We’ve always been fans of chicken liver gravy recipes for their rich, savory depth that elevates any meal. This comforting dish draws from traditional roots in Southern and global cuisines where offal shines as a budget-friendly star packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins.
What we love most is how versatile it is—whether you’re pairing it with rice or bread it’s a simple way to add bold flavors to your table. Join us as we dive into these easy-to-follow recipes that’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
In our Chicken Liver Gravy recipes, we focus on fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients that deliver bold flavors and health benefits. These components come together to create a versatile dish perfect for enhancing weeknight meals with rice or bread.
To prepare this recipe, we list the ingredients below in the order they are used. We’ve noted any prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Chicken Livers: 1 pound, trimmed and rinsed to remove any veins or membranes for a smoother texture.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped to start building the base flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced to add aromatic depth right after the onions.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, stirred in for rich color and tanginess.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon, added for its warm, earthy spice.
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon, incorporated to enhance the savory notes.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, used for sautéing to prevent sticking and add a subtle fruity undertone.
- Chicken Stock: 2 cups, poured in to create a hearty gravy consistency.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, seasoned at the end for balanced flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped and sprinkled as a finishing touch for freshness.
Equipment Needed
Now that we’ve gathered our fresh ingredients for the chicken liver gravy, let’s ensure we have the right tools to prepare it seamlessly. Having the proper equipment on hand makes our cooking process efficient and helps achieve that perfect, rich gravy consistency.
We recommend the following essential items, listed in the order they’ll be used:
- Frying pan or skillet: A medium-sized, non-stick version works best for searing the chicken livers quickly to lock in flavors and prevent sticking.
- Saucepan: Use a 2-quart option to simmer the gravy base, allowing for even heat distribution and easy reduction of liquids.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for finely chopping onions, garlic, and herbs; opt for a sharp, 8-inch blade to ensure precise cuts that enhance texture.
- Cutting board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board provides a safe surface for all our prep work, keeping things organized and hygienic.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping the pan to build up those flavorful fond bits without scratching surfaces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate 1-cup and 1-tablespoon sets help us measure ingredients precisely, ensuring our gravy turns out balanced every time.
- Blender or immersion blender: If we want a smoother gravy, this tool purees the mixture effortlessly, though it’s optional for a chunkier texture.
By preparing these tools beforehand, we set ourselves up for a smooth cooking experience that highlights the hearty appeal of our chicken liver gravy recipes.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our flavorful chicken liver gravy recipes. Follow these instructions closely for a rich, hearty dish that elevates any meal.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Start by rinsing 1 pound of chicken livers under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels; remove any visible veins or membranes for a cleaner texture. Next, peel and finely chop 1 large onion and 4 garlic cloves to release their aromatic essence. Measure out 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and paprika for depth of flavor, and 2 cups of chicken stock for a savory base. Finally, wash and roughly chop ¼ cup of fresh cilantro to add a bright, herbaceous finish. Having these prepped elements ready allows us to build layers of taste in our chicken liver gravy recipes.
Cook
With our ingredients prepared, we move to the cooking phase where the magic happens. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers; add the chopped onion and garlic then sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen. Gently add the chicken livers to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until they brown on the outside yet remain tender inside, locking in their rich, iron-packed nutrients. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the tomato paste along with the spices; bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a robust, velvety base that highlights the hearty appeal of our chicken liver gravy recipes.
Assemble the Gravy
To finish our dish, we assemble the gravy for that perfect consistency and taste. Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked mixture directly in the pan until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture; if you prefer chunks, blend only partially for added interest. Stir in the chopped cilantro and let the gravy simmer for another 2 minutes to infuse its fresh, vibrant notes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring our chicken liver gravy recipes deliver a deeply satisfying, nutrient-rich experience ready to serve over rice or bread.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our chicken liver gravy preparation and fit it into busy schedules, we can make key components ahead of time without compromising the rich flavor or nutritional benefits of this hearty dish. This approach allows us to focus on assembly when we’re ready to serve, building on the cooking steps we’ve already outlined.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
We recommend prepping the fresh ingredients a day or two before cooking to save time:
- Rinse and trim the chicken livers: Pat them dry and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Chop the onion, garlic, and cilantro: Dice them finely and keep in separate sealed bags or containers in the fridge, ensuring they stay crisp for optimal flavor infusion.
- Measure spices and liquids: Combine spices like cumin and paprika in a small bowl, and portion out the chicken stock and tomato paste into measured containers for quick access.
Cooking the Base Ahead of Time
For the gravy itself, we can partially cook it in advance to lock in those deep, savory notes:
- Follow the initial sautéing steps from our recipe: Heat olive oil in the skillet, cook the onion and garlic until golden, then add the chicken livers and spices.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes until the livers are fully cooked and the flavors begin to meld, but stop before blending for a smoother texture later.
- Let the base cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months—refer to the table below for storage guidelines based on our testing.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Store in a glass container to preserve flavors; reheat gently on the stove. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Portion into individual servings for easy thawing; use within the recommended time to avoid texture loss. |
Reheating and Final Assembly
When it’s time to enjoy our chicken liver gravy, reheating is straightforward:
- Thaw if frozen: Place in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat on the stove: Warm the base in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until heated through, then blend for that silky consistency.
- Add fresh elements: Stir in chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning just before serving to keep the dish vibrant and nutrient-rich.
By following these steps, we ensure our chicken liver gravy remains a convenient, flavorful staple for weeknight meals.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing these chicken liver gravy recipes and how they bring bold flavors to everyday meals. They’re packed with nutrients that make them a smart choice for us all. Now it’s time to get cooking and tweak them to suit your tastes. Enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade dish that’s both hearty and versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of chicken liver gravy?
Chicken liver gravy offers rich flavor and nutritional perks, like high protein and vitamins from the livers. It’s versatile, pairing well with rice or bread for hearty meals, and provides essential nutrients that make it a healthy dinner option. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, enhancing weeknight routines without much effort.
What ingredients are needed for chicken liver gravy?
Key ingredients include chicken livers, onion, garlic, tomato paste, spices, olive oil, chicken stock, and fresh cilantro. These build a flavorful, nutrient-rich base, with livers adding depth, onions and garlic for aroma, and spices for taste. Measure accurately for a balanced, hearty gravy ready in minutes.
What equipment is required to make chicken liver gravy?
You’ll need a medium frying pan or skillet for searing, a 2-quart saucepan for simmering, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, a wooden spoon for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a blender for smooth texture. These tools ensure even cooking and a perfect consistency.
How do I prepare chicken liver gravy?
Start by rinsing and trimming chicken livers, then chop onion, garlic, and other ingredients. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add livers and spices, then simmer with chicken stock. Blend for smoothness, stir in cilantro, and adjust seasoning. Serve over rice or bread for a quick, nutritious meal.
Can I make chicken liver gravy ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components like rinsing livers, chopping veggies, and measuring spices a day ahead. You can partially cook the base and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer. This makes weeknight dinners convenient without losing flavor or nutrition.
How should I store and reheat chicken liver gravy?
Store cooled gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock if needed to maintain consistency, and check seasoning before serving.