Smoky Georgian Shkmeruli with Garlic and Herbs

Name: Smoky Georgian Shkmeruli with Garlic and Herbs
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons fresh dill; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; Fresh dill sprigs; Lemon wedges

A Traditional Dish with a Modern Twist

Delight in the rich, smoky flavors of Georgian cuisine with this hearty chicken dish, infused with aromatic garlic and herbs.

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinated Chicken

4 chicken thighs

bone-in, skin-on

3 cloves garlic

minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons butter

5 cloves garlic

thinly sliced

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons fresh dill

chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley

chopped

1 teaspoon salt

For the Garnish

Fresh dill sprigs

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Apply Marinade

Rub the marinade generously over the chicken thighs.

Marinate

Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Sauce

Melt Butter

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sauté Garlic

Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.

Combine Dairy

Pour in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until combined.

Do not let the sauce boil, or it might curdle. Pro Tip: Infuse the sauce with a bay leaf for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Process

Searing the Chicken

Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat and sear marinated chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown.

Timing: 10 minutes. Heat: High heat.

Simmering the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and pour prepared sauce over the chicken. Let simmer until chicken is fully cooked.

Timing: 25 minutes. Heat: Low heat.

Herb Infusion

Add fresh dill and parsley to the skillet, stirring gently to incorporate into the sauce.

Plating & Serving