Chicken Livers Madeira

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

Savory chicken livers cooked in rich Madeira wine sauce, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and tender textures, served over rice, noodles, or toast.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1/2 c. Madeira wine
  • 1 c. chicken broth
  • 1 lb. chicken livers, cut into quarters
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat butter and sauté the chicken livers until lightly browned.
  2. Stir in Madeira wine and cook for a few minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, stir chicken broth into cornstarch to create a slurry.
  4. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thick and smooth.
  5. Add salt and black pepper, including cayenne pepper for spice.
  6. Serve the chicken livers with the sauce over rice, noodles, or toast.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing onions or garlic in the butter before adding the chicken livers. If you don't have Madeira wine, a sweet sherry or port can be a suitable substitute. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch as a thickener and ensure that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Livers Madeira over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with toast for a delightful appetizer. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also complements well with a glass of white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Chicken Livers Madeira can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking the livers. You can also microwave in short intervals, but be cautious to prevent the livers from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Livers Madeira contains roughly 292 calories, with 10g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

292 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 56.6g 21% DV
Fiber 23.9g 86% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 509.4mg 22% DV
Potassium 1607.3mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1256.7mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 45.8mg 51% DV
Calcium 222.1mg 17% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken livers for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken livers can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they can release more moisture than fresh livers.

What can I serve with Chicken Livers Madeira?

Chicken Livers Madeira pairs well with rice, noodles, or toasted bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

How do I know when the chicken livers are fully cooked?

Chicken livers should be cooked until they are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be tender but not overcooked to avoid a rubbery texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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