Creamy Cremora Peri-Peri Chicken Livers: A Bold South African Classic with a Twist

If you’re looking to step outside the predictable and dive into bold, rich, and indulgent flavor, Creamy Cremora Peri-Peri Chicken Livers is your next must-try dish. With the fire of peri-peri spice, the richness of chicken livers, and the unexpected creaminess of NESTLÉ Cremora, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat, heartiness, and indulgence. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly, made with pantry staples, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is ideal for food lovers who crave bold flavor with a creamy twist. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of chicken livers or someone curious about trying them for the first time, this recipe is easy enough for a beginner but satisfying enough for a seasoned cook. It’s also a fantastic choice for anyone who loves South African cuisine or simply wants to shake up their weeknight dinner rotation with something hearty and unexpected.

Let’s dive into the delicious details of what makes this dish so crave-worthy and how you can make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Bold, spicy, creamy flavor in every bite

• ✅ Uses simple, accessible ingredients

• ✅ Ready in 30 minutes or less

• ✅ One-pan meal—minimal cleanup

• ✅ Perfect for toast, rice, or crusty bread

• ✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for batch cooking

Ingredients at a Glance

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent chicken liver dish:

• 1 large onion – Adds sweetness and depth.

• 1 large tomato, grated – Fresh tomato balances the heat and adds body to the sauce.

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Neutral oil for sautéing.

• 1 tsp peri-peri chilli spice – Brings the heat and classic South African flavor.

• 1 tsp crushed garlic – For aromatic complexity.

• 2 tubs (500g) chicken livers, thawed – The star of the dish—iron-rich and tender.

• 1 tsp chicken spice – Adds savory depth.

• ¼ cup NESTLÉ Cremora Original – Dissolved in warm water for the creamiest, silkiest sauce.

Optional: Salt and pepper to taste, and fresh coriander for garnish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need the following tools:

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Large skillet or frying pan with a lid

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Small bowl (to dissolve Cremora)

• Grater (for tomato)

• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the onion and grating the tomato. This will ensure everything cooks evenly and quickly.

Chef’s Tip: You can add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, peri-peri spice, and crushed garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you prefer extra heat, now’s the time to add a few chopped fresh chillies to the pan.

3. Sear the Chicken Livers

Add the chicken livers to the pan and season with chicken spice. Let them sear on all sides for 5–6 minutes. You want them browned on the outside but still tender on the inside.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the livers in batches to get a good sear.

4. Mix the Creamy Base

While the livers are browning, dissolve ¼ cup of NESTLÉ Cremora in ½ cup of warm water. This will be your secret weapon for a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Why Cremora? It’s a non-dairy creamer, but when added to savory dishes, it creates an unbelievably creamy consistency that enhances the richness of the liver without overpowering it.

5. Create the Sauce

Add the grated tomato and the dissolved Cremora mixture to the pan. Stir everything to combine and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a thick, creamy sauce forms.

Chef’s Tip: Add a splash of stock or water if the sauce becomes too thick before the livers are fully cooked.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the sauce is thick and the livers are tender, remove from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve hot.

Serving suggestion: Toasted bread, roti, or crusty baguette are perfect vehicles for scooping up the creamy, spicy sauce. For a more filling option, serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Variations & Swaps

Want to make it your own? Here are a few simple twists:

• Mild it Down: Use paprika instead of peri-peri for a less spicy, smoky profile.

• Add Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or zucchini work wonderfully.

• Make It Creamier: Add a splash of cream or full-fat milk if you want it ultra-rich.

• Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

• Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of liver, cubed chicken breast or firm tofu can be used instead.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully. Allow to cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk.

Reheating Tip: Stir well while reheating to bring the sauce back to life. Add a bit of extra Cremora dissolved in warm water if it looks too thick.

Food and Drink Pairings

Best Served With:

• Crusty artisan bread

• Creamy polenta

• Jasmine or basmati rice

• Garlic naan or roti

• Soft scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch twist

Beverage Pairings:

• Red Wine: A smooth Merlot or Cabernet pairs beautifully with the richness of the liver.

• Beer: Try a light lager or a pale ale to contrast the heat.

• Non-Alcoholic: Ginger beer or iced rooibos tea is refreshing and palate-cleansing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Cremora do in this recipe?
A: Cremora gives the sauce a unique creaminess without using dairy. It dissolves easily and creates a velvety, rich texture that’s perfect for balancing the heat of peri-peri.

Q: How do I clean chicken livers?
A: Rinse them gently under cold water and trim any visible sinew or greenish parts (gallbladder remnants). Pat them dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen with time. Store in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: If your kids are adventurous eaters, yes. You can reduce or omit the peri-peri spice to suit younger palates.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure to use a large enough pan and consider browning the livers in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to chicken livers or you grew up eating them, this Creamy Cremora Peri-Peri Chicken Livers recipe will surprise and delight. It’s rich, spicy, and perfectly creamy, offering a unique and memorable take on a beloved South African classic.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, or even as an elegant starter at your next dinner party, this dish proves that bold flavor and comfort can go hand-in-hand. And thanks to the addition of Cremora, you get that luscious creaminess without reaching for dairy or fussing with cream sauces.