Chicken Kiev

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.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade chicken Kiev is one recipe that you will find a million reasons to love.

For starters, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it so that you can customize your traditional chicken to your liking. Whether that means making a vegan Kiev, or simply adding extra herbs and spices to the breadding, its never been easier to customize a dish to your personal taste preferences.

Additionally, this comfort food staple is highly versatile, making a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes from potatoes to salads and more.

Ingredients

Butter:

The key ingredient in a classic chicken Kiev is the herb-infused compound butter. The best butter for chicken Kiev is unsalted butter, as it allows for better control of the salt content in the dish. Additionally, dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter or margarine can be substituted for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dish.

Paprika:

Paprika is added to the butter in chicken Kiev to impart a subtle smoky flavor and enhance the overall aroma of the dish. In addition to paprika, other spices such as onion powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano can be incorporated to customize the flavor

Cilantro:

Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to this easy chicken Kiev recipe. Alongside cilantro, other herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill can also be used to enhance the flavor profile.

Garlic:

While garlic is traditionally used to create a classic chicken Kiev, alternatives such as ginger, sundried tomatoes, chives, green onion, onion powder, roasted red pepper paste, and shallots can also be used to offer a unique twist to the dish

Chicken Breast:

For chicken Kiev, the best cuts to use are boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To prepare them, start by placing each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully butterfly it by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, leaving it attached on one side. Then, open the breast like a book and gently pound it to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. If you are looking to use a different types of protein to make your Kiev, turkey, pork and tofu can be used. Additionally you can make a fish Kiev using whitefish fillets such as haddock or cod or a vegetable Kiev using a mixture of finely chopped veggies and mushrooms.

Flour:

Flour is used as a binding agent for the breading on your crispy chicken Kiev. However, if dietary restrictions are a concern, cornstarch, almond flour, and rice flour can all be used in place of flour.

Eggs:

Eggs are another binding agent used to help the bread crumbs adhere to the chicken. Milk, buttermilk, yogurt, mayonnaise, margarine, and oil can all be used instead of eggs.

Bread Crumbs:

While this traditional chicken Kiev recipe uses regular bread crumbs, there are a number of alternatives that can be used to coat your chicken. Panko, flavored bread crumbs, cracker crumbs, cornflakes, or cereal can all be used. However, if you are looking for a choice that will suit any dietary needs, quinoa, rice, or nuts are also viable options.

Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese is used in chicken Kiev to add flavor and richness to the dish. Alternatives to Parmesan cheese include other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, which offer similar savory notes. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor to your Kiev.

Oil:

For a crispy chicken Kiev, deep frying is the next option. The best oils for frying chicken Kiev are those with a high smoke point and neutral flavor to ensure the breading doesn't burn and the natural flavors of the dish are preserved. For this, vegetable, canola, sunflower, peanut, safflower, and corn oils are all great options.

How to Make Chicken Kiev

Step One: 

In a small bowl, combine butter, salt, pepper, paprika, cilantro, and garlic.

Step Two: 

Season your chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Step Three: 

Beat your eggs in a bowl, add the flour to a second bowl, and the breadcrumbs to a third.

Step Four:

Spoon a dollop of the butter mixture in the center of your butterflied chicken breast and sprinkle parmesan all over.

Step Five: 

Fold each side in on the center to create a small packet.

Step Six: 

Wrap each chicken packet tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step Seven: 

Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap from the chicken and dredge each in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the bread crumbs.

Step Eight: 

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step Nine: 

Once the oil is boiling hot, carefully place one chicken packet in to cook.

Step Ten: 

Remove once the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step Eleven: 

Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!

Tips

• Enhance the flavor of the breading by using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
• To ensure your crispy chicken Kiev is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F before removing it from the heat.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over your homemade chicken Kiev before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

What to Serve With Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. For a classic accompaniment, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. Alternatively, roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus (as you can see above),  green beans, or carrots provide vibrant color and nutritious elements to the plate. For a more indulgent option, crusty bread or dinner rolls can be served on the side to mop up any remaining sauce.

Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Chicken Kiev for delicious side dishes.

FAQs

Can I bake chicken Kiev instead of frying it?

Yes, chicken Kiev can be baked instead of fried, and it offers a healthier alternative while still achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Simply place your breaded chicken Kiev on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

How do I prevent the butter from leaking out during cooking?

To prevent the butter from leaking out during cooking, ensure it's well-chilled before stuffing it into the chicken. Seal the chicken tightly around the butter, using toothpicks if necessary.

How long can leftover chicken Kiev be kept fresh?

Leftover chicken Kiev can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for 1-2 months. Thaw frozen chicken Kiev overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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