15 Best Chicken Liver Recipes To Try Today | Nutrient-Rich Delights 2025
Hello, food explorers and culinary adventurers! Welcome to Mangoes and Palm Trees, where our family—Oliver, Natalia, and Victor—brings you flavors from our global travels. Today, we’re diving into the rich, savory world of chicken livers with 15 unique recipes crafted just for you, inspired by our adventures from the American South to the bustling markets of Delhi.
Chicken livers are a hidden gem—nutrient-packed and bursting with flavor. During a road trip through Georgia, we savored crispy fried livers at a roadside diner, sparking our love for this versatile ingredient. These best chicken liver recipes blend health and taste, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a liver newbie or a seasoned fan.
Why Chicken Livers Are Good For You
Chicken livers are a nutritional powerhouse, often overlooked but worth celebrating:
- Iron-Rich: Boosts energy and fights anemia (USDA: 9mg per 3 oz).
- Vitamin A Packed: Great for eyes and immunity.
- B Vitamins Galore: Especially B12 for brain health.
- High Protein: 20g per serving to fuel your day.
- Low Calorie: Around 130 kcal per 3 oz, perfect for balance.
Curious? Learn more at Healthline or WebMD.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Livers
Master these tips to make your best chicken liver recipes shine:
- Clean Well: Trim sinew and green bits for a smooth taste.
- Cook Just Right: Keep them slightly pink inside for tenderness.
- Boost Flavor: Pair with onions, garlic, or herbs.
- Add Acid: Lemon or vinegar cuts the richness.
- Mix Methods: Fry, sauté, or grill for variety.
For more ideas, check our chicken breast recipes.
15 Best Chicken Liver Recipes
1. Southern-Style Fried Chicken Livers
Our Georgia diner discovery—crispy outside, tender inside, a Southern classic.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers, cleaned | 1 lb |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour (or almond for keto) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Oil (vegetable or peanut) | For frying |
Instructions:
- Soak livers in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powders.
- Coat livers in flour mix.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C); fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain and serve with spicy mayo.
Nutrition (per serving): 250 kcal, 20g protein, 15g fat, 10g carbs (adjust for keto).
2. Chicken Liver Pâté with Cognac
A French-inspired treat from our Paris nights—silky and sophisticated.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cognac | ¼ cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft.
- Add livers; cook 5 minutes until pink inside.
- Deglaze with cognac; cook 2 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, season, chill 2 hours, garnish with thyme.
Nutrition (per serving): 300 kcal, 18g protein, 24g fat, 2g carbs.
3. Italian Chicken Liver Crostini
Tuscan evenings inspired this—sage-infused livers on toasted bread.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Toasted bread (or cucumber for keto) | 8 slices |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in oil until translucent.
- Add livers and sage; cook 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with balsamic; cook 1 minute.
- Serve on toasted bread or cucumber.
Nutrition (per serving): 220 kcal, 19g protein, 12g fat, 8g carbs.
4. Peri-Peri Chicken Livers
A fiery African dish from Cape Town—spicy and unforgettable.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Peri-peri sauce (chili, garlic, lemon, oil) | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, sliced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Cilantro | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Marinate livers in peri-peri sauce for 20 minutes.
- Sauté onions and garlic in oil, add livers.
- Cook 5 minutes, finish with lemon juice and cilantro.
Nutrition (per serving): 230 kcal, 20g protein, 14g fat, 3g carbs.
5. Chicken Liver Curry
Delhi markets inspired this aromatic curry—spicy and creamy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, chopped | 2 |
| Curry powder | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Cilantro | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, add spices, cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, cook until soft, then add livers.
- Pour in coconut milk, simmer 10 minutes, garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition (per serving): 280 kcal, 21g protein, 20g fat, 5g carbs.
6. Filipino Adobo Chicken Livers
A tangy taste of Manila—soy sauce and vinegar make this a family hit.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Peppercorns | 1 tsp |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Marinate livers in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil, add marinade and livers, simmer 10 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving): 240 kcal, 22g protein, 15g fat, 4g carbs.
7. Chicken Liver Stroganoff
From Eastern Europe, creamy and comforting with mushrooms.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in butter, add mushrooms, cook until soft.
- Add livers, cook 5 minutes, stir in sour cream, season.
Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal, 20g protein, 26g fat, 4g carbs.
8. Grilled Chicken Liver Skewers with Chimichurri
South American BBQ vibes—grilled with fresh chimichurri.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Skewers | As needed |
| Chimichurri: parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, red pepper flakes | ½ cup |
Instructions:
- Marinate livers in oil and paprika for 20 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers, grill 3 minutes per side.
- Serve with chimichurri.
Nutrition (per serving): 210 kcal, 19g protein, 14g fat, 2g carbs.
9. Chicken Liver Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
A French picnic favorite—light and tangy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Mixed greens | 4 cups |
| Raspberries | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Sauté livers 5 minutes until done.
- Blend raspberries, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Serve livers over greens with dressing.
Nutrition (per serving): 200 kcal, 18g protein, 12g fat, 5g carbs.
10. Chicken Liver Pasta with Tomato and Basil
Italian comfort with zoodles for keto—rich and flavorful.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, diced | 2 |
| Fresh basil | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Zoodles or pasta | 2 cups |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in oil, add livers, cook 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, simmer 5 minutes, mix with zoodles and basil.
Nutrition (per serving): 260 kcal, 20g protein, 16g fat, 6g carbs.
11. Chicken Liver Mousse with Truffle Oil
French elegance—light and luxurious with truffle flair.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Truffle oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in butter, add livers, cook 5 minutes.
- Blend with truffle oil, season, chill.
Nutrition (per serving): 290 kcal, 18g protein, 24g fat, 2g carbs.
12. Sautéed Chicken Livers with Caramelized Onions
European simplicity—sweet onions balance the richness.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Onions, sliced | 2 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Caramelize onions in butter, add livers, cook 5 minutes.
- Finish with balsamic, season.
Nutrition (per serving): 230 kcal, 19g protein, 14g fat, 6g carbs.
13. Chicken Liver Risotto with Parmesan
Italian indulgence—creamy and perfect for special nights.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Arborio rice (or cauliflower rice for keto) | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Parmesan | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in butter, add rice, toast 2 minutes.
- Add broth gradually, stirring, then add livers and Parmesan, cook 15 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving): 340 kcal, 22g protein, 18g fat, 20g carbs (adjust for keto).
14. Spicy Chicken Liver Tacos
A Southern-Mexican fusion—spicy and fresh.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Chili powder | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Avocado, sliced | 1 |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Tortillas (or lettuce wraps for keto) | 8 |
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, add livers and chili powder, cook 5 minutes.
- Serve in tortillas or wraps with avocado and lime.
Nutrition (per serving): 270 kcal, 20g protein, 16g fat, 10g carbs.
15. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Livers
From our American BBQs—smoky and indulgent.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken livers | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 12 slices |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Toothpicks | As needed |
| BBQ sauce (keto-friendly) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Season livers with garlic powder, wrap with bacon, secure with toothpicks.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce.
Nutrition (per serving): 300 kcal, 22g protein, 24g fat, 2g carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chicken livers healthy?
Yes, packed with iron, vitamin A, and B12 for energy and immunity.
How do I clean chicken livers?
Rinse under cold water, trim sinew and green bits.
Can I eat chicken livers on a keto diet?
Absolutely, they’re low-carb and high in protein and fat.
How do I know when chicken livers are cooked?
Browned outside, slightly pink inside—about 5 minutes.
What do chicken livers taste like?
Rich, earthy, with a slight metallic note.
Can I freeze cooked chicken livers?
Yes, up to 3 months in an airtight container.
What’s the best way to cook chicken livers?
Sautéing keeps them tender, frying adds crunch.
Conclusion
These best chicken liver recipes bring global flair and nutrition to your table. From Southern fries to Filipino adobo, they’re our family’s unique creations. Explore more at chicken and shrimp recipes or tomato bisque. Subscribe at our page, and share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram—tag us! Happy cooking in 2025!
