Are you on the hunt for chicken livers but not sure where to look? I’ve been there! Chicken livers are an often overlooked but incredibly nutritious food that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Whether you’re craving some homemade pâté or want to try a traditional Southern fried chicken liver recipe, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find chicken livers near you.
What Are Chicken Livers?
Before diving into where to buy them, let’s quickly cover what chicken livers actually are As the name suggests, they’re the livers of chickens and are considered an organ meat or “offal” Despite their reddish appearance, they’re not actually red meat since they come from poultry.
Chicken livers have a rich, distinctive flavor that some describe as earthy or savory They have a soft texture that becomes tender when cooked properly You can find them fresh or frozen, with fresh livers offering a more robust taste and texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Livers
Many people don’t realize that chicken livers are absolutely packed with nutrients! Here’s what makes them so special
- High in protein – Over 24 grams per 100g serving with all 9 essential amino acids
- Vitamin A powerhouse – Provides over 250% of your daily recommended intake per serving
- Surprising vitamin C content – Contains 47% of daily vitamin C needs (unusual for meat!)
- Rich in B vitamins – Especially high in riboflavin, niacin, and folate
- Excellent source of minerals – Particularly iron (61% DV) and copper
- Low in carbs – Only 1g of carbohydrates per serving
Looking at the Heritage Farm Fresh Chicken Livers sold at Kroger, a 4-ounce (112g) serving provides 130 calories, 19g of protein, and 5g of fat. They’re also incredibly high in vitamin A (12,500 IU, or 250% DV) and provide 11mg of iron (61% DV).
Where to Buy Chicken Livers Near You
Now for the main question – where can you actually buy chicken livers? I’ve compiled a list of the most common places:
1. Grocery Store Meat Departments
The most convenient option for most people is their local grocery store’s meat department. Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and Publix typically carry chicken livers in their fresh poultry section. You might also find them frozen in some stores.
For example, Kroger sells Heritage Farm Fresh Chicken Livers in 1.25 lb packages for around $3.89. They’re SNAP EBT eligible and can be ordered for pickup or delivery.
2. Butcher Shops or Meat Markets
For the freshest chicken livers and expert advice, visit your local butcher shop or meat market. Independent butchers often provide higher quality chicken livers than grocery stores and can:
- Cut them to your preferred size
- Remove any connective tissue
- Provide cooking recommendations
- Source from local farms
While prices may be slightly higher than grocery stores, the quality and service often make it worthwhile.
3. Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are excellent places to find locally raised, fresh chicken livers. Many poultry vendors at farmers markets sell livers alongside their whole chickens and other cuts. The benefit here is freshness and knowing exactly where your food comes from.
Just ask vendors if they have chicken livers available – they might have them ready to go or can bring some for you next time.
4. Online Retailers and Delivery Services
Don’t want to leave home? No problem! You can order chicken livers online through:
- Instacart – Delivers from local grocery stores in as fast as 1 hour
- Amazon Fresh – Offers delivery in many areas
- DoorDash – Can deliver from local restaurants serving chicken liver dishes
- Specialty meat delivery services – Companies like Butcher Box sometimes offer organ meats
5. Direct from Farms
If you live near chicken farms, consider purchasing directly from the source. Many smaller poultry farms will sell chicken livers at affordable prices. Check websites like LocalHarvest to find chicken farms close to you.
6. Restaurants Serving Chicken Liver Dishes
While not a place to buy raw chicken livers, it’s worth mentioning that many restaurants serve delicious chicken liver dishes if you want to try them prepared by professionals. DoorDash can help you find restaurants near you that serve chicken liver dishes for delivery.
How to Store Chicken Livers
Once you’ve found your chicken livers, proper storage is crucial:
- Fresh chicken livers – Store in refrigerator and use within 2-3 days
- Freezing – Can be frozen for up to 9 months in an airtight container
- Freezing tip – Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to freezer bags
- Thawing – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Washing – Don’t wash until ready to use to prevent spoilage
Tips for Preparing and Cooking Chicken Livers
Now that you’ve got your chicken livers, here are some quick tips for making them delicious:
- Soak in milk for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to remove any bitter taste
- Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to help them brown properly
- Don’t overcook – They should remain slightly pink inside
- Season well – Garlic, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and a splash of lemon juice all work great
- Try different cooking methods – Sautéing, frying, or baking all work well
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all supermarkets sell chicken livers?
Most major supermarkets carry chicken livers, though availability can vary. Kroger, Tesco, and other large chains typically stock them in their meat departments.
Where exactly in the grocery store can I find chicken livers?
Look in the fresh meat/poultry section. If you don’t see them, ask at the meat counter as they might keep them behind the counter or have them frozen.
Is KFC selling chicken livers?
Some KFC locations do sell fried chicken livers along with gizzards, though availability varies by location. Call your local KFC to check if they offer them.
Are Heritage Farm chicken livers good quality?
Heritage Farm Fresh Chicken Livers sold at Kroger have mixed reviews. While most customers rate them highly (3.89/5 stars from 9 reviews), some customers noted issues with quality control.
How much do chicken livers typically cost?
Chicken livers are generally inexpensive, ranging from $2-4 per pound at most grocery stores. The Heritage Farm Fresh Chicken Livers at Kroger cost $3.89 for a 1.25 lb package.
Are there organic chicken liver options?
Yes, you can find organic chicken livers at specialty health food stores, farmers markets, or by ordering directly from organic farms.
Conclusion
Chicken livers are nutritional powerhouses that are widely available at grocery stores, butcher shops, farmers markets, and through online delivery services. With their impressive vitamin and mineral content and versatility in the kitchen, they’re worth seeking out and adding to your cooking repertoire.
Whether you choose to pick up Heritage Farm Fresh Chicken Livers from your local Kroger, visit a specialty butcher, or order online, you now have all the info you need to find and enjoy this underappreciated ingredient.
Have you tried cooking with chicken livers before? What’s your favorite way to prepare them? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
How We Raise Our Chicken
- Raised humanely on pasture of grasses and legumes. Moved to fresh pasture daily
- Regenerative ranching practices – no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, no-tillage
- No antibiotics, hormones or growth promotants
- Supplemented on pasture with non-GMO feed (no animal byproducts)
- Both beef and chicken liver are nutritional powerhouses.
- Chicken liver, however, has a milder taste and more creamy texture than beef liver.
- If youre looking to incorporate more organ meat into you or your diet, chicken liver is a great place to start!
- Another benefit is size. Chicken livers are much smaller than beef liver, so theres less prep, less cutting and less cooking time! The next time you are planning a special pâté for your party, consider chicken liver for wide crowd appeal.