Creamy Chicken Livers
Okay, hear me out if you’ve never been a fan of chicken livers, this recipe might just change your mind forever. Creamy Chicken Livers are rich, velvety, and full of savory depth that hugs your taste buds in the coziest way. Think of it as soul food with a fancy twist easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough to impress guests who “don’t usually like liver.”
We’re talking tender, seared chicken livers nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce with onions, herbs, and a touch of heat. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread, and suddenly dinner feels like a warm hug. It’s indulgent without being fussy, and so flavorful you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Livers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, side, or even as an appetizer with toast.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken livers are inexpensive but deliver gourmet flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap the cream for yogurt, or kick up the heat with chili flakes.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Livers
This dish is all about turning humble ingredients into something truly luxurious.
Chicken Livers
Delicate, tender, and full of flavor. Give them a good rinse and pat them dry before cooking.
Onion
Sautéed until golden and sweet, it creates a rich flavor base.
Garlic
Fragrant and punchy—an absolute must.
Butter and Olive Oil
Used together for depth and balance while searing.
Heavy Cream
Brings the “creamy” to the party rich, silky, and so satisfying.
Dijon Mustard
Adds just the right touch of tang to cut through the richness.
Fresh Herbs (like thyme or parsley)
Herby brightness that lifts everything up.
Salt and Pepper
Simple but essential—season as you go to build flavor.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
No need to preheat the oven for this one just grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients
In the heated skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and golden. Toss in the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Your skillet is your best friend here—make sure it’s big enough to allow the livers to cook in a single layer.
Assemble the Dish
Add the chicken livers to the pan in batches if necessary. Sear until browned on the outside but still pink in the center they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Cook to Perfection
Pour in the cream and Dijon mustard. Stir gently and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the livers are just cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to let the flavors come together.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over buttery mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or thick slices of toasted bread. Prepare for compliments!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 370 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Livers
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for the ultimate comfort plate.
- Serve with buttered noodles or rice to soak up that dreamy sauce.
- Use crusty sourdough or toasted baguette slices to scoop every bit.
- Add a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t overcook the livers they should be slightly pink inside to stay tender.
- Rinse and trim the livers to remove any tough connective bits.
- Add a splash of white wine or broth to the sauce for extra depth.
- Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of juice to brighten the flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a touch of cornstarch slurry.
FAQ’s
1. Do I need to soak chicken livers before cooking?
It’s not required, but soaking in milk for 30 minutes can mellow the flavor if you prefer a milder taste.
2. How do I know when the livers are done?
They should be browned outside and slightly pink in the center don’t overcook or they’ll turn tough.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream gives the best richness and texture.
4. What if I don’t like mustard?
You can leave it out or replace it with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers work wonderfully.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently warm in a skillet over low heat avoid microwaving, which can make livers rubbery.
7. Are chicken livers healthy?
They’re a good source of iron, vitamin A, and protein just enjoy them in moderation due to the richness.
8. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Livers?
Not recommended the texture of both the livers and cream sauce can change.
9. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try sour cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt (added off the heat) for a different twist.
10. How do I remove the metallic taste of liver?
Soaking in milk and seasoning well with herbs and acid (like lemon or vinegar) helps balance the flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Livers might just be the hidden gem your dinner rotation was missing. Rich, cozy, and surprisingly simple, it’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together in no time. Whether you’re a longtime liver lover or just dipping your toes into new flavors, this recipe is warm, comforting, and full of personality just like a great meal should be. So grab a skillet and let’s turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Print
Creamy Chicken Livers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: European
Description
Creamy Chicken Livers is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken livers sautéed with onions, garlic, and herbs in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken livers, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken livers. Trim off any connective tissue.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic, thyme, and paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken livers. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center (do not overcook).
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth or wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread.
Notes
- Do not overcook chicken livers; they should remain tender and slightly pink inside.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of brandy or sherry instead of broth or wine.
- This dish pairs well with buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 470mg
Keywords: chicken livers, creamy sauce, offal recipe, comfort food, quick dinner