How to Cook Delicious Chicken Kiev Perfectly – Step by Step Guide

Are you in the mood for a tasty chicken dish that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests? Look no further than the classic chicken Kiev recipe. This dish originates from Ukrainian cuisine and it involves a chicken breast filled with herb-infused butter and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal, and the good news is that you can easily make it at home. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide for cooking the best chicken Kiev possible.

Ingredients for Chicken Kiev

Before you begin cooking, gather all the ingredients you need. For four servings, you can use the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

Preparing the Chicken Kiev

Before stuffing the chicken breasts with butter, make sure to butterfly them first. That means you need to cut them partially lengthwise, leaving it connected on one side. After that, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Next, prepare the herb butter by whisking together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme in a bowl. Divide the herb butter into four equal portions.

Now it’s time to stuff the chicken breasts. Place the herb butter in the center of each chicken breast, and then roll it together tightly so that the butter is enclosed. Secure the ends with toothpicks so that the butter does not spill out during cooking.

Breading the Chicken Kiev

After stuffing the chicken, prepare the breading station. Take three shallow bowls – one bowl with all-purpose flour, one bowl with whisked eggs, and one bowl with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess flour, and dip it in a beaten egg. Make sure it’s coated with egg on all sides, then roll it in panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick to the chicken breast.

Cooking the Chicken Kiev

Now that your chicken Kiev breasts are fully coated in breadcrumbs, it’s time to cook them. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 minutes each side or until they turn golden brown.
Once the chicken breasts are browned, transfer them to an oven-safe plate and bake in the oven for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F before removing it from the oven.

Serving the Chicken Kiev

After cooking, remove the toothpicks and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing them. The herbed butter inside should have melted, making the chicken rich and flavorful. Chicken Kiev goes well with a side salad or with boiled vegetables such as carrots or green beans.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make chicken Kiev ahead of time?
  2. Yes, you can prepare the chicken Kiev ahead of time, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in.

  3. What is the difference between chicken Kiev and chicken Cordon Bleu?
  4. Chicken Kiev is stuffed with herb butter while chicken Cordon Bleu is stuffed with ham and cheese.

  5. Can I use another type of meat?
  6. Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork or beef instead of chicken.

  7. Can I fry chicken Kiev instead of baking it?
  8. Yes, you can fry chicken Kiev, but we recommend baking it first to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly inside before frying it for a crispy outer shell.

  9. What is the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through?
  10. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken Kiev can be an enjoyable experience, especially when you see how impressed your friends and family will be with your creation. Be patient with the preparation and follow the steps we’ve provided in this article, and you’ll be rewarded with a tasty and satisfying dish. Happy cooking!