Delicious Southern-Style Recipe for Chicken Livers and Gravy
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsTips and VariationsIf you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, this delicious Southern-style recipe for chick……
Guide or Summary：
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, this delicious Southern-style recipe for chicken livers and gravy is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Chicken livers are often overlooked, but they are a nutrient-rich and economical ingredient that can be transformed into a delectable meal. This recipe combines the rich taste of chicken livers with a savory gravy, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken livers, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or lard for frying
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken Livers**: Begin by thoroughly cleaning and trimming the chicken livers. Remove any connective tissue or fat. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crispy.
2. **Season the Flour**: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
3. **Dredge the Livers**: Dredge each chicken liver in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. **Fry the Livers**: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken livers in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the livers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the livers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. **Make the Gravy**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. This should take about 5 minutes. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour mixture into the skillet and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6. **Add the Liquids**: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Slowly add the milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or milk to thin it out.
7. **Combine and Serve**: Return the fried chicken livers to the skillet, coating them with the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. **Garnish and Enjoy**: Transfer the chicken livers and gravy to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve this delicious Southern-style recipe for chicken livers and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of biscuits for a truly comforting meal.
Tips and Variations
- **Add Vegetables**: For an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, consider adding some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy.
- **Spice it Up**: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- **Make it Creamier**: For an even richer gravy, substitute half of the chicken broth with cream or add a dollop of sour cream at the end.
This recipe for chicken livers and gravy is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Southern dish. The combination of crispy fried chicken livers and creamy gravy is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!