This smoked chicken hearts with mac and cheese recipe delivers the best of both worlds—comfort and adventure. The chicken hearts turn tender and smoky after a long, low cook, soaking up a garlicky, tangy marinade and a hit of Spicy Pluck seasoning. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy but secretly boosted with cauliflower puree for extra nutrients. Perfect for introducing friends to offal in a totally approachable way, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
10 min
90 min
4
Main Course
Ingredients
FOR THE MEAT
- 1-2 lb Chicken Hearts (organic is preferred)
- 2 tsp Southwest Pluck
- 1/3 cup liquid aminos
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tbsp minced garlic (depending on preference)
FOR THE PASTA
- 2 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cup cauliflower florets
- 2 cup raw cheese (cheddar or other blends)
- 1/2 cup raw (or whole) milk
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp bone marrow butter (or regular butter)
- 1 tsp Southwest Pluck
- Cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Pink Himalayan Salt (to taste)
Directions
Step 1 (Protein)
Clean your hearts by trimming excess fat and any remaining ventricles. Slice in half long-ways.
Step 2
Mix together the liquid aminos, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire and garlic.
Step 3
Marinade your chicken hearts for a minimum of 2 hours (I usually let mine sit in the fridge overnight).
Step 4
Preheat smoker to 225°F.
Step 5
Slide your hearts onto metal skewers and coat them with Pluck.
Step 6
Place skewers on the smoker and let cook for 90 minutes.
Step 1 (Pasta)
Bring 2 cups of chopped cauliflower florets to boiling and let cook till soft.
Step 2
Drain, and blend into a puree.
Step 3
Shred 2 cups of raw cheese of your choice.
Step 4
In a large pot, slowly bring cheese, milk, garlic, Spicy pluck, and pureed cauliflower to melt.
Step 5
Mix together and add salt & pepper to taste.
Step 6
Add in 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni.
Step 7
Top with smoked hearts, extra shredded cheese, and any additional spices. Enjoy!
TIP: Start cooking your mac with about 20 minutes left on the smoker and your hearts will be ready right when your mac is done.



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