Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pate Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chicken Liver Pâté is a rich and creamy appetizer that is both elegant and easy to prepare. With its smooth texture and flavorful blend of chicken livers, onions, brandy, and butter, this pâté is perfect for serving at dinner parties, holidays, or as a luxurious snack. Paired with crusty bread or crackers, it’s a classic dish that never fails to impress.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté?

Ina Garten’s Chicken Liver Pâté is a creamy spread made from sautéed chicken livers, onions, garlic, and seasonings, blended with butter and brandy. This silky, rich pâté is often served as an appetizer with toast or crackers and is a staple in classic French-inspired cuisine.

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• Ina Garten Chopped Liver
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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: The blend of chicken livers, brandy, and butter creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
• Elegant yet simple: This dish looks and tastes sophisticated but is easy to make at home.
• Great for entertaining: Pâté is a classic appetizer that pairs beautifully with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or add herbs to suit your taste.
• Perfect make-ahead dish: Prepare in advance and serve chilled for a stress-free appetizer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté

• 1 lb chicken livers, trimmed and cleaned
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (for a non-alcoholic option, I used 1/4 cup apple juice as a substitute).
• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for sealing)
• Optional: Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté

1. Prepare the chicken livers: Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken livers and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Cook the chicken livers: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken livers to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Do not overcook, as this will affect the texture of the pâté.
4. Deglaze with brandy: Add the brandy or cognac to the skillet, stirring to deglaze, and scrape up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Blend the mixture: Transfer the cooked chicken liver mixture to a food processor. Add the fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and softened butter. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the pâté and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Transfer to a serving dish: Spoon the pâté into a small serving dish or ramekin. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Optional sealing with butter: Melt a few tablespoons of butter and pour a thin layer over the top of the pâté to seal it and preserve freshness.
9. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
10. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté

• Crusty bread: Serve with toasted baguette slices for a classic pairing.
• Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers, from buttery to seeded options.
• Fresh vegetables: Thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, or celery sticks add a fresh crunch.
• Pickles and chutneys: Serve with cornichons, pickled onions, or fruit chutney for a tangy contrast.
• Cheese platter: Pair with cheeses like brie or camembert for a luxurious appetizer spread.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté

• Don’t overcook the livers: Keep the centers slightly pink to ensure a creamy texture.
• Strain for extra smoothness: If you prefer an ultra-smooth pâté, push it through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
• Use high-quality brandy: A good-quality brandy or cognac enhances the flavor of the pâté.
• Seal with butter for freshness: The butter seal prevents air from reaching the pâté, keeping it fresh longer.
• Chill for at least 2 hours: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté

• Herb-Infused Pâté: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley for a more aromatic pâté.
• Spicy Pâté: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a hint of spice.
• Sherry Pâté: Substitute brandy with dry sherry for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Garlic-Lover’s Pâté: Increase the garlic for a stronger, more robust flavor.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Pâté: Substitute chicken livers with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Storing Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté: Best Practices

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep sealed with butter for longer freshness.
• Freeze: Pâté freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Store in small portions: If freezing, divide into smaller portions for easy thawing and serving.

Reheating Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pâté: Best Practices

• Serve chilled: Pâté is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
• Bring to room temperature: If it is too firm from refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for easier spreading.

FAQs

Can chicken liver pâté be frozen?

Yes, chicken liver pâté freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How do you make chicken liver pâté smooth?

To make chicken liver pâté smooth, blend it thoroughly in a food processor and, for an extra creamy texture, push it through a fine mesh sieve after blending.

How long does chicken liver pâté last in the fridge?

Chicken liver pâté can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. Sealing the top with a thin layer of melted butter helps preserve freshness.

What can you serve with chicken liver pâté?

Chicken liver pâté pairs well with toasted baguette slices, crackers, fresh vegetables like cucumbers and radishes, and tangy accompaniments like pickles or fruit chutneys.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Chicken Liver Pâté is a sophisticated yet simple dish that elevates any appetizer spread. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it pairs beautifully with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.

Try it for a luxurious homemade treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare!

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