Chicken Liver Soup Recipe

Chicken liver soup is an incredibly hearty, flavorful dish that has its roots in many global cuisines. Whether you’re a fan of rich, savory broths or looking for something more adventurous to try in the kitchen, chicken liver soup is a hidden gem. It’s not just packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to up their soup game. Chicken livers are often overlooked in mainstream cooking, but they bring a level of depth and umami to any dish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy yet scrumptious chicken liver soup recipe, break down every ingredient, offer expert tips, and even discuss variations to keep things exciting. Ready? Let’s dive into the delicious world of chicken liver soup!

Here’s a quick peek at the recipe we’ll be working with-it’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for any time you want something comforting but different.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken livers, cleaned and trimmed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade for extra richness)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, for a richer flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish
1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken Livers: Start by cleaning and trimming the chicken livers. Remove any connective tissue or tough parts. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
Add the Chicken Livers: Once your veggies are ready, toss the chicken livers into the pot. Stir them around, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re browned on the outside. This will give the soup that deep, savory flavor that chicken livers are known for.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine everything. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken livers are fully cooked through.
Final Touches: Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf (if you used it) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down the key ingredients in this chicken liver soup to understand their roles and how they contribute to the overall flavor profile.

Chicken Livers: These are the star of the show! Full of rich iron, protein, and other nutrients, chicken livers are known for their distinctive flavor. They add depth and a slightly earthy taste to the soup. When cooked properly, they become tender and take on the flavors of the broth beautifully.
Chicken Broth: A good, flavorful broth is essential to create a well-balanced base. Chicken broth adds a savory, rich undertone and helps to make the soup light yet satisfying. If you want to take it up a notch, homemade broth will add that extra depth.
Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables bring sweetness and a mild, fresh flavor to the dish. Carrots soften nicely and add color, while celery gives the soup a subtle earthiness and crunch.
Onions and Garlic: Both of these ingredients provide a flavor foundation for the soup. Onions offer sweetness and depth, while garlic adds its signature punch, creating a wonderful aromatic base when sautéed.
Potatoes: These starchy vegetables make the soup more filling and hearty. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a creamy texture once cooked, balancing the richness of the chicken livers.
Spices and Herbs: A mix of thyme and paprika brings an herbal and slightly smoky flavor to the dish, complementing the richness of the livers. Salt and pepper round everything out, while bay leaves add a subtle background note of depth.
Fresh Parsley: This adds brightness and a fresh herbal note when sprinkled on top, making the soup visually appealing and more complex in flavor.

Cooking Instructions

The cooking method for chicken liver soup is simple, and most of the time is spent simmering to allow the flavors to meld together. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

Sautéing: Always start by sautéing your aromatics-onions, garlic, carrots, and celery-in some oil or butter. This step is crucial because it allows these ingredients to release their natural sugars and flavors, creating a flavorful base for the soup. Don’t rush it; you want them to soften and caramelize just a little bit for that sweet, savory foundation.
Browning the Livers: When you add the chicken livers, make sure they’re browned on all sides. This caramelization is where much of the flavor comes from. You want to cook them just enough so they’re no longer raw but still tender, as overcooking can make them tough and dry.
Simmering the Soup: The long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld. The chicken broth absorbs the taste of the chicken livers, and the vegetables infuse the broth with their own essence. Make sure to taste test the soup periodically and adjust seasoning as needed. Adding more salt or a dash of vinegar (for acidity) can really elevate the soup in the final stages.
Final Touches: Right before serving, take out any bay leaves and adjust the seasoning. If you feel the soup is too rich or heavy, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can balance it out nicely. Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of freshness and color, making the soup more visually appealing.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken Livers: These are surprisingly nutrient-dense, packed with iron, protein, vitamin A, and folic acid. They can help boost energy levels, support immune function, and improve skin health. Don’t shy away from using them-they might seem intimidating at first, but they have a robust flavor that transforms when cooked properly.
Thyme: An herb with subtle earthy and lemony notes, thyme pairs wonderfully with rich dishes like chicken liver soup. It’s packed with antioxidants and can help with digestion, making it both flavorful and functional.
Paprika: While paprika can vary in heat level, in this recipe, it adds more of a smoky depth than heat. This spice brings a vibrant color and enhances the savory profile of the soup. Plus, paprika contains vitamins like A and E, which contribute to skin health and have antioxidant properties.

Expert Tips

Soak the Chicken Livers: If you find chicken livers too strong in flavor, you can soak them in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps mellow out the flavor and makes them more tender.
Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. This turns it into a creamy, velvety texture, which is ideal if you prefer soups that feel more like a velvety bisque.
Enhance with Acidity: Sometimes, a little bit of acid can balance out a rich soup. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar right before serving to brighten the flavors.
Homemade Broth is Key: While store-bought chicken broth works fine, homemade broth can take this soup to the next level. If you have the time, make your own with leftover chicken bones, veggies, and herbs.

Recipe Variations

Chicken liver soup is incredibly versatile, and you can play around with ingredients to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Chicken Liver Soup: Add a bit of heat by incorporating chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the soup. The spice will balance out the richness of the livers, giving the soup a zesty kick.
Vegetarian Version: If you want to skip the chicken livers but still enjoy a hearty, nutritious soup, replace them with roasted mushrooms. The mushrooms will mimic the texture of the chicken livers and add an earthy flavor to the soup.
Herb Twist: Try adding different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano for a change in flavor. They will add new dimensions to the dish and complement the livers in a different way.
Add Beans: For extra protein and texture, toss in some white beans or lentils. This will turn your soup into a more filling, complete meal.

Final Words

Chicken liver soup isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. From the deep, rich flavor of the livers to the aromatic vegetables and herbs, every spoonful is a burst of comfort. Plus, it’s a healthy option that’s packed with essential nutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a long-time liver lover or new to the game, this soup will definitely win you over.

Chicken Liver Soup Recipe