Experience the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine with this Chicken Chakhokhbili recipe. A traditional stew made with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Simple to prepare and bursting with taste, this dish will bring a touch of the exotic to your table.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- Red onions: 4 medium
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml)
- Tomatoes: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium
- Vegetable oil: 5 tbsp (75ml)
- Adjika: 1 tbsp (15g)
- Chicken: about 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)
- Large carrot: 1 medium
- Pinch of khmeli-suneli
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt: to taste
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Fresh cilantro and basil: 1 bunch each
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken: Wash the chicken, place it in a pot, cover with boiling water, and simmer for 35–40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool, reserving the broth. Cut the chicken into small pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the onions and carrots. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips, chop the onions, and grate the carrot.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 8–10 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Add the remaining vegetables to the skillet and sauté for another 6 minutes over low heat. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Tomatoes: Make cross cuts on the tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water. Peel and chop the tomatoes, then add them to the skillet. Cook for another 10 minutes.
Make the Herb Paste: Peel and finely chop the garlic. Wash and chop the cilantro and basil. In a mortar, crush the herbs and garlic with salt until a smooth paste forms.
Combine and Simmer: Add the herb paste, adjika, bay leaves, black pepper, and a pinch of khmeli-suneli to the skillet. Simmer until the dish is fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 267.66 kcal
Protein: 4.20g
Fat: 23.23g
Carbohydrates: 10.54g
Pro Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill the chicken pieces before adding them to the stew. This will give the dish a slightly smoky taste that complements the spices beautifully.
Enjoy the hearty and aromatic Chicken Chakhokhbili, a delightful way to explore the flavors of Georgian cuisine right in your kitchen!
