Indian CuisineDurban Indian

Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and are looking to try something unique, Chicken Neck and Giblets Curry is a must-try. This dish, popular...

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By DenisiyaPublished on February 18, 2025
Chicken Neck and Giblets Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time65 mins
⌛
Total Time85 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 2-4

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and are looking to try something unique, Chicken Neck and Giblets Curry is a must-try. This dish, popular in many cultures, transforms often-overlooked chicken parts into a rich, savory delicacy. With the perfect blend of spices, you can turn these humble ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal.

Chicken necks are a flavorful and economical cut of poultry, often used in broths, curries, and slow-cooked dishes. They are rich in connective tissues and bones, which release collagen during cooking, adding depth and richness to soups and stews.

Chicken giblets refer to the edible internal organs of a chicken, typically including the heart, liver, gizzard, and sometimes the kidneys. Among these, chicken gizzards are a specific, muscular part of the stomach that helps the bird grind down food. Giblets are nutrient-dense and are used in a variety of global cuisines.

Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry Ingredients:

For the giblets:

  • 400 grams of chicken giblets (gizzards)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons white spirit vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic paste
  • 2 cups water (+ additional as needed)

Other ingredients:

  • 500 grams of chicken necks
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion
  • 3 green chillies
  • 2 tomatoes
  • few sprigs of thyme
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
  • ½ teaspoon fennel (soomph) seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander (dhania) powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder
  • 1 teaspoon birth masala (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom (elachi) powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 tablespoons chilli powder or masala
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic paste
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 2-3 potatoes
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander (dhania) + additional for garnishing
🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 2-4
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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make sure the giblets (gizzards) are defrosted and add it to a bowl.

    Step 1 illustration
  2. Clean the giblets by removing any of the yellowish skin – this can easily be pulled off. Remove any excess fat that may be on them as well.

    Step 2 illustration
  3. Once cleaned, give them a rinse. At this point these giblets can also be cut into smaller pieces if preferred.

    Step 3 illustration
  4. Next, we are going to boil the giblets, this is an effective method to make them tender while enhancing their natural flavors and saves on most of the cooking time. Add the giblets to a pot on medium heat. Cover with 2 cups water and add 1 salt, white vinegar & ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 4 illustration
  5. Mix and allow the giblets to boil for 45 minutes – adding more water if needed until it is tender. We do not want chewy giblets, they need to be soft hence why they boil for so long. Alternately, they can be added to a pressure cooker to speed up the time.

    Step 5 illustration
  6. Once the giblets are soft, remove them from the heat and set aside in a bowl.

    Step 6 illustration
  7. Bring out the chicken necks – making sure they are defrosted as well.

    Step 7 illustration
  8. Remove any excess fat or cartilage from the necks.

    Step 8 illustration
  9. Give them all a rinse and set aside in a bowl.

    Step 9 illustration
  10. Peel and chop the onions.

    Step 10 illustration
  11. Rinse and slit the green chillies.

    Step 11 illustration
  12. Rinse & blend the tomatoes.

    Step 12 illustration
  13. Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. The smaller they are, the faster they will cook.

    Step 13 illustration
  14. Cover the potatoes with water to prevent oxidization.

    Step 14 illustration
  15. To a pot on medium heat, add in the vegetable oil, chopped onions, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cumin (jeera) seeds and fennel (soomph) seeds.

    Step 15 illustration
  16. Add in the slit green chillies and thyme.

    Step 16 illustration
  17. Mix and allow to sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 17 illustration
  18. Thereafter, add in garam masala, coriander (dhania) powder, cumin (jeera) powder, birth masala (optional), cardamom (elachi) powder, turmeric powder, chilli powder or masala and ginger and garlic paste.

    Step 18 illustration
  19. Mix well.

    Step 19 illustration
  20. Add the chicken necks, boiled giblets and salt to taste.

    Step 20 illustration
  21. Mix until the neck and giblets are coated in the spices.

    Step 21 illustration
  22. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes to seal in the spices. Try not to add in any water at this point.

    Step 22 illustration
  23. Add in the blended tomatoes, curry leaves, chopped coriander and a little boiling water.

    Step 23 illustration
  24. Mix until combined.

    Step 24 illustration
  25. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes.

    Step 25 illustration
  26. Next, add in the potatoes – discarding the water it was resting in.

    Step 26 illustration
  27. Add a little more boiling water and mix well. Allow the potatoes to cook until almost soft.

    Step 27 illustration
  28. Bring out frozen peas and give it a rinse.

    Step 28 illustration
  29. When the potatoes are almost soft, add in the peas. If you are not adding peas, allow the potatoes to cook completely.

    Step 29 illustration
  30. Mix and allow to cook until the potatoes are completely soft.

    Step 30 illustration
  31. Once the potatoes are soft, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania).

    Step 31 illustration
  32. Serve with rice, bread or roti and enjoy.

    Step 32 illustration
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry.

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry

What cuts of chicken work best for Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry?

Bone-in, skinless chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, and breasts with bone) yield the richest, most authentic flavor because the bones release gelatin into the gravy as it simmers.

How do I deepen the color and aroma of the curry gravy?

Braise your onions with whole spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, curry leaves) until deep golden brown before adding the ginger, garlic, and masala. Allowing the spices to fry for 30 seconds in hot oil blooms the essential oils.

Can I freeze leftover Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

How long does Chicken Neck And Giblets Curry stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. In fact, Durban curries often taste even richer the next day as the spices continue to infuse overnight.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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