Chakhokhbili with chicken and potatoes
4 servings
30 minutes
Chakhokhbili is one of the most famous dishes of Georgian cuisine, known for its rich aroma and flavor. Originally made from pheasant, the recipe has been adapted over time for more accessible chicken meat. The combination of tomatoes, spices, and tender chicken creates a harmony of taste enhanced by the light spiciness of garlic and khmeli-suneli. Potatoes add heartiness to the dish, making it an excellent option for family lunch or festive dinner. Chicken and potato chakhokhbili features a rich tomato sauce in which the meat becomes incredibly tender and literally melts in your mouth. Serving with lemon and fresh herbs adds freshness and aesthetic completeness to the dish. It is not just food — it is the history, culture, and warmth of a Georgian meal.
1
Cut the chicken into small pieces (3-4 per serving), place them in a pot or deep skillet, pour in vegetable oil beforehand, and set to simmer with a closed lid.
- Chicken: 1 kg
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
2
While the chicken is cooking, finely chop and sauté the tomatoes (you can strain them) with added tomato paste.
- Tomatoes: 1 kg
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
3
Pour the chicken juice into a separate dish. Add butter, finely chopped onion, pepper, spices, garlic, and fry until a crust forms, stirring very often.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 500 g
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Ground red pepper: to taste
- Salt: to taste
- Khmeli-suneli: 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Saffron: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh red bell pepper: 1 piece
4
Add very hot juice and tomatoes to the chicken. If there is little sauce, add hot water or broth to cover the pieces of chicken.
- Tomatoes: 1 kg
- Chicken: 1 kg
5
Tightly close the lid, reduce the heat (it should bubble slightly). The onion, pepper, and tomatoes should almost dissolve at the end, and the chicken meat should pull away from the bones. You can add separately boiled and mashed potatoes to the dish.
- Potato: 0.5 kg
6
Serve decorated with thin lemon slices and greens.
- Lemon: 0.5 piece
