Where to Buy Chicken Livers: A Guide to Finding Fresh, Quality Chicken Livers

Chicken livers are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. However finding high-quality fresh chicken livers can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to finding the best chicken livers so you can enjoy this underrated ingredient.

Why Chicken Livers?

Before diving into where to buy chicken livers let’s first go over why you should consider adding them to your diet. Here are some of the biggest benefits of chicken livers

• Packed with nutrients. Chicken livers are loaded with protein, iron, vitamin A, folate, copper, and more. They are one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there.

• Budget-friendly. Chicken livers are an affordable protein source, typically costing only a few dollars per pound. The relatively low price makes them accessible to most shoppers.

• Versatile ingredient. Chicken livers can be used to make pâtés, sauces, soups, spreads, and more. Their mild flavor also allows them to pair well with many dishes.

• Sustainable choice. Chicken livers are often overlooked and underutilized. Buying and cooking them prevents food waste and helps use the whole animal.

With all those benefits checked off, let’s get into the best places to find fresh, high-quality chicken livers.

Check Your Local Butcher Shop

My top recommendation for finding chicken livers is to check your local butcher shop or meat market. Butchers often have a rotating stock of fresh chicken livers available. Here are some tips for buying chicken livers from a butcher:

• Ask when they get deliveries in. Try to shop the day chicken livers are delivered to ensure the freshest possible livers.

• Inspect for freshness. Look for livers that are shiny, smooth, and firm with no dry or slimy patches. Fresh livers should be bright red.

• Buy in small quantities. Only purchase what you plan to use within 2-3 days to avoid spoilage. Chicken livers are highly perishable.

• Know your source. Ask the butcher where the chickens are from to ensure you’re getting quality livers from humanely raised birds.

Shopping for chicken livers at the butcher counter allows you to hand select the freshest livers and buy just what you need. Establishing a relationship with your local butcher can also give you access to premium chicken livers.

Check the Frozen Section

If fresh chicken livers are not available at your butcher, the frozen section of your grocery store is the next best option. Here’s what to look for when buying frozen chicken livers:

• Individually Quick Frozen (IQF). IQF livers retain more flavor and texture versus frozen blocks. IQF livers don’t clump together either.

• Vacuum-sealed packaging. This protects the livers from freezer burn during long storage.

• Use within 3-4 months. For peak freshness and quality, use frozen livers within a few months. Date the package when you buy.

• Defrost safely. Thaw livers overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Never defrost at room temperature.

Buying frozen allows you to stock up on chicken livers when you find a good deal. Just take care to properly defrost and cook them soon after thawing.

Search the Meat Case

If you can’t find chicken livers behind the butcher counter, your next stop is the fresh meat case. Here are some tips for buying high-quality chicken livers from the meat case:

• Check the sell-by date. Pick packages with the furthest out sell-by date for maximal freshness.

• Look for cold packaging. Livers should be in a cold section of the case, not sitting out at room temperature.

• Know potential downsides. Pre-packed livers may not be as fresh and have a shorter shelf life.

• Consider ordering ahead. Ask the meat department when they get deliveries in and consider special ordering.

• Supplement with freezing. Buying a larger pack from the meat case gives you the option to freeze some for later.

The convenience of pre-packed chicken livers can outweigh the potential downsides if you pay attention to freshness, storage, and proper freezing.

Try Your Local Farmers Market

Farmers markets are growing in popularity and can be great spots to find locally raised chicken livers. Here are some farmers market tips:

• Ask poultry vendors if they sell livers. Not all will, but some may have fresh livers available upon request.

• Talk to the farmer. Ask questions about their farming practices to ensure the chicken livers meet your standards.

• Buy small quantities. Like the butcher, only purchase what you can use within 2-3 days unless you plan to freeze.

• Prepare promptly. Use chicken livers from the farmers market ASAP for the ultimate in freshness and flavor.

Shopping at farmers markets gives you access to high-quality, local chicken livers and lets you invest back into your community.

Order Chicken Livers Online

A final option is to order chicken livers online from specialty purveyors or local farms. Here’s what to look for with online ordering:

• Reputable companies. Stick to established companies with transparent sourcing and quality standards.

• Quick shipping. Opt for expedited 2-day shipping with cold packs to prevent spoilage.

• Check delivery day. Schedule delivery so chicken livers arrive on a day you can use immediately.

• Freeze extras. Online ordering allows you to stock up and freeze excess chicken livers.

• Know policies. Check return and refund policies in case you need to send livers back.

Online shopping gives you access to chicken livers even if local options are lacking. Just be diligent about who you order from and proper handling once delivered.

Storing Chicken Livers Properly

No matter where you buy your chicken livers, proper storage is key to preserving freshness and preventing spoilage. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate immediately. Get chicken livers into the fridge within 1 hour of purchasing. Never leave them at room temperature.

• Use breathable packaging. Store in the original butcher paper or loose in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Avoid airtight containers.

• Use within 2-3 days. For peak flavor and texture, prepare chicken livers within 2-3 days of purchasing.

• Freeze for longer storage. Chicken livers can be frozen for 3-4 months if you don’t plan to use right away.

Following these guidelines will ensure you get the most out of the chicken livers you purchased. Don’t let poor storage lead to waste.

Time to Cook!

Now that you know where to find fresh chicken livers and how to store them properly, it’s time to start cooking! Chicken livers are delicious sautéed in butter or olive oil, used in pasta sauces, or puréed into creamy pâtés. Get creative and try using chicken livers in place of beef or pork liver.

The key is to buy the freshest chicken livers possible from a trusted source. Local butchers, meat markets, and farmers offer your best bet for quality. Handle chicken livers with care to preserve freshness and avoid spoilage.

Yes, Walmart typically sells chicken livers in the poultry section of their stores. You can also find them in some grocery stores, often near the chicken.