Where to Get Your Hands on Delicious Fried Chicken Livers: The Ultimate Guide

Are you cravin’ some good ol’ southern comfort food? If you’re like me and can’t resist the rich, savory taste of perfectly fried chicken livers, then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been on a personal mission to find the absolute best spots to satisfy this unique craving, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.

Why Chicken Livers Deserve More Love

Before I talk about where to find these tasty treats, let’s talk about why you should look for chicken livers. Not only are these organ meats tasty, they are also full of good things for you, like iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B vitamins. Plus, they’re usually less expensive than other chicken cuts, so they’re a good choice for those on a budget who don’t want to skimp on taste.

When chicken livers are fried just right, the outside gets crispy while the inside stays soft and almost creamy, full of a rich, unique flavor. Once you try this texture and flavor combination, you might be hooked for life!

Top Places to Get Your Fried Chicken Liver Fix

1. Chester’s Chicken

Chester’s Chicken should be at the top of your list if you want consistently tasty fried chicken livers. They are known for their fried chicken, and their livers are one of the best things on the menu.

What makes Chester’s special:

• They’re committed to quality with their “Fried With Love” approach
• Their chicken livers have the perfect crispy coating
• Convenient locations often found inside gas stations and convenience stores
• They also offer gizzards if you want to try something similar but different

Chester’s has locations across the country, making it a reliable option for your chicken liver cravings. Their website makes it easy to find the nearest location, and many spots offer online ordering for pickup.

2. Food Delivery Services

Don’t feel like going out? No problem! You can get fried chicken livers delivered right to your door through services like DoorDash

For example, on DoorDash you can find:

• Fried chicken livers by the pound
• Family meal options that include livers
• Local restaurants that might not have their own delivery service

I ordered a 1-pound container of fried chicken livers through DoorDash, and it changed the way I eat comfort food on nights when I don’t want to leave the house.

3. Local Southern and Soul Food Restaurants

Some of the absolute BEST fried chicken livers can be found at small, local restaurants specializing in southern or soul food. These places often have recipes that have been perfected over generations.

What to look for:

• Family-owned establishments
• Places that advertise “home cooking” or “southern comfort food”
• Restaurants where chicken livers are listed as a specialty
• Soul food joints that offer combination plates with traditional sides

I’ve found that these smaller restaurants sometimes don’t have a strong online presence, so asking locals for recommendations can lead you to hidden gems.

4. Grocery Store Delis

Don’t overlook your local grocery store deli section! Many supermarkets with hot food bars or deli counters offer fried chicken livers, especially in southern states.

Grocery chains that often carry fried chicken livers:

• Publix
• Kroger
• Winn-Dixie
• Food Lion
• Local regional chains

The advantage here is that you can often buy exactly the amount you want, and sometimes these delis will fry them fresh while you wait.

5. Fast Food Chains with Regional Offerings

While not all fast food chains carry chicken livers, some regional chains make them a specialty:

• Bojangles’ – Known for their cajun-seasoned livers in select locations
• Popeyes – Offers livers in some regional markets
• Church’s Chicken – Has been known to serve them in certain areas
• KFC – Some locations, particularly in southern states, may offer livers

These availability varies by location, so it’s always good to call ahead before making a special trip.

Make Your Own Amazing Fried Chicken Livers at Home

Can’t find a restaurant nearby that serves chicken livers? Don’t worry! Making them at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the seasonings exactly how you like them.

Basic Fried Chicken Liver Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh chicken livers
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Clean the livers by removing any connective tissue and patting them dry
2. Soak in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for less gamey flavor)
3. Mix flour with all seasonings in a bowl
4. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet
5. Drain livers, then dredge in seasoned flour mixture
6. Fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying! This lowers the oil temperature and makes the livers greasy instead of crispy.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Fried Chicken Livers

What you serve alongside your chicken livers can elevate the entire meal. Here are some classic pairings:

• Mashed potatoes – The creamy texture complements the richness of the livers
• Collard greens – Adds a slight bitterness that balances the meal
• Mac and cheese – Because what doesn’t go well with mac and cheese?
• Cornbread – Perfect for sopping up any gravy or juices
• Cole slaw – The crisp, tangy flavor cuts through the richness
• Hot sauce – A few dashes adds the perfect kick
• Biscuits – Chester’s offers these as a great complement to their livers

How to Order Chicken Livers Like a Pro

If you’re new to ordering chicken livers, here are some tips:

1. Ask about preparation – Some places dust them lightly in flour, others use a thicker batter
2. Inquire about sourcing – Fresher is always better with organ meats
3. Check if they come with gravy – Some restaurants serve them with onion gravy
4. Find out portion sizes – They can be quite rich, so you might want to start small
5. Ask about spice levels – Some places make them spicy by default

Where NOT to Get Chicken Livers

I’ve had some disappointments in my chicken liver journey, so let me save you the trouble:

• Generic buffets – These often sit too long and become rubbery
• Non-southern chain restaurants – If it’s not a specialty, it’s usually not good
• Places that don’t specialize in fried foods – The technique matters!

The Health Angle: Moderation is Key

While I absolutely LOVE fried chicken livers, I gotta be honest—they’re not an everyday food. They’re high in cholesterol and the frying adds calories. But as an occasional treat? Totally worth it!

If you’re concerned about the health aspects but still want to enjoy chicken livers, consider:

• Sharing a portion with friends or family
• Pairing with healthier sides like steamed vegetables
• Trying pan-seared livers instead of deep-fried versions
• Looking for places that use healthier oils for frying

My Personal Top 5 Fried Chicken Liver Experiences

1. A tiny soul food restaurant in Georgia where the owner wouldn’t share her seasoning secret but served the most perfectly crispy livers I’ve ever had
2. Chester’s Chicken for their consistently good quality and convenient locations
3. My grandmother’s kitchen where she added a pinch of nutmeg to her flour mixture (unexpected but amazing!)
4. A food truck at a county fair that specialized in organ meats and served the livers with a spicy remoulade
5. A local grocery store deli that fried them fresh to order and let me choose my own seasoning level

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Chicken Livers

Are chicken livers fully cooked when fried?

Yes, properly fried chicken livers should be cooked through but still slightly pink in the center. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Can I freeze fried chicken livers?

You can, but the texture suffers a bit upon reheating. I recommend eating them fresh for the best experience.

Why are my homemade fried chicken livers tough?

Overcooking is usually the culprit. Chicken livers cook quickly, and frying them too long makes them tough and grainy.

Do I need to soak chicken livers before cooking?

Soaking in milk or buttermilk for at least an hour helps remove some of the metallic taste and improves the texture.

What’s the difference between chicken livers and gizzards?

Livers are smooth, soft organs that filter toxins, while gizzards are muscular parts of the digestive system and have a chewier texture. Both can be delicious when properly prepared!

Final Thoughts

Finding great fried chicken livers might take a bit of exploring, but it’s a culinary adventure worth taking. Whether you prefer the convenience of Chester’s Chicken, the comfort of homemade, or the unique flavors of local soul food joints, there’s a chicken liver dish out there with your name on it.

What’s your favorite place to get fried chicken livers? Do you have a secret recipe or special technique? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Happy eating, y’all!