Hard Luck Dinner
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken gizzards, creamy mushroom sauce, and noodles, perfect for those seeking a flavorful, budget-friendly meal that serves a family.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. chicken gizzards
- 1 large pkg. elbow noodles or flat noodles ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Instructions
- Cook chicken gizzards until soft.
- Do not drain the cooking fluid.
- Add elbow noodles or flat dumpling noodles to the pot.
- Cook the noodles until tender.
- Add 1 to 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup to the pot.
- Mix well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or onions while cooking the gizzards. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, a homemade white sauce or any cream soup can be a good substitute. For added texture, toss in some frozen vegetables or mushrooms. Adjust the noodle type based on your preference; flat dumpling noodles can add a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Asian Chicken Noodle Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pot, cover, and heat gently on the stove to prevent the noodles from drying out. You can also microwave portions in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hard Luck Dinner contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of chicken gizzards?
Yes, you can substitute chicken gizzards with other meats like shredded chicken or cooked ground meat. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and flavors meld well with the noodles.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken gizzards with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth to cook the noodles and a plant-based cream soup for a creamy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce while cooking the gizzards. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha when mixing in the cream of mushroom soup for an extra layer of heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).