Chicken Kharcho

5 servings

80 minutes

Chicken kharcho is a fragrant Georgian dish that combines the tenderness of chicken meat, the spiciness of spices, and the richness of tomato broth. Unlike classic kharcho with beef, this version has a softer and lighter taste, perfect for those who prefer less fatty dishes. Rice adds density to the soup, while cilantro and khmeli-suneli enrich it with bright Eastern notes. The slight acidity of the tomato paste harmonizes with the tenderness of chicken fillet, creating a balanced flavor. This soup not only warms but is also excellent for restoring strength. Chicken kharcho is often served with fresh bread or flatbreads to fully enjoy its rich taste. In Georgian families, it is considered one of the traditional warming dishes, especially on cool evenings.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 140.6
• Proteins: 15.4g
• Fats: 1.7g
• Carbohydrates: 17.6g

Ingredients

• Rice: 2 tbsp
• Chicken breast: 1 pc
• Onion: 1 head
• Garlic: 1 head
• Tomato paste: 0.5 jar
• Coriander: to taste
• Khmeli-suneli: to taste
• Bay leaf: 2 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Put the chicken breast to boil in salted water. While it cooks, rinse the rice to prevent the dish from turning into porridge.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken breast: 1 piece
   • Salt:  to taste

2. Remove the chicken breast from the broth and add the rinsed rice to it.

   Required ingredients:

   • Rice: 2 tablespoons

3. While the rice is cooking, chop the onion into cubes and sauté on low heat until golden (be careful not to overcook).

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 head

4. When the onion is ready, add tomato paste to the pan, mix well with the onion, add a couple of tablespoons of chicken broth, cover with a lid, and wait until the rice is cooked.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomato paste: 0.5 jar

5. While the rice is cooking and the tomato paste is stewing with onions, separate the chicken fillet from the bones and cut the meat into thin strips, then add it back to the broth with the rice.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken breast: 1 piece

6. Add the tomato mixture to the chicken and rice and let it simmer on low heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomato paste: 0.5 jar

7. Grate the garlic on a fine grater and add it to the soup.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 1 head

8. Rinse the cilantro under cold water and add it to the dish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Coriander:  to taste

9. Add a bay leaf, khmeli-suneli, salt, and pepper - all to taste.

   Required ingredients:

   • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
   • Khmeli-suneli:  to taste
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste