Discover the enchanting flavors of Georgian cuisine with our Shkmeruli recipe. This delightful chicken dish, bathed in a velvety garlic milk sauce, promises a symphony of tastes straight from the heart of Georgia.

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 1 kg or 2.2 lbs), spatchcocked
• 10-12 cloves of garlic, finely minced or grated
• 350 ml (1 1/3 cups) whole milk
• 50g (4 tablespoons) butter, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

The journey begins by preheating your oven to a toasty 200°C (400°F), creating the perfect ambiance for the culinary symphony that awaits.

With culinary finesse, pat the chicken dry, treating it with the respect it deserves. Generously season with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch is embraced by the symphony of flavors.

In a spacious, oven-safe skillet, let a tablespoon of oil dance in the heat. Lay the chicken with care, letting it sizzle and dance until the skin is beautifully bronzed on both sides. Allow this searing act to unfold for 8-10 minutes per side, a performance that sets the stage for flavor perfection.

As the audience applauds, gracefully remove the chicken from the stage and place it on a plate, uncovered. This brief intermission is crucial, preserving that crispy skin, a testament to the artistry of Shkmeruli.

In the same pan, lower the lights to medium-low, adding 50g of butter to the mix. Melt it until it foams, creating a buttery ambiance. Introduce the garlic, sautéing for a mere 30 seconds, letting the aromatic notes fill the air.

Switching to a whisk, create a crescendo by slowly drizzling in the whole milk, whisking with a rhythmic grace. Continue until the sauce reaches a simmer, a harmonious blend of flavors embracing the chicken.

Return the chicken to the skillet, elevating the performance to the oven, where it concludes its symphony of flavors. Allow this culmination to unfold for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches perfection.

As the final act unfolds, remove the chicken from the oven, allowing it to rest while returning the skillet to medium-low heat. Whisk in the remaining butter, one pat at a time, creating a crescendo of glossy, homogenous sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, as the flavors thicken and reduce.

While the sauce serenades, take a pause to cut the chicken into 4-6 pieces. Each slice becomes a soloist, ready to enchant with its flavorful performance.

Serve this culinary opus immediately, ideally with a side of crusty bread, allowing your taste buds to savor every nuanced note of this delectable, garlicky Shkmeruli.

This Shkmeruli recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Georgian cuisine, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and rich flavors. Enjoy this decadent chicken dish on any occasion.

• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1
• Amount Per Serving:

  • Calories: 761

  • Total Fat: 48g

  • Saturated Fat: 18g

  • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g

  • Cholesterol: 256mg

  • Sodium: 416mg

  • Carbohydrates: 9g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 5g

  • Protein: 72g