Georgian-style chakhokhbili
Description
If you've never heard of this dish and have no idea what chakhokhbili is, let me explain. It's a traditional Georgian dish consisting of tender chicken pieces that are first seared and then simmered in a tomato sauce with vegetables, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, without adding any extra liquid. To make it even clearer, I'm sharing my detailed recipe for authentic Georgian chakhokhbili. In fact, there's nothing complicated about it—it's extremely simple to prepare, yet the dish turns out incredibly tasty and aromatic. In Georgia, it's served as a main course without any side dishes, as it's quite filling and doesn't need any accompaniments. So be sure to try making Georgian chakhokhbili at home—you won't spend much time on it, but your lunch or dinner will be truly delicious.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
First, cut the chicken into portion pieces, rinse them, and remove the fat.
- 2
Step 2
Place the fat in a frying pan and melt it, then grease the surface of the pan with the fat and sear the chicken over high heat on all sides until a golden crust forms.
- 3
Step 3
Now slice the onion into half-rings and place it into a cauldron or a heavy-bottomed pot. Simmer the onion until soft, then add crushed tomatoes in their own juice, and continue simmering for a few more minutes.
- 4
Step 4
Transfer the fried chicken to the stewed onions, season with salt and pepper, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 40-50 minutes).
- 5
Step 5
Add the minced garlic a few minutes before the dish is ready.
- 6
Step 6
And a few minutes later, add the chopped greens.
- 7
Step 7
Chakokhbili is ready, and now it can be served. Enjoy your meal, everyone!