Offal delicacies: chicken livers are crucial in many traditional Italian dishes. If you’re seeking an introduction to this rich-flavored ingredient, Italian chicken liver recipes are a great place to start. These recipes strike a nice balance (for the most part) of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures, with ingredients that are simple but full of depth. Chicken isn’t the only protein on the menu, of course — but whether you like yours in a creamy pasta dish or fried crisp, Italian cuisine offers plenty of ways to cook it.

Introduction to Italian Chicken Liver Recipes

Chicken liver, generally regarded as one of the great offal delicacies, graces many an Italian plate. These recipes showcase the versatility of chicken liver, turning it into rich and nuanced appetizers, main dishes and even pasta sauces. Italian chicken liver dishes are famous for bold use of herbs, spices, garlicky, oniony things and native elements like sage and Parmesan cheese.

If you’re new to chicken livers but want to dive in, or if you’re a seasoned eater of offal, these recipes will help you coax the

Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers

Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers is a classic Italian dish from the Emilia-Romagna region from the towns of Bologna. The dish involves tender chicken livers cooked with a rich stock and spices and plated over fresh, ribbonlike tagliatelle pasta. The dish is topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce made from egg yolks, for a rich experience that’s comforting and joyous at once.

Ingredients

For this dish, you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken livers
• 12 oz tagliatelle pasta (or pappardelle or fettuccine as alternatives)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 fresh sage leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or Grana Padano)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Livers:
   • Rinse the chicken livers under cold water to clean off any residue. Trim away excess fat and connective tissue.Slice the chicken livers into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Onions and Sage:
   • Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the sage leaves and bay leaf and cook for an additional minute.
3. Brown the Chicken Livers:
   • Add the chicken livers to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Be sure not to cook them completely in this step, as they will continue to cook in the broth.
4. Simmer with Chicken Broth:
   • Add the chicken broth to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, until the livers are tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.
5. Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolks, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the livers are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add the tagliatelle to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.
7. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
   • Quickly toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken liver sauce. Add the egg yolk and Parmesan mixture and stir until the pasta is well coated and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta and chicken livers, garnish with additional Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Praise

• Perfect Pasta: Fresh tagliatelle adds the ideal texture to this dish. If using dried pasta, be sure to cook it al dente.
• Rich Stock: Homemade chicken broth will provide the best flavor, but store-bought is fine in a pinch. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Liver Lover’s Delight: If you’re a fan of offal, this recipe will showcase the depth of chicken livers in a creamy, comforting sauce.

Italian Inn Fried Chicken Livers and Onions

The Italian Inn Fried Chicken Livers and Onions recipe is a simple yet beloved appetizer from the Italian Inn Cookbook. The livers are dredged in seasoned flour, fried until crispy, and then topped with a touch of Worcestershire sauce, which is the “secret ingredient” that elevates the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken livers
• 1 cup flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Livers:
   • Rinse the livers under cold water, trim away any fat, and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dredge the Livers:
   • In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken livers in the flour mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess. 
3. Slice the Onion:
   • Cut the yellow onion into rings. Set aside.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s very hot.
5. Fry the Livers and Onions:
   • Add the livers and onion rings to the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until the livers are golden and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Add Worcestershire Sauce:
   • Once the livers are crispy, pour Worcestershire sauce over the livers and onions. Stir to coat evenly, and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the fried livers and onions to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Praise

• Crispiness: To ensure the livers are crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the livers. A drop of water should sizzle when it hits the pan.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient is the secret to balancing the richness of the liver and adding a unique tangy flavor.

Comparing the Two Recipes

Both Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers and Italian Inn Fried Chicken Livers and Onions are Italian-inspired dishes, but they differ in preparation, flavor, and presentation. Here’s a quick comparison:

FAQ

Are chicken livers healthy?

Yes! Chicken livers are an incredible source of protein, iron, and vitamins such as B12. But they need to be eaten in moderation because they are high in cholesterol.

Can I use a different pasta for the tagliatelle recipe?

Absolutely! Tagilatelle is perfect, though you can replace it with fettuccine or pappardelle with a similar result.

Can I prepare these dishes ahead of time?

The Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers is best consumed as soon as it’s made so it stays nice and creamy. They can be made in advance and reheated, but the Fried Chicken Livers and Onions

Conclusion

Italian chicken liver recipes have a comforting richness that tumbles onto the table, whether creamy in a pasta or crispy fried. Chicken livers are adaptable in Italian cooking, as both Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers and Italian Inn Fried Chicken Livers and Onions demonstrate. Perfect to impress your guest with tons of flavor, tradition, and personality you will plug these simple ingredients and instructions.