Entree: Georgia – Tbilisi & Eastern Georgia – ჩიხირთმა ➤ Chikhirtma (Traditional Georgian chicken soup thickened and enriched with eggs and lemon)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 15 min

Total 1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

- 3 lb (1.36 kg) whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 8 cups (1.9 L) water
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved (8 oz / 225 g)
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp (5 g) whole black peppercorns
- 1 1/2 tsp (8 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken pieces, water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and 1 1/2 tsp salt in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim any foam and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Remove the chicken to a bowl and strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot; discard solids. When cool enough to handle, shred the chicken, discarding bones and skin if desired.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux without browning. Gradually whisk 1 cup (240 ml) of the reserved broth into the roux to make a smooth slurry, then stir the slurry back into the main pot of broth and bring to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon juice until smooth. Temper the egg-lemon mixture by whisking in 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot broth, then slowly whisking the tempered mixture back into the pot off the heat or over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Warm gently—do not boil.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped cilantro or parsley, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and lemon juice to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.