Chicken Tabaka (Georgian Chicken Under a Brick)

May 06, 2023May 6, 20230 5

Learn how to make Chicken Tabaka, a traditional Georgian dish that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor!

Chicken Tabaka (Georgian Chicken Under a Brick)

by The Chefin Main

Prep

5 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

2 hrs 40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	3 -4 lbs whole chickens , backbone removed and flattened ( I also cut out some breastbones )
	1 cup olive oil
	6 garlic cloves , smashed
	2 tablespoons seasoning ( paprika , carrot , garlic , turmeric , chili peppers , onion )
	1 lemon
	kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

500

Sugar

Fat

40g

Chicken Tabaka is a traditional Georgian dish that's commonly made for family dinners and special occasions. The dish is made by marinating a whole chicken in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, and then roasting it with a heavy object on top to make it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. To serve, the chicken is typically cut into pieces and served with lemon wedges.

Instructions

1.	In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, seasoning, juice of half the lemon, salt and pepper.
2.	Coat chicken in mixture and let marinate for at least 2 hours.
3.	Preheat oven to 475°F.
4.	Place chicken on a baking sheet and top with another baking sheet weighed down with a brick or other heavy object.
5.	Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6.	Serve with lemon wedges.

PROS

Crispy skin, juicy meat, flavorful marinade.
Georgian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors, and Chicken Tabaka is no exception.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

CONS

The cooking process requires a brick or heavy object to weigh down the chicken, which may not be convenient for everyone.
The high heat of the oven may also cause some smoke.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

As with most dishes, the health benefits of Chicken Tabaka depend on the ingredients used and portion size. Chicken is a great source of lean protein and garlic is known for its ability to promote heart health and boost the immune system.