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Georgian satsivi with sliced chicken in a pale walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and cilantro on a ceramic platter.

Georgian Satsivi (Chicken in Walnut Sauce)

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Tender chicken in a silky Georgian walnut sauce with garlic, coriander, cinnamon, and blue fenugreek.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Georgian
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Chicken
  • 2 1/2 lb bone-in chicken thighs skin removed
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 medium yellow onion quartered
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
Walnut Sauce
  • 2 cups walnuts lightly toasted
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp blue fenugreek or fenugreek
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne
  • 1 cup reserved chicken broth warm
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

Poach the Chicken:
  1. Place the chicken, water, onion, bay leaves, and salt in a pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 35 to 40 minutes until tender.
  2. Transfer the chicken to a plate and strain 1 cup of the broth. Remove the meat from the bones into large pieces.
Make the Walnut Sauce:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the diced onion for 7 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Blend the walnuts, softened onion, cilantro, vinegar, coriander, cinnamon, fenugreek, cayenne, and warm broth until smooth. Add a little more broth if needed for a pourable sauce.
Warm the Satsivi:
  1. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and warm over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring often. Do not boil, or the walnut sauce may separate.
Combine and Rest:
  1. Fold the chicken into the warm sauce and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors settle. Bring close to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 590kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 39gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 690mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g

Notes

  • Satsivi is traditionally served cool or at room temperature, not piping hot.
  • Keep the sauce below a simmer after blending so the walnut oils remain smooth.