Georgian Chakhokhbili
Chakhokhbili is a classic Georgian one-pot stew featuring chicken, onions, and tomatoes. Traditionally prepared with pheasant (“khokhobi”), this flavorful dish is seasoned with the renowned khemli suneli spice blend, a fragrant mix of coriander, mint, turmeric, savory, and fenugreek seeds and leaves (methi). For an authentic touch, we highly recommend pairing it with Georgian cheese bread, khachapuri.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lb chicken [1] thighs or legs bone-in
Fresh Produce
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 1-2 red bell peppers diced (optional)
- 1 lb tomatoes chopped [2]
- 2-4 tbsp chopped fresh herbs [3]
- 1-3 cloves garlic pressed or grated (optional)
- 1-2 fresh chilies finely chopped (optional)
Packaged Goods/Staples
- olive oil
- salt & pepper
Chakhokhbili Culinary Spice Kit
- coriander, fenugreek, mint, paprika, black pepper, turmeric, methi, savory, basil, cinnamon, cloves
Suggested Sides
- any flat bread or Georgian khachapuri [4]
- cooked or steamed rice
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste.
Cook
- In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and fry until it turns brown on all sides. Scoop it out and set aside.
- In the same POT, add onions and optionally bell pepper.
- Fry over medium heat until the onions turn golden.
- Add tomatoes and Chakhokhbili spices. Mix well.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste. Return chicken. Mix well. Cover.
- Bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for 30-60 minutes until the chicken falls apart. Stir occasionally.
Add to taste:
- fresh herbs, and
- optionally garlic and/or fresh chilies.
- Cook for another 5 minutes.
Notes
[1] Substitute: lamb chops or loin. Cook 90-120 minutes.
[2] Substitute: 2 cups tomatoes (whole, chopped, or puree), unseasoned.
[3] Your choice of: parsley, mint, basil, or cilantro.
[4] Khachapuri recipe.