Georgian Tomato Chicken with Zucchini

This weeknight Georgian-inspired braise pairs economical seared chicken thighs with peak-August Washington zucchini and tomatoes in a fragrant garlic-coriander sauce.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 1/2 lb $1.29
  • Zucchini
    12 oz $1.79
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    1 lb $1.49
  • Jumbo Yellow Onion
    8 oz $0.99
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs
    4 cloves $2.49
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/2 cup chopped $1.69
  • Olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 tsp
  • Black pepper
    1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander
    1 tsp
  • Sweet paprika
    1 tsp
  • Crushed red pepper
    1/4 tsp
  • Water
    1/2 cup
  • Red wine vinegar
    2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 1/2 lb chicken thighs dry and season with 3/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chicken for 4 minutes per side, then transfer it to a plate.
  2. Dice 8 oz yellow onion and cut 12 oz zucchini into 3/4-inch pieces. Add both to the hot skillet and cook over medium heat for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Mince 4 garlic cloves. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp sweet paprika, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper; stir for 1 minute.
  4. Chop 1 lb Roma tomatoes. Add the 1 lb chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup water, scraping up the browned bits, then return the 1 1/2 lb seared chicken thighs and any juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 20–22 minutes, until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat; stir in 6 tbsp chopped cilantro and 2 tsp red wine vinegar, then rest the braise uncovered for 5 minutes.
  6. Spoon into two shallow bowls, coating each portion with the tomato-zucchini sauce, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Total time: 55 minutes

Estimated cost: $9–$11 for 2 servings

Health notes: About 650 calories per serving, with roughly 45 grams of protein and a generous portion of vegetables.

Drink pairing: A lightly chilled Pinot Noir complements the tomatoes, herbs, and savory seared chicken.