Chicken-Kiev

Authentic Chicken Kiev Recipe from Ukraine - Juicy Chicken Breasts with Buttery Breadcrumbs

Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that originated in Russia and has become popular worldwide for its delicious combination of tender chicken, flavorful butter, and crispy coating. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy meal at home.

History

Chicken Kiev is believed to have been created in the early 20th century in Kiev, Ukraine. The dish was originally made with chicken cutlets filled with butter and herbs, then breaded and fried until crispy. It quickly gained popularity in Russia and eventually spread to other countries, becoming a beloved dish in many households.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 chicken halves)
1 cup butter, at room temperature
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tsp granulated garlic powder
2 large eggs
3 tbsp cold water
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp granulated garlic powder
0.75 tsp dried dill weed
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.75 cup fine dry breadcrumbs or saltine crumbs
0.5 medium lemon, sliced
0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cup vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil

How to prepare

Remove all fat from the chicken and discard.
If the chicken breasts are in one piece, split them into two pieces.
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of wax paper and use a mallet to pound the chicken until it reaches a thickness of about 0.13 inches. Be careful not to pound too hard and break the chicken.
Place the pounded chicken breasts on a dish, cover, and set them aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, black pepper, and granulated garlic powder. Mix well.
Shape the butter mixture into a rectangular shape measuring 2" x 3" on a 6-inch square piece of aluminum foil. The thickness should be about 0.25".
Place the foil with the butter mixture in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator for approximately 0.5 hour, or until the butter hardens.
Cut the hardened butter into 6 equal pieces measuring 0.5" x 3".
Place one piece of butter at the front of each prepared chicken breast.
Fold in the edges of the chicken breast to encase the butter completely. Make sure to catch the edges of the butter on each side.
Secure the chicken rolls with skewers or toothpicks.
In a bowl, beat the eggs with water.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine black pepper, garlic powder, dill weed, and flour.
In another separate bowl, measure the bread crumbs.
Completely coat each rolled chicken in the flour mixture.
Dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture.
Roll and coat the chicken in the bread crumbs.
Place the coated chicken in a shallow dish and chill for about 30 minutes.
In a medium-sized frying pan, add vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the chicken rolls into the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
To test for doneness, cut into one rolled chicken to ensure that no pink color is showing.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon twists and parsley.

Variations

Try using different herbs and spices in the butter filling, such as tarragon, chives, or parsley.
For a healthier version, bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them.
Experiment with different coatings, such as crushed nuts or panko breadcrumbs, for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook evenly.

- Chilling the coated chicken before frying helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

- Serve the Chicken Kiev immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy coating and melted butter filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Kiev with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing also pairs well with this dish.

Cooking Techniques

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.

- Chill the coated chicken before frying to help the breading adhere better.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lactose-free version of this dish.

- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version of Chicken Kiev.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

- The butter filling can also be made in advance and frozen until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Kiev with lemon twists and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the dish on a bed of mixed greens or with a drizzle of creamy sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Kiev with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

- A side of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice is the perfect accompaniment to this indulgent meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Kiev in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

550 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 45g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 18g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat, Eggs

Summary

Chicken Kiev is a rich and indulgent dish, high in fats and protein. It is a delicious treat that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chicken Kiev is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy meal at home. With a crispy coating, flavorful butter filling, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this classic recipe with your favorite side dishes and a glass of wine for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of golden, crispy Chicken Kiev caught my eye. The description underneath described it as a delicious chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter and herbs. I could practically taste it just by looking at the picture.

I knew I had to make it. I had never attempted anything quite like it before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. The smell of garlic and herbs filled the air as I prepared the buttery filling and carefully stuffed it inside the chicken breasts.

As I watched the chicken sizzle in the pan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This dish required precision and attention to detail, but I was up for the challenge. When the chicken was finally cooked to perfection, I eagerly sliced into it and was met with a burst of flavors. The crispy exterior gave way to the tender, juicy chicken and the creamy garlic butter oozed out with every bite. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced.

I knew that this recipe was special. It was more than just a dish – it was a labor of love. It represented the time and effort I had put into perfecting it, and the joy it brought me to share it with my loved ones. From that moment on, Chicken Kiev became a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Kiev countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different herbs and seasonings, trying to find the perfect combination that would elevate the dish to new heights. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of making this delicious meal from scratch.

One of the fondest memories I have of making Chicken Kiev was when my granddaughter came to visit me. She had always been curious about my cooking and had asked me to teach her how to make this dish. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to her and show her the magic of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.

We spent the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping herbs, mixing butter, and stuffing chicken breasts. My granddaughter listened intently as I explained each step of the process, eager to learn and absorb everything I had to teach her. When the Chicken Kiev was finally ready, we sat down at the table and enjoyed a meal together, savoring each bite and sharing stories of our family history.

As I watched my granddaughter take her first bite of Chicken Kiev, a sense of pride swelled in my chest. I knew that I had passed on more than just a recipe – I had shared a piece of myself with her. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to show them how much I care through the food I prepare. And now, I was able to pass on that tradition to the next generation.

In that moment, I realized that the recipe for Chicken Kiev was more than just a dish. It was a symbol of my love for cooking, my passion for creating delicious meals, and my desire to share that joy with others. It was a reminder that food has the power to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

And so, as I continue to cook and experiment with new recipes, I always come back to Chicken Kiev. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings me. And I hope that one day, my granddaughter will pass on this recipe to her own children, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.