Georgian Chicken Stew with Herbs and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and garnish the stew with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs and drumsticks. You can also use a whole chicken, cut into pieces.
• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for a vibrant and flavorful sauce. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken pieces before adding them to the stew.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the Chakhokhbili with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Chakhokhbili hot, accompanied by a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread. The stew is best enjoyed when the flavors have had time to meld together, so allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Chakhokhbili with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant red sauce to take center stage.