Chicken Liver vs. Beef Liver: What’s the Difference?
posted on
November 20, 2025

If you're looking for a nutrient-packed addition to your meals that won't break the bank, it's time to consider liver. Both chicken liver and beef liver are nutritional powerhouses, but they differ in taste, texture, and specific nutrient profiles—making each ideal for different preferences and health goals.
Quick Comparison:
- Protein: Both deliver about 23g of protein per 100g serving
- Key Nutrients: Beef liver wins for vitamin A and copper; chicken liver has more iron and calcium
- Taste: Chicken liver is mild and creamy; beef liver is robust and intense
- Best For: Chicken liver is perfect for liver beginners; beef liver suits those who love rich, meaty flavors
- Sustainability: Both are easy to prepare and support nose-to-tail eating, ensuring no part of the animal goes to waste
Still undecided? Let's dive into the benefits of chicken liver vs. beef liver and see which suits your needs best!
Originally published on May 1st, 2024, this article was updated and republished on November 20, 2025.
Why Both Chicken and Beef Liver Are Nutritional Powerhouses
Whether from grass-fed beef or pasture-raised chickens, liver is tasty and nutrient-dense.
This organ meat has earned the title of ‘superfood’ for a reason. Just take a look at these benefits:
- Nutrient-dense: Liver is packed with vital nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, choline, selenium, and copper. In fact, a 100g serving of either chicken or beef liver can help you reach your recommended daily allowance for almost all of these vitamins and minerals.
- High in satiating protein: A serving of liver provides between 19 to 23g of protein, an essential macronutrient. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle tone, boosting brain function, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Plus, it keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
- Detoxifying: Liver contains two very beneficial compounds: glutathione and choline. These minerals help with liver detoxification, reducing the risk of issues like fatty liver disease.
- Reduced risks of anemia: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, in which your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Luckily, beef and chicken liver are rich sources of iron, and vitamins C and B. These nutrients work together to keep your blood cells healthy and reduce the risk of anemia.
You can read our post for more detailed information on the benefits of beef liver.

Beef Liver vs Chicken Liver: A Complete Comparison
While you might think all liver is the same, there are a few key differences. We’ll discuss some of the main ones so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Nutrition
While all liver is delicious, we know that’s not the main draw for most people. It’s the nutritional profile. So, which is more nutritious?
When it comes to macronutrients, per 100g, they’re both pretty close. Beef liver has slightly more protein than chicken liver, but chicken has marginally fewer calories.
|
Macronutrients |
Beef Liver |
Chicken Liver |
|
Calories |
191 calories |
167 calories |
|
Carbohydrates |
5.13 grams |
0.87 grams |
|
Total Fat |
5.26 grams |
6.51 grams |
|
Protein |
29.1 grams |
24.5 grams |
Beef and chicken livers’ micronutrients are where things get interesting. As you can see from a quick scan of the table below, beef liver is higher in nutrients like vitamin A, niacin, potassium, and copper. Chicken liver, on the other hand, has more iron and calcium.
Because of this, it’s impossible to say one is better than the other nutrition-wise. They’re both healthy in slightly different ways.
|
Micronutrients |
Beef Liver |
Chicken Liver |
|
Vitamin A |
31,700 International Unit |
13,300 International Unit |
|
Niacin |
17.5 milligrams |
11 milligrams |
|
Vitamin B6 |
1.02 milligrams |
0.755 milligrams |
|
Calcium |
6 milligrams |
11 milligrams |
|
Iron |
6.54 milligrams |
11.6 milligrams |
|
Potassium |
352 milligrams |
263 milligrams |
|
Zinc |
5.3 milligrams |
3.98 milligrams |
|
Copper |
14.3 milligrams |
0.496 milligrams |
|
Selenium |
36.1 micrograms |
82.4 micrograms |
What Does Beef Liver Taste Like vs Chicken Liver?
Taste and texture are where chicken and beef liver head in different directions.
Chicken liver has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a creamy, light texture. It’s the perfect option for people just venturing into the world of offal–or who don’t like strong, meaty flavors.
That’s where beef liver comes in. It has a beautifully distinct flavor: rich, complex, and intense. If you like rare steak, you’ll probably enjoy it.
You can also sneak beef liver into ground beef for a whole host of delicious, nutritious meals–without the acquired taste. Meals like ground beef and beef liver tacos, burgers, and meatballs are sure to be hit.

Cooking
Both chicken and beef liver take just minutes to cook. For the best results, fry the liver in a skillet or air fryer for 4-6 minutes on high heat. Both should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Just one word of caution: be wary of overcooking! You want the liver to be creamy and tender, not chewy and dry.
This applies more to beef liver, which cooks in slightly less time than chicken liver.
Tip: Soaking beef liver in a cup of milk for at least an hour before cooking can help keep it tender.
Popular Recipes
Whether you’re leaning more towards cooking with beef or chicken liver (or both), here are some recipe ideas for inspiration.
Beef liver
- Beef liver with onions
- Beef liver spaghetti bolognese
- Beef liver with mashed potatoes and a fig compote
Chicken liver
- Chicken liver pate
- Sticky Chinese chicken liver stir fry
- Chipotle chicken liver enchiladas
Explore more chicken liver recipes in this article.
Which Is Better: Chicken Liver or Beef Liver?
Chicken and beef liver offer unique benefits, making it challenging to crown a definitive winner.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a milder taste and softer texture, chicken liver will likely be your best bet. But if you're a fan of red meat's rich, robust flavor, you’ll love beef liver!
Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research on the meat supplier before buying. The health of the animal hugely impacts the nutritional quality and taste of the meat.
Factory-farmed liver often comes from animals raised on inadequate diets in overcrowded conditions. These animals are typically given antibiotics and growth hormones, which can stress their livers and diminish the quality of the meat.
On the other hand, ethically sourced and humanely harvested meat comes from animals that enjoy optimal nutrition and stress-free conditions. These animals live in a naturally healthy environment, so no antibiotics or GMOs are needed. The result? The highest quality, most nutritious liver you can find.
FAQs
Which is healthier: chicken liver or beef liver?
Both are incredibly healthy, just in different ways. Beef liver contains more vitamin A, niacin, and copper, while chicken liver has more iron and calcium. Your choice depends on your specific nutritional needs—both are nutrient-dense superfoods that support overall health.
Is chicken liver high in protein?
Yes! Chicken liver delivers approximately 23g of protein per 100g serving, making it an excellent high-protein food. It's also packed with B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients that support energy and muscle health.
What does beef liver taste like?
Beef liver has a rich, intense, and complex flavor that's more robust than chicken liver. It tastes similar to rare steak but with a distinctive mineral quality. The texture is creamy and dense when cooked properly, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold, meaty flavors.
Which has more iron: chicken or beef liver?
Chicken liver actually contains more iron than beef liver. While both are excellent sources of this essential mineral that helps prevent anemia, chicken liver edges ahead in iron content, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to boost their iron intake.
Are chicken livers good for you?
Chicken livers are incredibly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and choline. They're an excellent source of high-quality protein and support everything from energy levels to liver detoxification, making them a true superfood addition to your diet.
Can you substitute chicken liver for beef liver in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute chicken liver for beef liver in most recipes, though you'll notice differences in flavor and texture. Chicken liver has a milder taste and cooks slightly faster, so you may need to adjust cooking times. Both work well in pates, stir-fries, and pan-fried dishes, but beef liver holds up better in heartier preparations.
Why should I choose pasture-raised liver?
Pasture-raised liver comes from animals that live healthy, natural lives on regenerative farmland, which directly affects the meat's nutritional quality. When you choose ethically raised liver from farms like Seven Sons, you're supporting sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and respect the whole animal. Plus, our pasture-raised animals aren't given antibiotics or growth hormones, resulting in cleaner, more nutrient-rich organ meat that tastes better, too.
Discover Our Range of Ethically Sourced Organ Meats Today!
Ready to try chicken liver, beef liver, or both? Check out our organ meats, and make your order today.
