Our commitment to ethically sourced meat includes using every part of our pastured chickens – including chicken liver! It's a delicious way to add nutrition and sustainability to your plate.
If you’re unsure how to cook chicken liver, we’ve got you covered! In this post, you’ll find three methods for preparing chicken liver. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, the whole family, or hosting friends, these quick and delicious recipes will surely impress!
Is Chicken Liver Good for You?
Chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why:
Rich in nutrients: Chicken liver is nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, choline, selenium, and copper. These vital nutrients support immune function, help wounds heal faster, aid in developing strong bones, and assist with hormone regulation. All of which keep your body functioning optimally.
High in protein: With 23 grams of protein per serving, chicken liver is a protein-packed choice that supports muscle tone, brain health, and blood sugar stability.
Combat anemia risks: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia, which means having too few red blood cells. Fortunately, chicken liver is an excellent source of iron and vitamins C and B, which work together to keep your blood cells healthy and lower the risk of anemia.
The Best Way to Cook Chicken Livers
Offal like chicken and beef liver are best cooked quickly. This is because of their naturally high water content. They'll become dry and tough if you cook them for too long. However, chicken liver turns out deliciously creamy, mild, and tender when cooked right.
Here are some of the best ways to cook it:
Sauté: Cook chicken livers in a pan with a small amount of grassfed butter or extra virgin olive oil for 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the liver’s exterior while keeping the inner meat tender and juicy.
Fry: Coat the chicken livers in a little flower, then fry them in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through. Again, this will take 5-7 minutes.
Grill: Thread chicken livers onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Stir-fry: Cook chicken livers in a wok or pan with your chosen vegetables and sauce. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes.
3 Quick and Easy Chicken Liver Recipes
Ready to unleash the wonders of chicken livers in your kitchen? Here are some recipes to try out.
The best part? They all take less than half an hour to make!
1. Chicken Liver and Onions
Liver and onions are a classic flavor combination for good reason. The deep, rich flavor of the liver balances the sweet, caramelized onions. This recipe is so delicious and satisfying, it will turn even the biggest liver skeptics into fans.
To make it, you’ll need:
1 Lb chicken livers
2 Large onions, thinly sliced
3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil
2 TBSP Butter
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 TSP salt
1/2 TSP Black pepper
1 TSP Paprika
1/4 Cup flour (optional for coating)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Here are the steps to follow:
Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. If you like a bit of extra crunch, coat them lightly in flour.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil with a teaspoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
Toss in the onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an extra minute until fragrant.
Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the chicken livers. Sauté until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Stir everything and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
2. Chicken Liver Salad with Spinach and Avocado
If you’re in the mood for a light and fresh meal, this chicken liver salad fits the bill. It’s full of heart-healthy fats and iron, and packed with crisp, fresh vegetables. Simple, nourishing, and beautifully balanced.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1 Lb chicken livers
3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil
1 TBSP Balsamic vinegar
1 TBSP Dijon mustard
1 TSP Honey
Salt and pepper to taste
6 Cups fresh spinach leaves
1 Ripe avocado, sliced
1 Small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 Cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken livers and cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make a zesty dressing.
In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts.
Add the warm chicken livers to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Gently toss everything to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
3. Chicken Liver Stir-Fry with Vegetables
This nutritious dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the excess sodium. It’s quick to prepare and a feast for the eyes—bright, colorful, and packed with nutrients.
All you’ll need is the following ingredients:
1 Lb chicken livers
2 TBSP Soy sauce
1 TBSP Oyster sauce
1 TBSP Rice vinegar
1 TBSP Cornstarch
3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil
1 Red bell pepper, sliced
1 Yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 Small broccoli head, cut into florets
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Inch piece of ginger, minced
2 Green onions, chopped
1/4 TSP red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooked brown rice, for serving
Once you’ve got the ingredients, just follow these steps:
Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towel, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cornstarch to create an Asian-style marinade. Add the chicken livers and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
Push the veggies to the side and add the marinated chicken livers to the skillet. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center–about 5-7 minutes.
Mix everything, adding green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry for another minute to bring all the flavors together.
Serve hot over a bed of cooked brown rice.
How Long Should You Cook Chicken Livers?
You should cook chicken livers quickly over high heat. Two great ways to cook this organ meat are sauteing and grilling. To saute, cook the chicken livers in a pan with a dash of olive oil for 5-7 minutes. To grill, simply thread the livers onto skewers and grill over medium-high for 4 minutes, turning halfway through.
Why Do You Soak Chicken Livers in Milk?
Soaking chicken livers in milk can enhance the tenderness of the meat. If you want a melt-in-your-mouth texture, place the chicken livers in a bowl of milk for 45 minutes before cooking.
Which Recipe Will You Try?
Ready to try one or all three of these chicken liver recipes? Seven Sons’ chicken livers come from ethical, pasture-raised chickens, making them a flavorful and nutritious choice. Give them a try today and taste the difference
