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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
Shkmeruli is a Georgian dish that combines crispy spatchcocked chicken with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The chicken is seared to perfection, creating a golden crust, and then simmered in a sauce infused with sautéed garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The cream transforms into a silky, aromatic base that clings to every bite of chicken. Best served hot, straight from the pan, with bread to scoop up the luscious sauce.
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Spatchcock the chicken from the breast side and open it flat.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Sear the chicken in a pan with olive oil over medium heat for 15–20 minutes per side. Place some weight on top to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a crispy, golden crust.
Remove the chicken from the pan and chop it into pieces as desired.
In the same pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Add cooking cream, black pepper, paprika, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the pan.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to soak up the garlicky sauce.
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For extra flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality olive oil.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Serve with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce—it’s an essential part of the dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or any other chicken cuts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
What type of cream works best for this recipe?
Use heavy cooking cream for a rich and silky sauce. Avoid light cream as it may not thicken properly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shkmeruli is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and reheat them together before serving.
How do I spatchcock a chicken?
To spatchcock a chicken, use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Then press down on the breastbone to flatten the chicken.
Is this dish spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
