Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev is a timeless classic in the world of comfort food—an elegant yet hearty dish that never fails to impress. This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts that are rolled around a rich, garlicky herb butter filling, then breaded and either fried or baked to golden perfection. When sliced, the melted butter spills out in a luxurious stream, infusing the chicken with flavor in every bite.

Originating from Eastern Europe and popularized worldwide, Chicken Kiev strikes the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, and savory. Though it may seem fancy, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make at home with a bit of prep and a few essential ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a gourmet-style weeknight meal, this recipe delivers elegance and indulgence with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor-Packed Garlic Herb Butter

The star of the show is the luscious butter filling that melts into the chicken for unbeatable taste.

2. Crispy Golden Crust

The chicken is coated in breadcrumbs and cooked to crisp, golden perfection, adding the perfect crunch to each bite.

3. Juicy and Tender Inside

Thanks to the sealing and breading process, the chicken stays moist and flavorful throughout.

4. Impressive Yet Easy

It looks gourmet and restaurant-worthy but uses simple ingredients and methods.

5. Customizable

You can tweak the herb butter, breading, or cooking method to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Herb Butter:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
• Oil (for frying, optional) or melted butter (for baking)

Variations

• Cheese-Stuffed: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the herb butter for a cheesy center.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a heat-infused filling.
• Air Fryer Version: Use an air fryer for a crisp result without deep frying.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-safe version.
• Baked Option: Skip the frying and bake for a lighter, hands-off approach.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Form into a log using plastic wrap and freeze until firm (about 30 minutes).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pound each chicken breast to about 1/2 inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Cut the chilled butter into slices. Place a slice in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides over the butter, then roll tightly like a burrito. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Chill the rolls for 30 minutes to help them hold shape.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken roll for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
To bake: Place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice carefully to reveal the melted butter center.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Freeze the Butter: Solid butter is easier to wrap and prevents it from leaking during cooking.
• Seal Tightly: Rolling tightly and securing well helps keep the butter inside.
• Chill the Chicken Rolls: Helps the shape set and prevents splitting while cooking.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispier, lighter texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Chicken Kiev pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, rice pilaf, or a crisp garden salad. For a gourmet touch, serve it on a bed of herbed couscous or with roasted vegetables. A lemon wedge or light cream sauce complements the richness of the butter filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter center may solidify, but reheating will bring it back to life.

Freezing

Uncooked, breaded chicken rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Kiev ahead of time?

Yes, prep and bread the rolls ahead, then chill or freeze until ready to cook.

2. Why does the butter leak out?

If the roll isn’t sealed well or the butter isn’t cold enough, it may escape during cooking. Freeze the butter and roll tightly to prevent this.

3. Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely. Baking is easier and lighter—just drizzle with butter or oil to help crisp the breadcrumbs.

4. What’s the best chicken to use?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin for easy rolling.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.

6. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overbake. Use a thermometer and remove the chicken once it hits 165°F (74°C).

7. What herbs work best in the butter?

Parsley, chives, dill, and tarragon are all excellent choices.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese in the butter?

You can, but make sure it melts well and complements the herbs.

9. Can I serve this with a sauce?

Yes! A lemon butter sauce, garlic cream sauce, or simple pan gravy works beautifully.

10. What sides go best with Chicken Kiev?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh green salad make perfect companions.

Conclusion

Chicken Kiev is a classic for a reason—it’s a show-stopping dish that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crisp breadcrumb coating, juicy chicken, and oozing herb butter center, it brings a gourmet touch to your dinner table without the stress. Whether you bake or fry it, serve it for guests or treat yourself midweek, this iconic recipe is always a winner.

Print