Chakhokhbili — Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs

Georgian Non Fasting Published April 21, 2026

Non-Fasting Recipe: This dish contains meat, dairy, or eggs and is intended for feast days and non-fasting periods.

Named for its original version made with pheasant (khokhobi), chakhokhbili is now made with chicken in
every Georgian home. The method is simple: sear chicken pieces, then smother them in a sauce of
tomatoes, onions, and a riot of fresh herbs. Deep, bright, unmistakably Georgian.

FASTING LEVEL: Non-Fasting (chicken)

SERVINGS: 6
TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 kg chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks, skin-on, bone-in)
- 3 large onions, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 2 cans of good canned tomatoes)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 200 ml dry white wine
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried blue fenugreek (utskho suneli)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne
- Salt and black pepper
- Georgian bread or pilaf, for serving

METHOD:
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil and butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces skin-side down for 8 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of fat. Add onions. Cook 10 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
4. Add garlic, utskho suneli, coriander, and cayenne. Stir 30 seconds.
5. Pour in wine. Let bubble 2 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes until slightly reduced.
7. Return chicken (and any juices) to the pot. Spoon sauce over. Cover loosely and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
8. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and basil. Cook 2 more minutes.
9. Taste for salt. Serve in shallow bowls with bread or over rice.

NOTES:
- Traditional Georgian chakhokhbili uses no water or broth — the tomatoes and wine provide all liquid. Reduce slowly if the sauce looks thin.
- Fresh basil is essential. Georgian purple basil (rehan) is ideal if you can find it. Regular sweet basil is a fine substitute.
- For even more depth, add 100 g of chopped walnuts to the finished stew just before serving — a western Georgian variation.
- Chakhokhbili is better the next day. Make it ahead if possible.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 36 g | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Fat: 24 g | Fibre: 3 g