Creamy Shkmeruli: Georgian Garlic Chicken
Shkmeruli is a traditional Georgian dish originating from the Racha region, celebrated for its tender pan-fried chicken enveloped in a rich and aromatic garlic milk or cream sauce. It's a deeply comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg whole chicken or chicken pieces cut into 8-10 pieces
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry thoroughly. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil and butter 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 the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the milk or heavy cream and chicken broth (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Season the sauce with a pinch more salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic cream sauce.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Heat through for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can use a whole chicken cut into 8-10 pieces. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce.