
Tender Boiled Chicken Livers Recipe
Nutritional value per serving
Calories150kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat6gram
Protein22gram
Ingredients
- Fresh chicken livers (choose firm, deep reddish-brown livers)250 g
- Water (enough to cover the livers in pot)500 ml
- Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)1 tsp
- Bay leaf (optional, for flavor)1 piece
- Black peppercorns (optional, for flavor)5 pieces
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)1 tbsp

This recipe shows you how to boil chicken livers to tender and delicious perfection. Chicken livers are nutritious and cooking them properly ensures safety and optimal taste. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $3.50 USD, €3.20 EUR, £2.85 GBP, and ₹260 INR. This dish contains approximately 150 kcal per serving, is high in protein, low in carbs, and suits a high-protein diet. It's easy to cook with a total preparation and cooking time of about 25 minutes. You'll learn safe cooking practices, including reaching the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken livers to avoid foodborne illness. Let's make chicken livers tender and tasty!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken livers
1Rinse the chicken livers under cold running water and trim away any fat or connective tissue. Pat them dry gently with paper towels. This helps ensure no unpleasant textures and makes for a cleaner broth.
Boil the water with seasonings
2Pour water into a pot and add salt, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Seasoning the water will lightly infuse flavor into the livers.
Add the chicken livers to boiling water
3Carefully add the chicken livers to the boiling water. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. This gentle cooking will help keep the livers tender.
Simmer the chicken livers until cooked
4Simmer the chicken livers gently for 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking. The livers should be firm to the touch but still tender. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), which is a safe temperature for poultry.
Drain and rest the livers
5Once cooked, drain the water and let the livers rest for 2-3 minutes. This rest time allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
Serve warm with garnish
6Transfer the chicken livers to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for freshness and color, and enjoy your tender boiled chicken livers! Use caution – they are hot when serving.
Cooking Tips
1Use fresh chicken livers to avoid off flavors and ensure food safety.
2Avoid overcooking; chicken livers become tough if boiled too long.
3Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe consumption.
4Do not reuse boiling water that contained the raw livers to avoid cross-contamination.
Equipment
- Medium-sized pot with a lid
- Slotted spoon
- Food thermometer
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Shopping List
- [ ] Fresh chicken livers (~250g) - Around $3.00. Choose livers that are firm and have a rich reddish-brown color for best freshness.
- [ ] Bay leaf (optional) - Around $0.30. Pick dried leaves that are whole and fragrant.
- [ ] Black peppercorns (optional) - Around $0.20. Whole peppercorns keep spices fresher longer.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Around $0.50. Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
Estimated total cost: $4.00
FAQ
How do I know when chicken livers are fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature; chicken livers are safe to eat when they reach 165°F (74°C). They should be firm but not rubbery.
Can I soak chicken livers before cooking?
Yes, soaking them in milk for 30 minutes before cooking can reduce bitterness and improve tenderness, but it is optional.
Is it safe to eat chicken livers rare or undercooked?
No, chicken livers must be cooked to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed and prevent foodborne illness.
How should I store leftover boiled chicken livers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.