Chicken livers are an incredibly versatile main course item, but what sides do you serve with them?
Whether you’re a professional chef or just someone who wants to use up some chicken livers in the kitchen, this blog post is for you!
There are countless pairings that can make them even more delicious, and I am here to guide you completely to make your dish the star of the evening.
So, just stay with me to taste all these blockbuster combinations.
A Quick solution for what to serve with chicken livers - Vegetables, Grains & Legumes, Salad, Sauces & Dressings, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Sauteed Spinach, Potato Gratin, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Wilted Kale, Creamy Polenta, Herb Roasted Carrots, Baked Zucchini Fries, Baked Apples, Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes, Ratatouille, Creamed Corn, Chicken Liver Pâté, Fried Chicken Livers, Chicken Liver Mousse, Chicken Liver Spread, Italian Grilled Chicken Livers, Braised Chicken Livers, Saagwala Chicken Livers, Spicy Fried Chicken Livers, Stir-Fried Ginger & Garlic Chicken Livers, Creamy Baked Chicken Livers With Bacon & Mushrooms, Bread, Naan or Pita, Bacon Salad, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cheesy Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Cheese.
What does Chicken liver taste like?
The flavor of chicken liver varies, but generally speaking, it has a strong, earthy taste that can be off-putting to some people. It is very rich and has an intense umami quality with notes of iron and game.
When cooked properly, it can also have a slight sweetness to it as well. If you’re not familiar with the flavor, try cooking a small portion first and adding additional seasoning or sauces to your liking.
While some people may find the taste too strong for their liking, many others enjoy its unique flavor when cooked in creative ways.
For example, sautéing chicken livers in butter or oil with flavorful ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices can create a delicious dish!
To bring out the most flavor from the chicken livers, they should be cooked slowly and gently until they are just cooked through.
This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on their size.
If you want to add even more depth of flavor to your dish, sauté some aromatics such as onion, garlic, and mushrooms before adding the livers to the pan – these will help bring out the richness of their flavor even more!
Top 34 Best Chicken Liver Recipes Must Try
Chicken liver is a versatile, tasty, and inexpensive ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways.
Here are the top 34 best chicken liver recipes that you must try to find out!
1. Vegetables
When it comes to serving vegetables alongside your chicken livers, you have plenty of options. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and beets are all great options.
You can also roast them with garlic and herbs for additional flavor.
Other great vegetable sides include sautéed mushrooms, steamed green beans or asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and onions, and grilled zucchini or squash.
For an added flavor boost, toss the veggies with olive oil and herbs like oregano or rosemary before roasting them in the oven.
2. Grains & Legumes
Pairing grains and legumes with your chicken livers can add a unique texture and flavor profile to the dish. Rice is always a safe bet—try brown rice pilaf or wild rice blend—or opt for quinoa or couscous instead.
Quinoa adds a nutty flavor to the dish, and it is also high in protein, so it’s a great way to make sure you’re getting plenty of nutrients in your meal.
For even more flavor, try cooking the grains in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
Some other great grain pairings include farro risotto, barley salad, or lentil stew. You can also try adding some nuttiness to the mix by serving roasted sweet potatoes topped with chopped cashews or almonds.
3. Salad
A fresh salad is a perfect accompaniment to a plate of chicken livers. Salads can be made with a variety of fresh greens like spinach and kale or mixed field greens for extra color and crunch.
Top off your salad with crumbled feta cheese or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
If you want something heartier than just greens, try adding potatoes or roasted beets for extra substance.
4. Sauces & Dressings
The right sauce or dressing can really elevate your meal from good to great!
For example, you could pair your chicken livers with a creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch or a simple pan sauce made from white wine and butter.
Or try something sweet like an orange-cranberry glaze served over the top of the cooked livers.
And don’t forget about dressings—you could serve a light vinaigrette on the side of your chicken livers to give them an extra flavor boost!
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
One of my favorite Roasted sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of chicken livers.
To prepare, simply slice and season your sweet potatoes before roasting them in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
6. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything, including chicken livers.
To prepare, simply sauté some fresh spinach in garlic and oil until it’s wilted and tender.
The key here is to not overcook it—otherwise, you’ll end up with mushy spinach instead of tender leaves full of flavor. Add some garlic for extra depth of flavor, and you have a winner!
7. Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is a French-style potato dish made up of layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and cheese.
The creamy texture complements the richness of chicken livers beautifully, making this dish an ideal accompaniment for any occasion.
8. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for something more unique than the usual sides, then crispy brussels sprouts may be just what you need!
Simply sauté brussels sprouts in butter until they’re golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside for an irresistible side dish that complements chicken livers beautifully.
9. Wilted Kale
Wilted kale is another delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken livers.
To prepare, simply sauté some kale in garlic oil before adding a bit of lemon juice at the end to brighten up its flavor even further!
10. Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is a wonderful accompaniment to any main course dish – including chicken livers!
To make this comforting Italian classic, you can simply simmer cornmeal in milk until it has reached a thick consistency before seasoning it with salt, pepper, and butter if desired.
11. Herb Roasted Carrots
This flavorful side dish adds color to your plate as well as fantastic flavor – perfect for any dinner party!
Simply toss carrots with olive oil before roasting them together with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an easy yet exquisite side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken livers!
12. Baked Zucchini Fries
If you’re looking for something different than mashed potatoes or french fries, why not try zucchini fries?
Simply cut zucchini into fry shapes before coating them in flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese before baking them until they’re golden brown on the outside but still tender inside – yum!
13. Baked Apples
Baked apples add an unexpected sweetness to any meal – especially when served alongside savory dishes like chicken livers!
To prepare this simple yet delicious side dish, several core apples, then fill each one with cinnamon sugar before baking them until they reach perfection!
14. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli provides you a crunchy texture along with plenty of health benefits.
To make this tasty veggie even better, top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese before baking it until it becomes crisp-tender!
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
While roasted Brussels sprouts may not be the first side dish that comes to mind when you’re thinking about chicken liver, there’s something about their nuttiness that pairs perfectly with this pate-like dish.
Simply toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting at 375°F for about 25 minutes—or until golden brown—and you have an unbeatable combination!
16. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, and they go especially well with chicken liver.
Whether you opt for classic mashed potatoes or mix things up a bit by adding cauliflower, leeks, or even cheese, this creamy side dish is definitely a hit with everyone at the table.
17. Ratatouille
My all-time favorite, Ratatouille, is another great option, as it adds both color and flavor to any meal.
This traditional French stew combines eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onions, garlic & herbs into one savory dish that pairs perfectly with chicken liver.
Plus, it’s naturally vegan, so everyone can enjoy it!
18. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy to make!
You can simply cook fresh or frozen corn kernels in milk until they reach desired consistency (this usually takes about 10 minutes) before seasoning them with salt & pepper (or other spices).
The result? A creamy side dish perfect for pairing with rich chicken liver!
19. Chicken Liver Pâté
This classic French recipe is a creamy, indulgent spread made with sautéed chicken livers, brandy, butter, and herbs.
Then you can serve it on toast or crackers as an appetizer.
20. Fried Chicken Livers
A southern favorite, fried chicken livers are dredged in flour, egg, and seasoned bread crumbs and then shallow-fried until golden brown.
Serve with honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
21. Chicken Liver Mousse
Chicken livers are pureed with cream cheese for an incredibly velvety mousse, perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack.
Serve with crostini or crackers for scooping up every last bit of this savory dish.
22. Chicken Liver Spread
Transform cooked chicken livers into an irresistible spread loaded with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and horseradish sauce — serve it as part of your next charcuterie board display!
23. Italian Grilled Chicken Livers
Try Brush marinated chicken livers with olive oil and grill until just cooked through — serve them over a bed of peppery arugula for a flavorful main course salad.
24. Braised Chicken Livers
Slowly simmer chicken livers in white wine along with mushrooms and fresh herbs — serve the flavorful mixture over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal the whole family will love!
25. Saagwala Chicken Livers
This Indian-inspired dish features tender morsels of chicken liver cooked down in an aromatic blend of fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala for a flavorful dinner option you’ll make again and again!
26. Spicy Fried Chicken Livers
Add some heat to your fried chicken livers by coating them in hot spices like chili powder before frying them up – serve them alongside cool sour cream to balance out the spiciness!
27. Stir-Fried Ginger & Garlic Chicken Livers
Quickly fry up garlic & ginger-infused chicken livers served within minutes over steamed white rice — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious yet easy to make!
28. Creamy Baked Chicken Livers With Bacon & Mushrooms
This flavor-packed dish features juicy layers of bacon strips topped with sautéed mushrooms, garlic & thyme before being smothered in creamy béchamel sauce.
Next, bake until golden brown for an extravagant dinner option that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it!
29. Bread
Serving bread with chicken liver is a classic dish in many cultures. The combination of tender, savory livers and crunchy, fresh bread creates an unforgettable flavor and texture experience.
When preparing the dish, it is important to use quality ingredients. If possible, choose organic free-range chicken livers that are firm, plump, and pink in color.
Freshness is especially important when making this dish, as livers can easily become tough or grainy if they are not cooked properly.
For the bread to pair best with the flavor of the livers, try using a rustic white or whole wheat sourdough loaf that has been lightly toasted.
30. Naan or Pita
Chicken liver is a delicious and nutritious source of protein. It can be served with Indian-style Naan or Pita bread for an easy yet flavorful meal.
To prepare the chicken liver, you can pan-fry it in oil or butter until lightly browned.
Then serve it topped with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint, plus a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. Serve it alongside Naan or Pita for dipping into the flavorful juices from the chicken liver. This dish is sure to please everyone’s taste buds! Enjoy!
31. Bacon Salad
This Bacon Salad with Chicken Liver is a flavorful and nourishing dish that will make for the perfect meal.
Start by cooking the bacon until crisp. Once cooked, set aside to cool and then crumble into small pieces.
In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté the chicken livers until they are browned and cooked through.
Then add in bacon pieces, onion, celery, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together.
Lastly, add in your favorite salad greens and toss to combine all ingredients. Serve this delicious Bacon Salad with Chicken Liver, and enjoy!
32. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potatoes with chicken liver is a simple yet delicious dish. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared quickly and easily.
33. Cheesy Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chicken Liver is the perfect side dish to accompany any delicious meal.
The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and succulent chicken livers creates an incredible flavor profile, making this dish a favorite among many.
34. Cheese
Chicken liver and cheese make a great combination. The mellow flavor of chicken livers is complemented by the sharpness of the cheese, creating a unique flavor that can be enjoyed as part of an appetizer or main course.
To serve this dish, first, sauté the chicken livers in butter until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Then add cubed cheese such as cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, or another variety to the pan and continue cooking until the cheese has melted. Serve alongside cheesy toast points or over steamed vegetables for a delicious meal.
For added flavor, you could season with herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano off the heat before serving. Enjoy!
What are the best flavors to go with Chicken Liver?
There are many great options when it comes to flavors to pair with chicken liver.
Some popular choices include pairing the liver with garlic and butter for a rich, savory flavor; adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an herbal note.
Combining the liver with sweeter ingredients like onions, apples, or dates for a sweet-savory contrast; or using spices like curry powder or paprika for a hint of heat.
You can also try experimenting with different marinades and sauces, such as red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or honey mustard.
To make sure you bring out the best in your chicken liver dish, be sure to season it generously with salt and pepper.
With a few simple additions, you can turn this humble ingredient into a truly flavorful meal. Enjoy!
How do you jazz up a Chicken Liver?
To jazz up chicken livers, try adding a variety of flavors, such as caramelized onions, bacon, garlic, herbs, and spices.
You can also marinate the livers in a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard for added flavor.
Another option is to coat them in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before frying or baking them.
For an extra kick of flavor, try sautéing the livers with mushrooms and onion. Serve the dish with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables for a delicious meal!
What is the best way to serve Chicken Liver on any occasion?
Chicken liver is a beloved delicacy that can make any occasion — from a casual dinner party to a special holiday gathering — truly memorable.
There are numerous ways to prepare this delectable dish, and each one will tantalize your guests’ taste buds.
One of the best and simplest methods for serving Chicken Liver is pan-frying in butter or oil. To begin, soak the livers in milk for an hour to tenderize them and remove any impurities.
Rinse them off with cold water afterward, then season with salt and pepper for added flavor. After that, brown them on both sides in a hot skillet, adding butter or oil if necessary — don’t overcook them as they can become tough if cooked too long.
Serve with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, plus a light but flavorful sauce like a velouté, gravy, or demi-glace.
Another great way to serve this classic dish is via braising. Start by seasoning the livers with salt and pepper before browning them in butter or oil.
Next, add aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs to create even more flavor.
Once everything is sautéed together well, pour some stock into the pan and bring it up to boil before reducing the heat to low-medium; cover it with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the livers are completely cooked through.
Serve with roasted root vegetables or creamy polenta for an extra special touch!
Finally, you can use Chicken Liver as part of a more complex dish – try stuffing it inside ravioli pockets filled with ricotta cheese for an easy yet indulgent meal your friends won’t soon forget!
Start by mixing together finely chopped liver meat with shallots, garlic cloves, and parsley before adding ricotta cheese.
Season everything generously with salt and pepper, then stuff the mixture inside pre-made pasta shells (or roll out fresh dough) before cooking according to package instructions or until al dente. Serve alongside some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
No matter which method you choose for preparing Chicken Liver – pan-fried, braised, or stuffed – you are sure to delight family and friends alike! With these easy recipes as your guide, you won’t have any trouble making this delicious treat perfect every time!
FAQs on what to serve with chicken livers
Q1. What to eat with chicken liver pate?
When it comes to classic sides to serve with chicken liver pate, there are endless options for creating a delicious meal. One of the most popular options is to pair it with lightly toasted or grilled French baguette slices.
The crunchy contrast of the toast with the creamy pate is simply divine. Alternatively, you could also opt for crackers or flatbreads – all work just as well!
For a more hearty accompaniment, why not try pairing the chicken liver pate with sliced and pan-fried mushrooms? The earthy flavor of mushrooms will compliment the pate nicely and add an interesting texture that you don’t get from other sides.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider adding some fresh fruits such as apples and grapes. The sweetness of these fruits will contrast beautifully against the creamy texture and flavor of the pate. You might also want to include some roasted red onions – they add a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor to any dish.
Finally, why not add some crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts? Not only are they full of healthy fats and protein, but they also provide an incredible crunchy texture which is perfect for cutting through the creaminess of the pate. Plus, their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the rich taste of chicken liver pate too!
No matter what accompaniments you choose for your chicken liver pate, you can be sure that it will result in a truly delicious meal. With so many varied options available, there’s really no wrong answer when it comes to finding your ideal side dishes for this classic starter!
Q2. What cheese goes with chicken liver pate?
A variety of cheeses can pair well with chicken liver pate, depending on your preferred flavor profile. For a classic pairing, try creamy Brie or Camembert, both of which are soft-ripened cow’s milk cheeses that offer a buttery and slightly salty taste.
Alternatively, for a more assertive flavor, goat’s cheese, such as blue cheese, is an excellent choice as the strong notes will cut through the richness of the pate.
Additionally, harder-aged cheeses like Gruyere or Manchego are also delicious options. All these cheeses have nutty and earthy flavors that will balance out the silky texture of the pate without overpowering it.
