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chicken livers

Old Fashioned Fried Chicken Livers

A deeply savory, nostalgic southern classic. Fresh chicken livers soaked in saltwater, heavily breaded with a spiced panko and cornstarch coating, and fried in a wok until shatteringly crisp.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh chicken livers
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt for soaking
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Canola oil for deep frying

Instructions
 

  • Empty the chicken livers into a colander. Rinse under cold water. Using a paring knife, trim away any white fat, connective tissue, or green spots. Cut large lobes into uniform bite-sized pieces. Rinse again.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice water and the kosher salt. Submerge the trimmed livers and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out impurities.
  • In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until completely blended.
  • Drain the livers and rinse them briefly. Lay them out on paper towels and pat them completely dry.
  • Working in small batches, toss the dry livers into the seasoned flour mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks to every crevice. Shake off the excess.
  • Heat 2 to 3 inches of canola oil in a wok or heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  • Carefully drop the breaded pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until a dark golden-brown, craggy crust forms.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and let rest on a metal grate over the wok or in a paper-towel-lined holding pan. Wait at least 5 minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in a paper-towel-lined container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8 minutes to restore the crispy crust; never microwave.
Safety Warning: Use a splatter screen over your wok while frying, as organ meats hold internal moisture that can cause the hot oil to pop.