A classic Georgian chicken dish from the Racha region, featuring succulent bone-in chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce made primarily from generous amounts of raw garlic and dairy. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal.
Authentic Georgian Garlic Chicken
A classic Georgian chicken dish from the Racha region, featuring succulent bone-in chicken thighs bathed in a rich, creamy sauce made primarily from generous amounts of raw garlic and dairy. It's a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 medium bone-in chicken thighs skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk whole
- 0.05 cup garlic fresh
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 8-10 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, milk, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash more milk or water.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot with bread to scoop up the sauce.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can pan-fry the chicken in butter before adding the sauce. Adjust garlic to your preference, but remember Shkmeruli is known for its bold garlic flavor. Serve with crusty bread or Georgian Shotis Puri to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving adds freshness.
