Things You\’ll Need
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Chopped celery
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Chopped onion
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Chopped carrot
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Microwave-safe dish
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Salt
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Pepper
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Seasonings
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Chicken broth (optional)
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Meat thermometer
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Strainer or colander
The neck may be included in the giblet package. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
As the heart, liver and gizzard of a bird, giblets also might be thought of as providing heart to a number of dishes. Once they're cooked and softened, they supply distinctive flavor to gravies, casseroles, soups and stuffings. Giblets are located in that bag you find tucked into the abdominal cavity of a turkey or chicken. If you're pressed for time, you can cook giblets in the microwave, flavoring them just as you might on the stovetop.
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Step 1
Put some chopped celery, onion and carrot into a microwave-safe dish. Place the giblets on top.
Step 2
Season the mixture with a little salt and pepper and, if you like, some poultry seasoning. Add sage and thyme if you plan to use the giblets for stuffing; the herbs will enhance the dish.
Step 3
Cover the mixture with water or, for added flavor, chicken broth. Microwave the giblets on "high" for 10 minutes, then stir. Heat for another 10 minutes. The giblets should be tender and the juices should be clear. Test the temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4
Drain the giblets and let them cool. Once cooked, coarsely chop the giblets to enhance your dish of choice.
Tip
Make giblet stock up to three days in advance of preparing your final dish. Cover and refrigerate them until then.
Giblets can be stored frozen. Use them within four months.