Southern-Style Chicken Gizzard Soup with Potatoes and Elbow Noodles

Country Chicken Gizzards Soup 🍲
Country Chicken Gizzards Soup is the kind of hearty, old-fashioned meal that sticks with you—in the best way. It is rich, filling, and packed with tender gizzards, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth that slowly builds flavor as it cooks. This is comfort food at its finest, the kind of dish that warms you up and feels like it came straight from a country kitchen.
What makes this soup special is its depth of flavor. The combination of beef broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and V8 juice creates a bold, slightly tangy base that perfectly complements the tender gizzards and hearty vegetables. Add in potatoes and noodles, and you have a complete, satisfying meal in one pot.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it turns simple, affordable ingredients into something incredibly flavorful. Chicken gizzards are often overlooked, but when cooked low and slow, they become tender and soak up all the delicious broth.
It is also a great “set it and let it cook” kind of meal. Once everything is in the pot, the slow simmer does most of the work. The longer it cooks, the better it gets, making it perfect for relaxed cooking days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces chicken gizzards (or chicken necks)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, cut
- 1 box elbow noodles
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 cups V8 juice
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken gizzards: These become tender with slow cooking, but chicken necks can also be used.
- Beef broth: Adds richness, but chicken broth can be substituted if preferred.
- V8 juice: Gives the soup a bold, slightly tangy flavor that enhances the broth.
- Mixed vegetables: Use frozen or fresh depending on what you have on hand.
- Elbow noodles: Added later to prevent overcooking.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the broth slightly or add a bit more noodles.
How to Make Country Chicken Gizzards Soup
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add base ingredients: Add the gizzards, onion, celery, and garlic.
- Build the soup: Stir in potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and V8 juice.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer slowly for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until gizzards are tender.
- Add noodles: About 20 minutes before the soup is done, add the elbow noodles.
- Finish and serve: Cook until noodles are tender, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Tips for Success
The key to this recipe is patience. Gizzards need time to become tender, so letting the soup simmer slowly is essential. Rushing the process can result in tougher meat.
Another helpful tip is to add the noodles near the end of cooking. This keeps them from becoming too soft or soaking up too much liquid.
If you want even deeper flavor, you can lightly brown the gizzards before adding the liquid ingredients.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits for dipping. A simple side salad can also add a fresh contrast.
If you enjoy Southern-style comfort food, This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is another must-try. For a quick skillet option, This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor pairs well with similar flavors.
If you are planning a full meal rotation, These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundaysare another hearty option. For something classic and comforting, Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a good addition to your lineup.
And to finish things off, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd makes the perfect sweet ending.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Estimated for 6 servings:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy hearty, comforting meals, here are a few more approved ChefManiac recipes to try:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
Final Thoughts
Country Chicken Gizzards Soup is a true comfort classic that delivers bold flavor, hearty ingredients, and satisfying warmth in every bowl. It is simple, filling, and perfect for slow cooking days when you want something that tastes like home.
This is the kind of recipe that brings people together and keeps them coming back for seconds. If you make it, I would love to hear how it turned out and what you served alongside it. Follow along for more cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes from Jason Griffith at ChefManiac.



