CHIKHIRTMA (Traditional Chicken Soup)

Authentic Georgian chikhirtma served hot with tender chicken pieces
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Prep Time: ~20 min
Cook Time: ~1.5 hours
Total: ~1 h. 50 min
Servings: 6–8
📖 INTRO

Chikhirtma is a traditional Georgian chicken soup known for its silky texture and rich, comforting flavor. Thickened with eggs and flour, and finished with vinegar and fresh cilantro, this unique soup is one of the most beloved dishes in Georgian home cooking.

🏛️ HISTORY

Chikhirtma has long been considered one of the classic healing and comfort foods of Georgian cuisine. Traditionally prepared with homemade chicken broth, the soup became especially popular during colder seasons and festive family meals. Its signature creamy texture comes from slowly tempered egg yolks rather than dairy, making it distinctive among world soups.

🧂 INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for Georgian beet salad including beets, walnuts, garlic and fresh herbs
👨‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Clean and wash the chicken thoroughly. Place it in a pot, add enough water to cover, and boil until fully

Boiled beets being peeled and grated for Georgian beet salad

Step 2

Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and season it lightly with salt.

Walnuts and garlic being crushed into a coarse paste

Step 3

Finely chop the onions or pass them through a meat grinder.
Sauté the onions in butter or clarified butter until softened.

Grated beets mixed with walnut and garlic mixture in a bowl

Step 4

Add flour to the onions and cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring continuously.

Adding vinegar and salt to beet salad and mixing thoroughly

Step 5

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir frequently to keep the soup smooth.

Fresh herbs being finely chopped and added to beet salad

Step 6

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks thoroughly. Slowly pour them into the soup while constantly stirring.

Beet salad resting in a bowl to allow flavors to blend before serving

Step 7

As soon as the soup is about to boil, remove it from the heat. Add vinegar, finely chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.

Beet salad resting in a bowl to allow flavors to blend before serving

Step 8

To serve, place sliced chicken into bowls and pour the hot chikhirtma over the top.

Beet salad resting in a bowl to allow flavors to blend before serving
💡 TIPS
  • Do not let the soup boil after adding eggs to prevent curdling.
  • Use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
  • Whisk the eggs thoroughly for a smooth silky texture.
  • Add vinegar gradually and taste as you go.
🌍 Ingredient Substitutes
  • Chicken → Turkey Turkey can also be used for a richer broth.
  • Clarified butter → Regular butter Butter works well if clarified butter is unavailable.
  • Vinegar → Lemon juice Lemon juice provides similar acidity and freshness.
  • Cilantro → Parsley Parsley can be used for a milder herbal flavor.
  • Flour → Cornstarch slurry Cornstarch may be used for thickening, though it is less traditional.
🍽️ NUTRITION (Approximate)
  • Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
  • High in protein
  • Rich and comforting traditional soup
❓ FAQ
Why did my eggs curdle?

The soup became too hot after adding the eggs. Chikhirtma should not fully boil once eggs are added.

Can I make chikhirtma ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the eggs.

Is chikhirtma sour?

It has a light tanginess from vinegar, balanced by the rich chicken broth and eggs.

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