Georgian Walnut - Chicken & Sauce Recipe

Welcome to the heart of Georgian cuisine! If you're looking for an unforgettable chicken and sauce recipe that's both rich in flavor and surprisingly simple to make, you've hit the jackpot. Today, we're diving into Bazhe Chicken, a true Georgian Walnut Delight. This isn't just any chicken sauce recipe; it's a culinary journey featuring tender chicken bathed in a creamy, nutty, and subtly spiced walnut sauce. It’s a staple in Georgian homes, cherished for its unique taste and comforting warmth.
Many people search for a sauce to serve with chicken that goes beyond the ordinary, and Bazhe delivers exactly that. Forget complicated techniques or endless steps – our recipe focuses on a single, unified method to create this masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking adventure, this guide will walk you through crafting a succulent chicken dish with sauce that will impress everyone at your table. Get ready to explore the magic of cooking with walnut oil (or rather, walnuts themselves!) and transform simple chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total), boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Bazhe Sauce:
• 2 cups walnuts, shelled
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• 3-4 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• ½ tsp khmeli-suneli (Georgian spice blend)
• ½ tsp utskho-suneli (Blue Fenugreek, another Georgian spice)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground saffron (optional, but highly recommended for color and aroma)
• ½ tsp red wine vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp water (for desired consistency)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken : Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through. Don't worry about cooking them completely at this stage, as they'll simmer in the sauce. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
2. Make the Bazhe Sauce : In a food processor or a high-powered blender, add the 2 cups of walnuts. Pulse and grind them until they form a very fine, almost paste-like consistency. It should look like fine crumbs, not a smooth butter yet.
3. Achieve Creamy Consistency : With the food processor running on low, slowly add 1 tablespoon of water at a time. Continue processing until the walnuts transform into a smooth, creamy sauce, similar to the consistency of sour cream or a thick yogurt. You might need 2-3 tablespoons, or a little more, depending on your walnuts.
4. Flavor the Sauce : Transfer the walnut paste to a medium bowl. Stir in the crushed garlic, chopped fresh cilantro, khmeli-suneli, utskho-suneli, ground black pepper, and the optional ground saffron. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
5. Adjust & Finish the Sauce : Finally, stir in the red wine vinegar. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should have a rich, nutty, slightly tangy, and aromatic flavor.
6. Combine & Simmer : Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour the freshly made Bazhe sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low-medium heat and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to finish cooking through, absorbing all that delicious sauce.
7. Serve : Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Serve your Georgian Walnut Delight: Bazhe Chicken immediately with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this authentic taste of Georgia!