Georgian-Style Chicken with Tomatoes and Herbs - Chakhokhbili (Video)
 
Prep time
Cook time
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Georgian-Style Chicken with Tomatoes and Herbs is packed with incredible flavors, coming from the delectable combination of ingredients used. A famous Georgian spice mix, khmeli-suneli, adds a truly Georgian spirit to this popular dish. This is an easy recipe to use to prepare your next simple but super delicious Georgian meal.
Author:
Recipe type: Main Dishes; Poultry
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced (should equal 4 cups sliced onions)
  • One 3-pound (1½ kg) chicken, cut into 10 pieces
  • 6 medium ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped (I do not peel them, but feel free to peel)
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Georgian spice mix, khmeli-suneli (skip if you don't have it)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • Generous 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (you can also add other herbs: parsley, tarragon basil, dill)
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes or chili pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
  1. Melt the butter in a large, tall frying pan over medium heat. Add the oil (this will prevent the butter from burning). Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is light golden, about 10 minutes. Scoop out the onion and place on a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
  2. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides in the same pan, turning once, about 3 minutes per side, or until a light golden crust forms.
  3. Add the onion and tomatoes to the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the spice mix.
  4. Cover the pan and cook the dish over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Uncover the last 10 minutes and cook more.
  5. Meanwhile, crush the garlic and most of the cilantro (reserve some for garnish) together in a mortar and pestle until you obtain a paste.
  6. Turn off the heat. Add the cilantro-garlic paste to the chicken, stir to coat. Sprinkle with hot pepper to taste.
  7. Let stand 5 minutes, covered, before serving. Sprinkle with the reserved fresh cilantro.
  8. Serve with chunks of fresh, crusty bread.
Recipe by AZ Cookbook at https://azcookbook.com/2017/09/26/georgian-style-chicken-with-tomatoes-and-herbs-chakhokhbili/