Easy Georgian Creamy Garlic Chicken (Shkmeruli)
Golden chicken, heaps of garlic, and a quick creamy sauce — that’s Shkmeruli, Georgia’s coziest dinner. The chicken crisps in the pan, then simmers in garlicky milk until the whole kitchen smells incredible. Simple, bold, and best with bread to soak it all up.
In its traditional form, Shkmeruli is made simply with garlic and water, but this version uses cream for a richer experience. With its tender chicken and velvety sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that goes perfectly with fresh bread to mop up every bit.
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Shkmeruli
A creamy take on Shkmeruli, the classic Georgian chicken dish. Tender chicken is cooked in a garlic and cream sauce for a comforting, indulgent meal, perfect with fresh bread.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken preferably free-range
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8-10 cloves garlic finely chopped or crushed
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for added depth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
- Fresh herbs cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by flattening the chicken for even cooking. Cut along the breastbone and press down firmly to open it up. Season generously with salt on both sides.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken, breast side down, in the skillet and press down with a smaller skillet or pot to help create a golden crust.
- Sear the chicken for about 15 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, making sure to scrape up any browned bits left behind by the chicken to add flavor.
Season the Sauce:
- Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Taste and add more salt if needed. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it soak up the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top, cover, and let it all simmer together for another 10 minutes on low heat.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Serve the chicken with extra sauce on the side—perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over rice.
Notes
This dish is a perfect example of comfort food with a touch of elegance. The garlic cream sauce is simple yet full of flavor, making it ideal for any occasion where you want to treat yourself or guests. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and you’ll have a meal to remember.
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