Chicken Livers with Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Chicken Livers with Onions for its deep, satisfying flavor and simplicity. The sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the rich, earthy taste of the chicken livers. It’s a dish that feels rustic yet sophisticated, easy enough for a weeknight dinner but full of old-fashioned comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly nutritious and cooks in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken livers, trimmed and cleaned
• Onions, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken livers. Trim any connective tissue or fat.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden and soft, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chicken livers in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Do not overcook, or they’ll become tough.
7. Return the onions to the pan and toss everything together for another 1–2 minutes.
8. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Creamy version: Add a splash of coconut cream or dairy-free cream for a silky sauce.
• Spicy twist: Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
• Herb lovers: Add thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
• Wine flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or sherry before adding the onions back in.
• Caramelized onions: Cook onions longer until deeply browned for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Livers with Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the livers tough. It’s not recommended to freeze cooked chicken livers, as their texture may change.

FAQs

How do I clean chicken livers properly?

Trim off any visible fat or connective tissue and rinse gently under cold water before cooking.

Should chicken livers be pink inside?

Yes, slightly pink in the center means they’re tender and juicy. Overcooking makes them grainy and dry.

Can I use beef or pork liver instead?

Yes, but cooking times will vary since those livers are denser and stronger in flavor.

What’s the best way to remove the liver smell?

Soak the livers in milk or lemon water for 15–20 minutes before cooking to reduce any strong odor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely — just use olive oil instead of butter.

What side dishes go well with chicken livers?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, couscous, or sautéed vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms are great additions to the onion mixture.

How do I prevent the livers from splattering?

Pat them dry well before adding to the hot oil, and use a splatter guard if needed.

Can I make a sauce with the pan drippings?

Yes, deglaze the pan with a bit of broth or wine, then simmer until slightly thickened.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh, as reheating too many times can change the texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Livers with Onions is a timeless comfort dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful. The tender livers, paired with sweet caramelized onions and a hint of garlic, create a simple yet elegant meal that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re rediscovering a classic or trying liver for the first time, this dish proves that humble ingredients can make a truly delicious meal.

Chicken Livers with Onions

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Chicken Livers with Onions is a classic, comforting dish where tender, pan-seared chicken livers meet sweet, caramelized onions and garlic. It’s rich, savory, and full of flavor — an easy, budget-friendly meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéed
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken livers, trimmed and cleaned
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken livers, trimming any fat or connective tissue.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden and soft, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Place chicken livers in a single layer in the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until browned outside but still slightly pink inside.
7. Return the onions to the skillet, tossing everything together for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
8. Drizzle with lemon juice if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Do not overcook chicken livers — they should remain slightly pink inside for the best texture.
• Soaking the livers in milk or lemon water helps reduce any strong aroma.
• For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth before adding onions back.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 360mg