Georgian Shkmeruli Chicken Recipe
Shkmeruli is a traditional Georgian dish featuring a whole butterflied chicken, pan-fried or roasted, then smothered in a rich, creamy garlic-milk sauce. It is a hearty and flavorful meal from the Racha region.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 3-4 lbs (1.5-2 kg)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk whole or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 head garlic minced (about 10-12 cloves)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken by cutting along both sides of the backbone and pressing it flat. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and brown for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and brown the other side for 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a cutting board, tented with foil.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one if preferred), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in the milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
- Cut the chicken into serving pieces. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce, ensuring they are coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
For an extra crispy skin, finish the chicken under the broiler after frying. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. Serve Shkmeruli with traditional Georgian bread (puri) for dipping into the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving adds a lovely finish.