Shkmeruli (Racha Cast-Iron Crispy Chicken in Velvety Milk-Garlic Pan Sauce) – Authentic Georgia Recipe
One of Georgia’s most addictive dishes: crackling-crisp skin chicken bathing in a bubbling, deeply garlicky milk pan sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇬🇪 Georgia (Caucasus, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crispy pan-roasted chicken thighs, Warm crusty Puri bread, Fresh herbs, 8 cloves crushed garlic, Milk and cream reduction
Ingredients for Shkmeruli (Racha Cast-Iron Crispy Chicken in Velvety Milk-Garlic Pan Sauce) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crispy pan-roasted chicken thighs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups warm crusty Puri bread, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup fresh herbs
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with 8 cloves crushed garlic
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Georgia seasoning (milk and cream reduction, butter, coriander pinch)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and 8 cloves crushed garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add crispy pan-roasted chicken thighs and warm crusty Puri bread along with milk and cream reduction, butter, coriander pinch, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve straight from the skillet.