Chakhokhbili (Georgian Chicken and Tomato Stew)
Local name: ჩახოხბილი
In short: Chicken browned and stewed with onions, ripe tomatoes, garlic and chili, finished with fresh cilantro and basil, a Georgian classic with bread. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 15 min
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 515 kcal
Chakhokhbili takes its name from the Georgian word for pheasant, though today it is a tomato and onion stew made with chicken. The meat is browned, then stewed slowly with a mountain of sweet onions and ripe tomatoes, with almost no water added. Garlic, fresh chili and spices go in with the tomatoes, and cilantro and basil are stirred in at the end. It is easy to make and is served with bread for the juices.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season with 1 tsp of the salt. Heat the oil in a wide heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in batches, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Cook the onions in the same pot for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
- Add the tomatoes, garlic, chili, khmeli suneli and the remaining salt. Cook for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover and simmer over low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, turning the pieces now and then, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F). Do not add water unless the pot looks dry, then only 60 ml (1/4 cup).
- Stir in the cilantro and basil for the last 2 minutes. Rest the stew for 5 minutes, then serve with bread, mchadi or boiled potatoes.
Tips
- Use plenty of onions. They melt into the sauce, and there is no water in the dish, so the tomatoes and onions make all the juice.
- If the stew gets too thick, add a splash of water. If it is too thin at the end, uncover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Questions and answers
Is chakhokhbili spicy?
It is mildly spicy. Georgian cooks add fresh chili, and you can adjust the amount to suit. Leave it out for a mild stew.
Can I use chicken breast?
Bone-in thighs and drumsticks keep the sauce rich and stay juicy. If you use breast, cut it into large pieces and reduce the simmering time to 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I make chakhokhbili ahead?
Yes. It keeps 3 days in the fridge and reheats gently. Stir in fresh herbs after reheating.
How long does it take to make Chakhokhbili (Georgian Chicken and Tomato Stew)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chakhokhbili (Georgian Chicken and Tomato Stew)?
About 515 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 32 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 515 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
