Chkmeruli with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Sulguni Cheese

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Chkmeruli with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Sulguni Cheese

Author: Сulinary Expert Kitchen: Georgian Courses: Main dishes

Difficulty of preparation: Intermediate Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 35 mins Total time 50 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

Servings

Main:

• 500 g chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 7 garlic cloves
• 200 ml cream (20–30%)
• 80 g sulguni cheese
• 20 g butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Spices:

• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground coriander
• ¹⁄₂ tsp khmeli-suneli
• ¹⁄₂ tsp paprika
• salt — to taste
• ground black pepper — to taste

For serving:

• fresh cilantro or parsley
• lavash or shoti bread

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Season with salt and pepper and leave for 5 minutes.

Sear the chicken

1. Heat a skillet with vegetable oil.

2. Sear the chicken over medium heat until golden on both sides (5–7 minutes).

Make the sauce

1. Add butter to the skillet with the chicken.

2. Peel and finely chop or crush the garlic, then add it to the pan.

3. Heat for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.

Simmer

1. Pour in the cream.

2. Add coriander, khmeli-suneli, and paprika.

3. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Finish

1. Grate the sulguni cheese coarsely.

2. Add the cheese to the skillet and heat for 2–3 minutes until fully melted.

Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.

2. Serve hot, with lavash or bread for dipping in the sauce.

Note

To make your chicken as juicy and flavorful as possible, use our Chkmeruli Secrets and Tips. Here you’ll find step-by-step advice on the sauce, simmering time, and selecting the best chicken.

Chkmeruli — The Creamy Garlic Legend of Georgian Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is famous for dishes where simple ingredients shine at their fullest. Chkmeruli is exactly that kind of dish. Originating from the Racha region, it is considered one of the most aromatic chicken dishes in Georgia.

The main feature of chkmeruli is its sauce. Thick, creamy, and loaded with garlic, the sauce becomes mellow, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful as it simmers. It’s this sauce that makes the dish instantly recognizable and beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

Traditionally, chkmeruli is served in the same skillet it was cooked in. The dish sizzles as it arrives, and the aroma of garlic and spices instantly fills the room. In Georgia, it is eaten slowly, always with lavash or shoti bread, dipping into the sauce until the very last drop.

Chkmeruli is not festive or restaurant food — it’s genuine home cooking. It’s made for family, friends, and cozy evenings around a big table. That’s why it feels so warm and “alive.”

Today, chkmeruli is often adapted: cheese is added, cream or sour cream is used, and spice ratios are adjusted. But the essence remains — juicy chicken and plenty of flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for an everyday lunch or a special evening when you crave something truly delicious.

Chkmeruli is a perfect example of how Georgian cuisine transforms simple ingredients into a culinary experience full of emotion.