Butchers and ethnic grocery stores are your best local options. So, you can purchase them from:
Local butcher shops
International grocery stores
Online retailers like Wild Fork Foods and Mad Butcher Meat
Some retailers market them as pet food, but the quality is generally suitable for human consumption as well.
Tips for Buying Chicken Hearts
Look for USDA-approved or human-grade labeling.
Choose vacuum-sealed packaging for longer freshness.
Check whether they’re pre-cleaned or trimmed.
When you purchase healthy and fresh chicken hearts, it is time to use the best methods and cook them.
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How to Cook Chicken Hearts
Cooking chicken hearts is easy and takes very little time. Before cooking, you can rinse and trim any fat or connective tissue if you like, though it's not necessary.
Due to their small size, they cook quickly and don’t require long marinating or stewing times like tougher organ meats.
Here is an easy chicken heart recipe. Those who are on a relaxed Carnivore may also add mushrooms, but if you are following a standard Carnivore, it is best to avoid mushrooms.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken hearts
2 tbsp butter or beef fat
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
Instructions:
Melt fat in a skillet.
Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes (optional).
Add chicken hearts and cook for 7–8 minutes.
Note: If you are on a standard Carnivore Diet, omit the mushrooms.
Macros per Serving (without mushrooms):
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 33g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Chicken Hearts Are a Superfood for Carnivores
For those on low-carb diets like Carnivore or Keto, chicken hearts provide high protein, essential nutrients, and ease of preparation. They are ideal for everyday meals and meeting nutritional needs.
When mixed with other organ meats like liver or kidney, chicken hearts help ensure you are eating a balanced, nose-to-tail Carnivore Diet.
Their affordability and delicious flavor make them a great introduction to organ meats if you are just getting started.
While chicken hearts are generally safe and highly nutritious, there can be some side effects or considerations to keep in mind, especially if consumed in large quantities or if you have specific health conditions.
Chicken hearts can be high in cholesterol, iron, and B12. There is also a risk of contamination if they are not cooked properly. They may also cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals [9].
High in Cholesterol
Chicken hearts are rich in dietary cholesterol. While cholesterol from food doesn’t affect everyone’s blood levels the same way, those with familial hypercholesterolemia or pre-existing heart conditions should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider.
High in Iron and B12
Chicken hearts are rich in heme iron and vitamin B12, which are usually beneficial. However, overconsumption might lead to:
Iron overload (hemochromatosis), especially in individuals with genetic predispositions.
B12 toxicity is rare but possible with very high supplementation or excessive organ meat intake over time.
Risk of Contamination if Undercooked
As with all organ meats, eating chicken hearts that are undercooked or not handled properly could increase the risk of foodborne illness. Always cook them thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
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May Cause Digestive Discomfort in Sensitive Individuals
If you are new to eating organ meats, you might experience digestive changes like bloating or loose stools at first. It is best to eat a small amount at first to see how your body reacts.
Chicken heart is one of the most nutritious sources of the Carnivore Diet foods. Affordable, nutrient-dense, and quick to cook, they deserve a place in every meat-lover’s kitchen.
Whether you are looking for more energy, better heart health, or various nutrients, these tiny organs provide all you need.
Don’t hesitate to give them a try. Pan-fry them in tallow, serve them with eggs, or toss them on the grill. Once you taste how delicious and satisfying they are, you will love them!
FAQs
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the chicken heart.
Are Chicken Hearts Good for You?
Although it depends on each individual's health status, chicken hearts are rich in B12, protein, iron, and CoQ10, which help brain and heart health.
How Do You Cook Chicken Hearts on a Carnivore Diet?
Pan-fry or air-fry them in beef tallow or butter. They're ready in under 10 minutes.
Where Can I Buy Chicken Hearts?
Check your local butcher or buy online from Wild Fork or Mad Butcher to find high-quality options.
Is Chicken Heart Healthy?
Generally yes. Chicken heart contains essential nutrients like zinc, selenium, and taurine, supporting cardiovascular health and immune function.
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