Chicken Liver Pate Recipe

Chicken Liver Pate on Crostini Vetri Style

Chicken Liver Pate?!  Don't leave the page just yet.

Many of you can't even imagine eating chicken livers in any form, but hang in here. This rustic chicken liver pate recipe, adapted from Marc Vetri's Il viaggio di Vetri cookbook, is divine.

Yes, there is a distinctive chicken liver flavor, but it is manageable with all the other ingredients combined.  You might be surprised and dismayed at the amount of butter this wonderful recipe contains.

Prepare to indulge, as this pate is incredibly rich. A little goes a long way, making it perfect for parties or when friends spend the weekend. The reception is always a tempting and positive one.

What Is Chicken Liver Pate

Chicken liver pâté is a decadent spread that combines the rich, earthy flavor of chicken livers with aromatic herbs, spices, and sometimes a splash of cognac or brandy for an added depth of flavor. This classic French dish has found its way into cuisines worldwide, cherished for its velvety texture and intense savory taste.

To create chicken liver pâté, fresh chicken livers are sautéed in butter or rendered fat until they are cooked through but still tender. They are then combined with finely chopped onions, garlic, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, adding layers of aromatic complexity to the dish. Some recipes may also incorporate shallots, mushrooms, or even a hint of truffle for an extra touch of luxury.

Once the ingredients are cooked and seasoned to perfection, they are blended into a smooth paste, creating a creamy and luscious texture that is irresistible on a slice of crusty bread or a cracker. The pâté is then chilled until firm, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Chicken liver pâté can be served in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any menu. It can be spread on toast points as an elegant appetizer, paired with cornichons and mustard for a traditional charcuterie board, or used as a filling for savory pastries and sandwiches. Its versatility extends to casual gatherings and formal occasions, making it a beloved staple in the culinary world.

Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, chicken liver pâté also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken livers are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin A, making this indulgent spread a treat for the taste buds and a nourishing addition to the diet.

The Great Chef's Event

You have heard me mention Chef Vetri on many occasions here. He and his partner, Jeff Benjamin, host The Great Chef's Event to raise money for Alex's Lemonade Foundation, a noble cause to help find a cure for childhood cancer.

Marc and Jeff invite some of their favorite chefs to Philly to cook small plates for hundreds of foodies like myself.  This is one of the best culinary events anyone could wish for and supports a great cause.

I adapted Marc's recipe a little because I needed an ingredient or two and cut it in half because the original makes quite a bit, and I didn't think I would eat it all.

Besides, frozen pate could be more appealing if it can be frozen. (If you read this post, Marc, please let me know.) As I said, a little will fill you up.

This recipe is highly affordable. The chicken livers cost me only  $1.50 for half a pound!  There are a few other more expensive ingredients, but you only need a small quantity, and you can always substitute.

I didn't have pancetta or a salt-cured pork belly, so I substituted bacon, which didn't hurt the overall flavor.

If you ever want to enjoy a country-style rustic chicken pate, I suggest you try this one. I'm sure it will become an often-repeated appetizer in your culinary repertoire.

Chicken Liver Pate on Country Bread Toasts

📖 Recipe

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Chicken Liver Pate Recipe

Classic chicken liver pate flavored with rosemary, sage and truffle. Rich and flavorful, it is perfect for a dinner party appetizer. You will most likely convert even the most diehard liver haters with this recipe.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cups

Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons butter unsalted and softened plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 small garlic clove
• ½ pound chicken livers
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig sage
• 1 ounce bacon unsmoked and finely chopped - (pancetta if you can find it)
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• ½ onion
• 1 tablespoon Port
• 1 tablespoon cognac
• 1 teaspoon white truffle paste you can substitute ¼ teaspoon white truffle oil
• 1 loaf Italian bread sliced thin and toasted
• 2 tablespoons oil to make the Crostini

Instructions

• Start by heating up a sauté pan (frying pan) over medium high heat and adding 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until golden.  Watch it carefully;, you don't want to let it burn.
• Add the chicken livers, bacon, rosemary and sage. Stir and let this cook for about 1 minute.  Season with salt and pepper.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the onion. Sauté for 25 to 30 minutes until the onions are soft and the chicken livers are cooked.
• Off heat, add the port and Cognac. Raise the heat to medium-high and return the pan to stove. The recipe says to simmer until the liquid is reduced by half but I found it reduced to nothing right away. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
• Take out the sprigs of rosemary and sage and transfer the liver mixture to a food processor. Add the remaining butter and truffle paste. Puree this mixture until smooth.
• Chef Vetri suggests straining the puree through a tamis or fine-mesh sieve into a bowl but we don't. Why?  Well"¦..it takes more time, it is very messy and we like the texture of pate without straining it.  I'll have to try straining it and see if there is a difference.
• I put the pate into a ramekin, covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for at least one hour but you'll want to take it out 15 minutes before serving.

Serving

• Toast the bread slices. Add some pate to the toasted bread (Crostini) and drizzle some olive oil on top.
  The liver should keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I have no idea if you can freeze it but will try to find out.

Some of My Favorite Chicken Recipes