Chicken Kiev is a delightful culinary journey wrapped in a golden crust. At its core, it's a tender chicken breast, generously stuffed with herby garlic butter that, when cooked, melts into a sumptuous surprise. Originating from Eastern Europe, Chicken Kiev has won the hearts of many across the globe due to its succulent flavors and the joy of cutting into it to reveal a molten heart of buttery goodness. 
Perfect for a special meal or when you want to indulge a little, this dish promises an unforgettable experience with every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
Simplicity and Freshness: One of the main attractions of this Chicken Kiev recipe is its reliance on simple, fresh ingredients. When combined, these ingredients—like fresh herbs, butter, and chicken—shine in their own unique ways. The garlic-infused butter is not just a filling but a flavor powerhouse, turning the interior of the chicken into a juicy and aromatic delight. Fresh ingredients ensure a clean, rich taste without the need for complex seasonings or sauces.
A Treat for the Senses: The multi-layered texture and flavors make this dish an all-around sensory treat. The crispiness of the breadcrumb-coated exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender chicken within. And just when you think that's the pinnacle, the molten garlic herb butter offers a pleasant surprise, elevating the dish to a gourmet level. Serving Chicken Kiev ensures an element of drama and anticipation; watching diners' reactions as they discover the buttery core is a joy in itself. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a must-try for everyone, from casual diners to gourmet aficionados.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts - Preferably boneless and skinless. This will be the main protein in the dish. If you don't have chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs, but ensure they are deboned.
Butter- The heart of Chicken Kiev's rich flavor. If you're dairy-free, use a good quality vegan butter or margarine.
Garlic- Freshly minced gives the butter a lovely aromatic taste. A suitable substitute would be garlic powder or even shallots.
Parsley - Freshly chopped to mix in the butter for that herbaceous kick. You can also use dried parsley or substitute with fresh dill or tarragon.
Breadcrumbs- To create the crispy exterior. Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crunchier result, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes.
Tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness; you can use a meat mallet to flatten them if necessary.
- Chill the garlic butter mixture for a bit before using, so it's easier to handle and stuff into the chicken.
- Ensure you seal the chicken well after stuffing to prevent the butter from leaking out while baking or frying.
- For an even crispier crust, you can double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Always let the Chicken Kiev rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving, this will help the juices redistribute.
How to Serve
Chicken Kiev is a delightful dish that brings out the best flavors of chicken when combined with a rich buttery filling. It's perfect for both a family dinner or a fancy occasion.
- With Greens: Pair your Chicken Kiev with a fresh green salad, tossing together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
- Potato Side: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted rosemary potatoes make a great side dish, complementing the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Veggie Delight: Steamed or sautéed seasonal vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus are both healthy and delightful with Chicken Kiev.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Kiev
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts 4 pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional items for breading: 2 beaten eggs flour for dredging
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Take each chicken breast, season with salt and pepper. Place a dollop of the butter mixture in the center, fold or roll up the chicken securing with toothpicks.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated.
- You can either deep fry them until golden brown or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Once done, let them rest for a few minutes and then serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness; you can use a meat mallet to flatten them if necessary.
- Chill the garlic butter mixture for a bit before using, so it's easier to handle and stuff into the chicken.
- Ensure you seal the chicken well after stuffing to prevent the butter from leaking out while baking or frying.
- For an even crispier crust, you can double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Always let the Chicken Kiev rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving, this will help the juices redistribute.