Where to Buy Chicken Livers Near Me: A Complete Guide

Chicken livers are an underrated and often overlooked meat that can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. If you’re looking to add more chicken livers to your cooking repertoire you may be wondering where you can find and buy them close to home. I’ve put together this complete guide on where and how to buy chicken livers for all your culinary needs.

What Are Chicken Livers?

Before diving into where to buy them, let’s first cover what exactly chicken livers are. Chicken livers are the livers of chickens and are considered an organ meat. Many people mistakenly think that chicken livers are a red meat because they have a reddish hue. However, they do come from poultry and are not red meat.

Chicken livers have a rich, savory flavor that works well in a variety of dishes. They have a soft texture that becomes tender when cooked. You can buy chicken livers fresh or frozen. Fresh chicken livers have a more robust taste and texture, while frozen ones are more readily available year-round.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Livers

There are many nutritional benefits to eating chicken livers. Here are some of the top nutrients found in chicken livers:

• High in protein – Chicken livers contain over 24 grams of protein per 100 gram serving, making them an excellent source of this important nutrient The protein in chicken livers contains all 9 essential amino acids

• Source of vitamin A – Chicken livers provide over 250% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A per 100 gram serving. Vitamin A supports eye and immune health

• Contains vitamin C – Not common in many meats, chicken livers provide 47% of your daily vitamin C needs. This aids immune function and iron absorption.

• Rich in B vitamins – Chicken livers are high in riboflavin, niacin, folate, and other B vitamins that support energy and brain health.

• Contains copper and iron – Two minerals that help form red blood cells and maintain overall health.

So by enjoying chicken livers moderately as part of your diet, you can obtain an excellent nutrition boost!

Where to Buy Chicken Livers

Now that you know more about chicken livers, here are some of the best places to buy fresh or frozen chicken livers close to home:

Grocery Store Meat Department

One of the most convenient places to find chicken livers is right at your local grocery store’s meat department. Look for the fresh poultry section where you can often find packages of fresh chicken livers. Depending on the store, they may also have frozen chicken livers available.

National grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and Publix typically carry chicken livers in the meat case. You can also check regional chains like H-E-B, Wegmans, and Hy-Vee, which have extensive meat departments. Expect to pay $2-4 for about 1 pound of fresh chicken livers.

Butcher Shop or Meat Market

For a wider selection and expertise, visit a local butcher shop or meat market. Independent butcher shops and meat markets will have the freshest chicken livers compared to the grocery store.

You can request them to be cut to your preferred size and thickness. They can also give you recommendations on how to prepare and cook them. The price may be slightly higher than the grocery store but worth it for the quality.

Farmers Market

Farmers markets are a great spot to source local, fresh chicken livers sold directly from farms and vendors. Visit your closest farmers market that features poultry and meat sellers.

Let them know you’re looking for chicken livers and they can package some up for you or may even have them ready to go. You’ll get the freshest chicken livers when buying direct from local farms.

Online Retailers

For quick home delivery, order chicken livers online from retailers like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. Search for fresh or frozen chicken livers and add them to your cart along with the rest of your groceries.

Delivery services allow you to compare options across stores in your area to find the best price and quality. Your order will arrive in as fast as 2 hours!

Direct from a Farm

If you live near chicken farms, consider purchasing chicken livers directly from them. Many smaller poultry farms will sell their chicken livers at an affordable price if you inquire.

This ensures you are getting the freshest chicken livers straight from the source. Check websites like LocalHarvest to find chicken farms and producers close to you.

How to Store Chicken Livers

Properly storing your chicken livers will help them last longer and retain freshness:

• Place fresh chicken livers in a container or sealed bag in the fridge. Use within 2-3 days for best quality.

• Frozen chicken livers can be stored in the freezer for up to 9 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

• For longer storage of fresh livers, freeze them in an airtight container for 2-3 months of freezer life.

• When freezing, layer chicken livers in a single layer on a pan or plate first. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.

• Don’t wash chicken livers until ready to use to prevent premature spoilage. Rinse just before cooking.

Following these tips will ensure you get the most out of your chicken liver purchase!

Tips for Cooking Chicken Livers

Chicken livers are very versatile to cook with. Here are some quick tips for preparing delicious chicken livers:

• Soak in milk or butter milk for 30 mins-1 hour before cooking to tenderize.

• Pat dry well before cooking to help them brown properly.

• Fry, sauté, or bake in oven. Cook to just pink inside, do not overcook.

• Add spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage. lemon juice brightens flavor.

• Make chicken liver pâté by blending cooked livers with herbs and spices.

• Use in pasta sauces, rice dishes, sandwiches, skewers, and more.

With so many ways to cook them, chicken livers can upgrade all sorts of meals!

Find Chicken Livers Near You

Chicken livers are readily available at grocery stores, butchers, farmers markets, and online retailers. For maximum freshness and savings, buy them directly from local farms or butchers when possible. Be sure to store them properly in the fridge or freezer to extend shelf life.

Yes, eating chicken livers can be beneficial as part of a balanced diet due to their high nutrient density. They are a good source of protein, vitamins (including B12, A, and folate), and minerals (like iron and selenium).