Shkmeruli

Shkmeruli

შქმერული (shkh-meh-ROO-lee)

Garlic Chicken in Milk Sauce

Prep Time 1 hour
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 526 kcal

Crispy pan-fried chicken pieces smothered in an outrageously garlicky cream and milk sauce, baked in a clay ketsi until bubbling and golden.

Nutrition & Info

520 kcal per serving
Protein 38.0g
Carbs 8.0g
Fat 38.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

cast-iron skillet clay ketsi or baking dish knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: clay ketsi

Garnishes: fresh garlic cloves, parsley

Accompaniments: crusty bread, pickles

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then sear in hot oil in a cast-iron skillet until deeply golden on all sides.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken and set aside, then melt butter in the same skillet, add all the minced garlic and cook gently for two minutes.

  3. 3

    Pour in the milk and cream, stir to combine with the garlic and pan drippings, and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.

  4. 4

    Place the seared chicken pieces in a clay ketsi or baking dish and pour the garlic cream sauce generously over the top.

  5. 5

    Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for twenty-five minutes until the sauce is bubbling vigorously and the chicken is cooked through.

  6. 6

    Let rest five minutes before serving directly from the ketsi with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlicky sauce.

💡

Did You Know?

Shkmeruli went viral in Japan in 2020 when a convenience store chain created a shkmeruli rice bowl, briefly making it more popular in Tokyo than in Tbilisi.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • cast-iron skillet
  • clay ketsi or baking dish
  • knife

Garnishing

fresh garlic cloves, parsley

Accompaniments

crusty bread, pickles

The Story Behind Shkmeruli

Shkmeruli originates from the tiny mountain village of Shkmeri in the Racha region of western Georgia. This rustic dish exemplifies the Georgian love of garlic, using an entire head in a single recipe. It has become a modern Georgian restaurant staple.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch or dinner 📜 Origins: Village of Shkmeri, Racha region

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