How to Make Classic Chicken Kiev with Herb Butter Filling
Learn how to create the perfect Chicken Kiev, a timeless dish that combines juicy chicken breast with a rich herb butter filling. This recipe guides you through the process of preparing, stuffing, and cooking the chicken to achieve a crispy golden exterior and a deliciously melty center.
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Recipe Details
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Simple Summary
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish featuring tender chicken breast stuffed with herb-infused butter, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. This elegant yet comforting meal is sure to impress with its crispy exterior and flavorful, melty center.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (180g) breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, dill, garlic, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally, leaving one edge intact. Open like a book and pound to 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
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Cut the chilled herb butter into 4 equal portions. Place one portion in the center of each flattened chicken breast.
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Fold the chicken around the butter, ensuring it's completely enclosed. Secure with toothpicks if necessary. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Set up a breading station: Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with remaining salt and pepper.
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Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating.
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Heat 2 inches of oil in a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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Drain on paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Remove toothpicks if used. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Chef's Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-bread the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- If you prefer to bake, place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Leftover Chicken Kiev can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- Be careful when cutting into the chicken, as the hot butter can squirt out.
Nutritional Info
Per serving: Approximately 650 calories, 35g protein, 40g fat (15g saturated), 45g carbohydrates. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. The dish provides a good source of protein and energy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Kiev with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf make excellent accompaniments to soak up any escaping herb butter. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Garnish the plate with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.