Chicken feet might not be for everyone at first glance, but beyond their appearance, they are a healthy, tasty, and affordable treat. Also known as maotwana, amanqina or walkie-talkies, chicken feet offer a unique texture, intense flavour, and a special place in Mzansi’s culinary culture. So, if you are looking for a new inspiration to cook your chicken feet, see the yummy recipe by Linah Sibiya below.

Whether enjoyed as a flavourful snack, a hearty accompaniment to pap, or a delight in a rich curry, chicken feet is a firm favourite.

Thabang Kutumela, who sells chicken feet in Pretoria, says one of the greatest things about chicken feet is that they’re a budget-friendly treat, and he too enjoys eating it.

“What interests me about selling chicken feet is that they are accessible and affordable to clients. Everyone can afford chicken feet, from the unemployed to the highly paid. There’s no level or class when it comes to chicken feet,” he says.

Cultural cuisine at its best

“I’m the first to eat them before disruption because chicken feet are high in collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies. What I also love about chicken feet is that they can be the most affordable reddish ever. You can even buy them in bulk and store them for a longer period, and they will remain fresh. They are truly an on-going, loved, and healthy traditional food for us as Africans.”

Nkosinathi Masina from Tsakane. Photo: Supplied/Health for Mzansi

Cook Nkosinathi Masina from Tsakane in Gauteng says chicken feet are his go-to dish when he feels like making something homey and something others can relate to.

“I enjoy chicken feet when they are stewed up. What makes me love them the most is the nostalgia they give me. They may be healthy but they come across as very sticky and a bit oily,” he says.

Dietitian Linah Sibiya from Mpumalanga says collagen is the main nutrient in chicken feet that may be beneficial to health.

“Chicken feet contain collagen, which is a protein that acts as glue in the body to connect and support skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and helps with gut health.”
Dietitian Linah Sibiya

“Chicken feet also contain other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and other mineral,” she says.

Take care of health risks

However, like any food, there are a few things associated with chicken feet Sibiya encourages us to be mindful of that can pose potential health risks.

Dietitian Linah Sibiya from Mpumalanga. Photo: Supplied/Health for Mzansi

“Chicken feet contain small bones and cartilage, posing a risk of choking, especially for young children or those with difficulty chewing. Like other poultry, chicken feet can also carry bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter, causing illness if not cooked thoroughly or handled safely,” she explains.

“Cooked chicken feet dishes may be high in sodium, contributing to health issues like high blood pressure if consumed often. Like any food, some people may also be allergic to chicken feet, leading to allergic symptoms.”

Speaking of the healthiest way to prepare chicken feet, Sibiya emphasises boiling as the healthiest cooking method to make the most of their flavour and nutritional benefits.

“Boiling is the healthiest way to cook food. Boiling chicken feet helps lower fat content, reducing obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Boiling also helps pull the collagen from bones and cartilage.”

Make sure it’s clean

Sibiya suggests using herbs to add flavour to chicken feet instead of relying heavily on salt. This allows you to enjoy the delicious taste without adding unnecessary sodium to your diet. She also recommends removing the outer layer of skin for cleaner chicken feet.

“At times you can remove the outer layer of skin: soak chicken feet in hot water for a few minutes or use a knife to peel off the outer layer of skin from the chicken feet. This helps make the feet cleaner.

“Beef is a rich source of collagen, but since it is costly, people can get collagen from chicken feet when cooked in the right way, which is by boiling.”