Chicken Kyiv Recipe

Chicken Kyiv is a classic, indulgent dish made with a juicy chicken breast stuffed with a rich, garlicky herb butter, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. When you cut into the chicken, the herbed butter melts out, creating a flavorful, buttery sauce. It’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a hearty weeknight dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make Chicken Kyiv at home.

Chicken Kyiv Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional, but traditional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional, for added flavor)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
   • Place the garlic butter on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll it into a log. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Use a sharp knife to carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast. Start at the thickest part of the breast and make a deep incision without cutting all the way through. You want to create a pocket large enough to hold the garlic herb butter.
   • Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
   • Once the garlic herb butter has firmed up, slice it into 4 equal pieces (one for each chicken breast). Stuff each chicken breast with a piece of the chilled garlic herb butter, sealing the edges of the pocket as best as you can. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Set up a breading station: place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third.
   • Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Fry the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan.
   • Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time, so ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
   • Serve the Chicken Kyiv immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon. The butter should melt out when you cut into the chicken, creating a delicious, rich sauce.

Tips:

• Make ahead: You can prepare the garlic herb butter and stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance, then refrigerate them until ready to cook.
• Oven method: If you prefer to bake the chicken rather than fry it, place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
• Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, or thyme in place of the dill for a different flavor profile.

Chicken Kyiv is a decadent and flavorful dish, perfect for impressing your family or guests. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, tender chicken, and the luscious garlic herb butter inside makes for a truly memorable meal! Enjoy!