If you’ve ever wanted to impress with a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Chicken Kiev Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts wrapped around a luscious, garlicky herb butter that melts out with every bite, creating that signature, buttery explosion. It’s a dish that packs so much flavor and charm, yet is surprisingly approachable once you get the hang of the steps. Whether it’s a special dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Chicken Kiev Recipe promises the perfect balance of crisp, juicy, and aromatic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chicken Kiev Recipe are simple but pack a world of flavor. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy herb butter that fills the chicken to the crunchy coating that gives fantastic texture and golden color.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): The heart of the filling, providing rich creaminess and helping carry the garlic and herbs.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds unmistakable aromatic punch that brightens the buttery filling.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery note to balance the richness.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp, optional): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the herb mix, but it’s optional if you want a simpler flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds a fresh zestiness that cuts through the butter and lifts the flavors.
- Lemon zest (1 tsp): Concentrated lemon flavor that complements both butter and herbs beautifully.
- Chives (1 tbsp, optional): Adds gentle oniony notes and a lovely green fleck inside the butter.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the butter and chicken, enhancing every flavor layer.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4): The tender meat envelope that will hold all that buttery goodness inside.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the breading stick to the chicken for that perfect crispy crust.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Acts as a glue to secure the bread crumbs on the chicken pieces.
- Bread crumbs (1 cup, preferably panko): The secret to that satisfying crunch; panko breadcrumbs make the coating extra light and crispy.
- Vegetable oil or butter (½ cup, for frying): Provides the necessary fat to fry the chicken to golden perfection without drying it out.
How to Make Chicken Kiev Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter Filling
Start by combining the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill if using, lemon juice, lemon zest, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all those flavors are evenly blended. Then, scoop the butter mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, shape it into a log, and freeze it for about 20 minutes. This step is vital because it allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to wrap inside the chicken without melting prematurely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
While the butter hardens in the freezer, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness so the chicken cooks evenly and can be rolled without tearing. Season both sides of each breast well with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Kiev
Remove the herb butter from the freezer and cut it into equal portions (one for each chicken breast). Place a portion in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken around the butter, tucking in the sides to seal it completely. This step requires a bit of care and patience to ensure that the butter stays inside and doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs. First, dredge each chicken roll in flour, coating it fully and shaking off excess. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs, and finally, roll it in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick well. This triple coating guarantees a beautifully crispy shell that locks in the juicy filling.
Step 5: Chill Before Cooking
For the best results, place your breaded chicken rolls in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before frying. This helps set the breading and reduces the chance of the butter leaking during cooking. It’s a small step that pays off in perfectly sealed, delicious chicken kievs.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden and Juicy
Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry each chicken roll for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the outside is crisp and golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The butter inside should be melted to a beautiful sauce. Once done, drain on paper towels briefly.
How to Serve Chicken Kiev Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over your finished Chicken Kiev Recipe adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness, making the presentation stunning and appetizing. A little lemon wedge on the side invites diners to add an extra splash of citrus if they prefer.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Kiev Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the buttery sauce or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to add contrast with crisp bite and acidity. Steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans are also a classic, light complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Chicken Kiev rolls diagonally on the plate to show that glorious buttery center oozing out. You can also serve them whole on rustic wooden boards for a casual vibe or fancy white plates for a more elegant tablescape. Adding a drizzle of lemon garlic sauce or a light herb cream sauce enhances flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers from your Chicken Kiev Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay lovely for up to 2 days. Reheating gently is key so you don’t dry out the chicken or lose that buttery center.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Chicken Kiev rolls before frying by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before frying as directed.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover Chicken Kiev Recipe is in the oven at a low temperature to warm it through without losing crispness. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and warm the chicken rolls for about 10-15 minutes until heated but still juicy and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! The herb butter can be prepared days in advance and kept wrapped in the fridge or freezer. This makes assembling the Chicken Kiev Recipe quicker and easier when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the best chicken cut for Chicken Kiev?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they can be pounded thin and rolled easily, and they cook evenly while keeping the herb butter safely inside.
How do I prevent the butter from leaking out?
Ensuring the chicken is pounded evenly and sealing the edges tightly helps prevent leaks. Chilling the assembled rolls before frying also solidifies the butter, reducing melting during cooking.
Can I bake instead of fry the Chicken Kiev?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the coating is golden and chicken is cooked through. However, frying gives that unbeatable crisp crust traditional to this recipe.
Are there variations to the herb filling?
Definitely! You can experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano, or add cheeses like Parmesan for extra flavor. Just keep the butter firm enough to hold inside the chicken during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Kiev Recipe a whirl—it’s one of those special dishes that feels fancy but is completely doable at home. The magic of that melted herb butter inside perfectly crisped chicken is a joy to share with family, friends, or just as a special treat for yourself. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Print
Chicken Kiev Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: European
Description
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful garlic herb butter, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. This recipe combines aromatic herbs, fresh garlic, and lemon for a rich, buttery filling wrapped in a crispy crust, making a delicious and impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Herb Butter Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, optional
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chives, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs, preferably panko
- ½ cup vegetable oil or butter, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill (if using), lemon juice, lemon zest, chives (if using), salt and pepper until well combined. Shape the mixture into a log, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ¼ inch thick, taking care not to tear the meat.
- Assemble Chicken Kievs: Cut the chilled herb butter into four equal pieces. Place one piece of butter in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Fold the sides over the butter and roll up tightly, sealing all edges to enclose the butter completely. You can use toothpicks to secure if necessary.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the rolled chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each roll in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko bread crumbs. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and bread crumb step.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add chicken rolls and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown all around.
- Bake to Finish Cooking: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the herb butter helps prevent it from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Be careful to seal the chicken completely to avoid butter leaking out during frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust.
- If desired, the dish can be made ahead by assembling and keeping the rolled chicken refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
