Shkmeruli is a delectable chicken dish that is fried to a golden brown perfection and bathed in a spicy milk-garlic sauce. This beloved dish has won the hearts of many meat lovers who visit Georgia, and its name pays homage to its origins in the village of Shkmeri, nestled in the picturesque Racha Region.
According to local legend, the creation of shkmeruli was a stroke of culinary genius born out of necessity. A local ruler, eager to diversify his dining options, commanded his personal chef to whip up something entirely new. With time running short, the resourceful chef opted to use only the ingredients readily available: chicken, milk, garlic, and a blend of spices. The result was a delightful chicken dish in a milk-garlic sauce that left the king utterly enchanted. Today, this iconic Georgian dish is enjoyed across the country, gracing the menus of nearly every holiday gathering and large restaurant, often served sizzling in a pan.
The traditional shkmeruli recipe calls for roasting the chicken in a ketsi, a classic Georgian pan designed for even cooking. However, a regular skillet can also do the trick, and in some cases, the dish is prepared in the oven. To begin, the chicken is coated with sunflower oil or a similar fat, seasoned generously with spices and salt, and fried until it achieves a beautiful golden hue. While the chicken cooks, the sauce is prepared by combining chopped garlic with the flavorful fat from the frying pan, which is then added to hot milk. Once the chicken is cooked, it is cut into medium-sized pieces and immersed in the rich milk-garlic sauce.
When serving shkmeruli, it’s essential to accompany the dish with an array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and hot, crusty bread.