
Easy Slow-Cooked Chicken Livers – Tender & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat22gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- chicken livers, fresh (choose shiny, plump, and reddish ones)500 g
- olive oil2 tbsp
- onion, finely chopped (choose firm, without sprouting)1 medium
- garlic cloves, minced (fresh for best flavor)3 pieces
- paprika (preferably smoked)1 tsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)2 tbsp

This slow-cooked chicken liver recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort. Using common ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. Cost of ingredients is approximately $8 USD, €7, £6, and ₹600. The dish offers about 350 kcal per serving and is suitable for protein-rich diets. The recipe has a low complexity level and takes about 45 minutes total. Food safety is emphasized, including cooking to the safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Preparation instructions
Prepare Ingredients
1Rinse the chicken livers under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim away any connective tissue or greenish parts carefully with a sharp knife. This helps the dish taste fresher and look better. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
Saute Onions and Garlic
2Heat olive oil in a slow cooker-safe pan or directly in the slow cooker if it has a heating element. Add chopped onions and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often to avoid burning. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
Add Chicken Livers and Seasonings
3Add the prepared chicken livers to the pan or slow cooker. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the livers. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. The seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the livers.
Slow Cook the Chicken Livers
4Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 30 minutes. If you do not have a slow cooker, a heavy pan on low heat with a lid can work; cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Cooking slowly breaks down connective tissues, making the livers tender and juicy.
Check Internal Temperature and Serve
5Use a food thermometer to check the chicken livers internal temperature; it must reach at least 75°C (165°F) to be safe for eating. The livers should also be firm and no longer pink inside. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm with toasted bread or rice.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw chicken livers and other ingredients.
2Do not overcook the livers to prevent dryness; slow cooking at low temperature helps keep them soft.
3If you don't have a slow cooker, a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid over very low heat works well.
4For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (or heavy-bottomed pan with lid)
- Food thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken livers (fresh, 500g) — approx. $5 / €4.50 / £4 / ₹380. Choose livers that are shiny and plump for best freshness.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) — approx. $0.50 / €0.45 / £0.40 / ₹30. Select firm bulbs without any green shoots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) — approx. $0.30 / €0.25 / £0.20 / ₹20. Fresh is best for flavor.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) — approx. $0.20 / €0.18 / £0.15 / ₹15. Use extra virgin for best taste.
- [ ] Paprika (1 tsp) — approx. $0.15 / €0.13 / £0.10 / ₹10. Smoked paprika adds a great flavor variation.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional, 2 tbsp) — approx. $0.50 / €0.45 / £0.40 / ₹30.
Total approximate cost: $6.65 / €5.96 / £5.25 / ₹485
Tips for choosing: Pick fresh produce and check expiration dates on spices and olive oil.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken livers for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking and may affect texture.
How do I know when the chicken livers are fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a food thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F). The livers should no longer be pink inside and appear firm.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cooked chicken livers freeze well. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with slow cooked chicken livers?
This dish pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.