Lunches
Chakhokhbili (Chicken Stewed with Tomatoes and Herbs)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 800 g tinned)
- 3 medium onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander seed
- 1 tsp paprika
- A large handful each fresh basil, coriander and parsley, chopped
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) sunflower oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot and brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in the garlic, ground coriander and paprika, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and return the chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir through the fresh herbs in the last 5 minutes of cooking and adjust seasoning before serving.
Introduction: Originally made with pheasant (its name derives from the Georgian word for pheasant), Chakhokhbili today is almost always made with chicken, slow-simmered with a mountain of ripe tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs until deeply savoury.
Cultural Background: Originally made with pheasant (its name derives from the Georgian word for pheasant), Chakhokhbili today is almost always made with chicken, slow-simmered with a mountain of ripe tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs until deeply savoury. It is a fixture of everyday Georgian home cooking.
Tips: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving — the flavours settle and deepen.
Variations: Some regions add a splash of dry white wine with the tomatoes; a spicier version includes a whole fresh green chili simmered in the pot and removed before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition: Approx. 380 kcal, 32 g protein, 20 g fat, 14 g carbohydrate per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead?
A: Bone-in thigh and drumstick give more flavour and stay moist; breast can be used but reduce simmering time to avoid drying out.
Q: Is Chakhokhbili the same as Chicken Cacciatore?
A: They share a tomato-braise structure, but Chakhokhbili's blue fenugreek-free herb blend and lack of wine reduction give it a distinctly Georgian character.
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