Walk into a fried chicken stand in the Southern United States and you’re bound to see a variety of chicken organs on the menu, with the most popular offal dish being the fried chicken gizzards.

What is a gizzard exactly? It’s a thick, muscular organ in a bird’s digestive tract that helps them grind up food. Like many other traditional Southern dishes, the fried chicken gizzard finds its roots in African cuisine. Today, it still draws devotees to gas station cafes, locally owned shops, and popular chain restaurants across the South.

Being that this fried dish is mostly muscle, it’s described as tasting like rich, dark meat with a slightly chewy texture. Often, the gizzards will appear twisted after being fried. When ordering this dish, you’ll typically find them served up as a side in conjunction with white bread, fried chicken, and pickled jalapeños.

While the idea of eating a gizzard might not seem appealing, don’t overlook this Southern favorite, as you might find your new favorite gas station snack.