Learn how to make the classic Georgian dish Chakhokhbili. It takes less than an hour from start to finish and is a naturally low-carb dinner.
If you try this Chakhokhbili recipe, I highly recommend serving it with Georgian cheese bread (khachapuri).
This recipe was originally posted September 6, 2017, we’ve tweaked it a bit since then. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
What is Chakhokhbili?
Chakhokhbili is a well know Georgian dish of stewed chicken and fresh herbs. It is originally made with pheasant, but most people use chicken.
The key to getting amazing tasting chakhokhbili is using homegrown tomatoes. Anyone who has a garden of their own can’t deny that homegrown tomatoes outdo any store-bought ones. This is why you should make this dish before tomatoes season is over.
If you happen to stumble upon this recipe in the midst of winter, worry not; there are still a few store-bought brands of diced tomatoes that will still make this dish delicious. My go-to brands are San Marzan and Pomi.
The aroma of the stewed tomatoes and cilantro make this dish oh so flavorful. Chakhokhbili is not only tasty, but it’s also quite healthy as well. It’s loaded with fresh herbs, vegetables, and chicken.
How to Pronounce Chakhokhbili
Yes, it is quite a mouthful! Since it is a Georgian word, there are a few different sounding letters that we don’t use in English. This is how to pronounce Chakhokhbili.
Chalk – hoke (but with a throat sound) – bee – lee
When you say the “hoke” part of the word, you have to make a “clearing your throat” sound. It isn’t a soft “h” sound like we are used to in English, it is more of ck + h sound.
How to Make Chakhokhbili
Now that you know what it is, here is how to make it yourself! The recipe card has all the details, with complete steps and ingredients.
Chakhokhbili Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (with skin & bone)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, divided
- Onion
- Red bell pepper
- Diced San Marzano tomatoes or 3.5 lb fresh tomatoes
- Jalapeños, sliced (add a little at a time, all jalapenos have different heat)
- Small chili pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Garlic cloves, pressed
Instructions:
Chakhokhbili has so much flavor – it’s spicy with a deep savory flavor. It is much easier to make than it is to pronounce.
1. Season and Brown the Chicken
First, season both sides of the chicken. Then brown both sides of the chicken thighs in a skillet with olive oil and set it aside.
2. Saute Onion and Bell Pepper
Next, in the same skillet saute the onion and bell pepper with more olive oil.
3. Add Tomatoes to Skillet
Then you will add the tomatoes and cover it with a lid and let it cook.
4. Add Chicken to the Skillet
After you gently add the chicken back in back using tongs, you’ll cook it for 30 more minutes. This is the part where all the flavors of the Chakhokhbili come together in the skillet, don’t rush it.
5. Add more Seasonings
After the chicken is fully cooked, you’ll add the jalapeños, chili pepper chopped cilantro, and pressed garlic. These are all very important for authentic Chakhokhbili, so don’t skip any of them. If you have an aversion to cilantro, you can skip that, though.
Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Serve hot with naan bread.
Here are some step-by-step pictures to show you how I made my Chakhokhbili. Doesn’t it look scrumptious?
Chakhokhbili Dietary Restrictions
If you have any kind of dietary restrictions, this dish could be perfect for you! It fits in with the following eating guides:
- Keto Friendly
- Gluten-Free
- Whole30
- Paleo
Chakhokhbili Recipe
Here is the printable recipe card for chakhokhbili with the complete recipe. Print it or pin this post – either way save it so you can make it again.
Full Recipe Instructions
Chakhokhbili (Georgian Chicken Stew with Herbs)
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. chicken thighs with skin & bone
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 large onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 26-30 oz diced San Marzano tomatoes or 3.5 lb fresh tomatoes
- 1-2 jalapeños sliced (add a little at a time, all jalapenos have different heat)
- 1 small chili pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves pressed
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, heat 4 tbsp olive oil over high heat until its smoking hot. Add the seasoned chicken and brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet add an additional 2 tbsp olive oil and bring the heat to medium high. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add in the sliced bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add in the chopped tomatoes. (if you do not have in season tomatoes use pre chopped tomatoes, preferably Pomi or San Marzano brand). Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken back into the pot and season with salt. Start with 1 tsp. You may add more later according to your liking. Place the lid back over the pot and cook the chicken for about 30 more minutes.
- Add the sliced jalapeños, chili pepper chopped cilantro, and pressed garlic. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Serve hot with naan bread.
Nutrition
More Chicken Dinner Ideas
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make the authentic Georgian chicken dish Chakhokhbili. Here are some more of my favorite chicken dinner ideas.
- Chicken Shawarma – This is a grilled chicken lunch that is wrapped in a warm pita.
- Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe – A fancy dish that takes less than 30 minutes to make and the whole family will love it!
- Chicken Scampi Recipe – This scampi is made with white wine and served on a bed of pasta.
- Low-Carb Chicken Provencal with Vegetables – This is an easy chicken dinner that uses the spice “herbs de provence” – you can substitute it with Tuscan seasoning.
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H says
Don’t skip the cilantro. Most people who don’t like cilantro will like it if you remove the stems and only use the leaves. This prevents the dirt/soap taste most people complain about.
Diana says
This was very good. I made it exactly as directed. All my vegetables were farmer’s market fresh, so that may have it even better. I don’t know. But it was delicious and pretty easy.
simplyhomecooked says
Yay! So happy you loved this Chakhokhbili recipe! Farm fresh vegetables make everything better 🙂 Thank you so much for your feedback Diana! 🙂
Susanne says
Great recipe, stumbled across it because I looked at different Khachapuri recipes. Easy & full of flavour made it with Faro, thought it worked well.
Dina says
Thank you for the kind feedback, Susanne!
Lisa says
Only mod was left out chilies to appease my kiddo and she looooved this dish. Also broiled for a few minutes at the end to crisp up skin. Thank you for this easy, delicious recipe. A fantastic way to use up a big amount of summer tomatoes. Served with your khachapuri.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review! It makes me very happy to hear that you loved this Chakhokhbili recipe 🙂 Love the addition of the broil at the end 🙂
Karen says
This was absolutely delicious! I did add something that I think is important: khmeli suneli, the dried spice mixture that’s ubiquitous in Georgian cuisine. The exact spices can vary some, but the core ones are coriander, basil, fenugreek, and marjoram. I got mine off of Amazon for like $6… and after using it in the recipe, I can see WHY Georgian people put it in pretty much everything, it’s delicious! I’m sure it’s very good without it, but I think it really takes it to the next level.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Karen, I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. And thank you for the spice tip! I will have to try using those spices next time I make this 🙂
Sarah says
Do you add the juice of the tomatoes if using canned or drain?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Sarah, yes you add the juice from the canned tomatoes 🙂 If you have any other questions please let me know.
Maddie says
I just made this tonight and it was delicious. I did change a couple of things though. I seasoned the tighs with salt, pepper, coriander and cayenne pepper and while cooking the stew I added 2 sprigs of tarragon and 2 sprigs of thyme. Everyone in my family loved it and the kids already asked me to please make it again next week.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for the wonderful review, Maddie! I’m glad your family enjoyed this chakhokhbili recipe 🙂
Pam says
Made this for dinner tonight, it was absolutely delicious, and have shared the recipe with my daughter.
simplyhomecooked says
Hello Pam, I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe and thank you for sharing it with your family! I hope you find more recipes you enjoy from my blog 🙂
Karly says
Wow, does this look good! Such a nice way to (literally) spice up your typical chicken dinner!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Karly!