Classic Shkmeruli Chicken
Shkmeruli Chicken is a traditional Georgian dish from the Kakheti region, known for its tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic milk sauce. It features a unique blend of earthy spices, creating a comforting and deeply flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces or 8 boneless
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup milk whole
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 head garlic minced (about 10-12 cloves)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp fenugreek powder
- 0.25 tsp dried marigold petals crushed (optional)
- 0.75 tsp salt (divided)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with 0.5 tsp salt and black pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken pieces skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear other sides for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in ground coriander, fenugreek powder, marigold petals (if using), and remaining 0.25 tsp salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure chicken is partially submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Uncover, and if the sauce is too thin, increase heat slightly and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
For an extra authentic touch, crush dried marigold petals into your spice blend. Serve Shkmeruli with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic sauce. You can also vary the chicken by using boneless thighs for quicker cooking.