The Ultimate Shkmeruli Recipe – Creamy Garlic Chicken Stew from Georgia

Introduction

Shkmeruli is a traditional Georgian dish made with chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce.

Originating in the mountainous Racha region, this comforting stew combines two staples of Georgian cooking: garlic and dairy. While still relatively unknown worldwide, Shkmeruli has gained brief popularity in Japan thanks to a fast-food chain—yet few people know how to make the authentic version at home.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to:

• properly prep and sear chicken for maximum flavor,

• build a creamy garlic sauce from scratch,

• and finish everything in one pan without any complicated steps.

I decided to make this dish after being introduced to it by my Georgian friend Pariya and falling in love with its bold, yet soothing flavors. It’s a perfect entry point for anyone looking to explore Georgian cuisine and impress with a dish they’ve likely never heard of.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

• 6 chicken drumsticks (about 400g)

• 8–10 cloves garlic (grated or minced)

• 200ml milk

• 100ml heavy cream

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• Black pepper, to taste

• 10g unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)

• Bread or rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prep the chicken

Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Make shallow cuts along the thick parts of the skin to help cook evenly and absorb flavor.

Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, especially crisping the skin.

Sauté the garlic

Remove the chicken from the pan. Add butter and garlic.

Sauté on low heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Make the sauce

Add milk and cream to the garlic. Season with salt.

Bring to a gentle simmer and let the flavors come together.

Simmer the chicken

Return the chicken to the pan.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes.

Spoon sauce over the chicken occasionally to keep the skin from getting soggy.

Tips

• Shallow cuts in the chicken help with faster, even cooking and better flavor absorption.

• Don’t skip crisping the skin—it adds depth and texture.

• Serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.

• This dish also pairs wonderfully with white or orange wine.

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube!

For a step-by-step video tutorial, check out my YouTube channel:

Let me know if you tried this recipe!

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