Introduction

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make poultry dish, look no further than chicken tabaka! This popular Georgian dish is made by frying chicken with a blend of herbs and spices in a large skillet or pan Typically Chicken tabaka is served with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. When it is properly prepared, the chicken should be crispy on the outside, while retaining its tenderness and moistness on the inside.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• chicken
• 2 tsp adjika, utskho suneli
• salt, to taste
• oil, as needed
• lemon wedges, for garnish

For the garlic sauce:

• 1 head of garlic, about 10-12 cloves, peeled and minced fine
• 1\2 cup water

Preparation & Cooking

Slice the chicken down the center of the breastbone using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Open the chicken and press it down flat, skin-side up. Cover the chicken with a piece of parchment or plastic wrap, and using a meat mallet or rolling pin, lightly pound on the chicken to flatten it. Season the chicken generously with salt, and spices ( dry Adjika, Utskho suneli) all over both sides.

Over medium-low heat, add a generous drizzle of oil to a large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken skin-side up. Place a clean, heavy object on top of the chicken to weigh it down, such as a second cast iron skillet, a sheet pan topped with a large pot. Let the chicken cook for 25 minutes, maintain a medium-low heat. After 25 minutes, flip the chicken so that it is now skin-side down, and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving dish and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. While it rests, prepare the garlic sauce.

Over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil to the same pan you cooked the chicken in. Add the minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is aromatic but not browned. Add 1\2 cup of water, scrape off all the delicious bits in the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for another 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat, and add the chopped cilantro. Taste and season with salt . Spoon the sauce over the chicken just before serving, or serve the sauce on the side.

Conclusion

This Georgian chicken dish is sure to become a new family favorite! It's easy to make, and so flavorful with the garlic sauce. Serve it with rice or potatoes, and a side of vegetables for a complete meal. You'll love the crispy chicken skin, and the juicy, tender meat. Give our chicken tabaka recipe a try and don't forget to check out our other authentic Georgian recipes.

Shop Georgian Spices - Suneli Valley

If you're looking for authentic flavors of Georgia, Suneli Valley is the perfect place to shop. We carry adjika, utskho suneli, and a variety of other spice blends, so you can make all of your favorite Georgian dishes at home. Shop our online Georgian grocery store today and get everything you need to create delicious, authentic Georgian cuisine.