Name: Classic Chicken Kiev
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 large garlic clove (minced); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for serving); 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more to garnish); 1/2 tsp salt (sea salt recommended); 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 3 large chicken breasts (12 oz each); 2 eggs (beaten); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups Panko bread crumbs; 1/2 tsp salt and pepper (or to taste); Extra light olive oil or Canola oil (for sautéing)

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Kiev is a dish that has become synonymous with indulgence and sophistication. This delicious recipe combines perfectly tender chicken breasts with a flavorful, herb-infused garlic butter that melts in your mouth. Coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and sautéed to golden perfection, Chicken Kiev is both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a celebratory occasion, this dish never fails to impress. With its crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and rich garlic butter filling, it’s a meal that’s sure to win over your guests. And, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make this classic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Lemon-Herb Garlic Butter

The heart of Chicken Kiev is the rich, tangy garlic butter, made with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon. It brings an incredible depth of flavor to the dish that complements the chicken beautifully.

2. Crispy and Tender Texture

The combination of crispy Panko breadcrumbs and a juicy chicken breast ensures the perfect texture in every bite—crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.

3. Simple to Prepare

Despite its elegant reputation, Chicken Kiev is relatively easy to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can customize the garlic butter by adding extra herbs or spices to suit your personal taste. This dish is also easy to adjust for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

5. Impressive Presentation

Chicken Kiev is a show-stopper, making it a great choice for special occasions or dinner parties. Its golden, crispy crust and herbed butter oozing from the center make for an impressive and delicious presentation.

Ingredients

For the Lemon-Herb Garlic Butter:

Unsalted butter (room temperature)
Garlic clove (minced)
Lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges)
Fresh parsley (chopped, plus more to garnish)
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken Kiev:

Large chicken breasts (about 12 oz each)
Eggs (beaten)
All-purpose flour
Panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Extra light olive oil or canola oil (for sautéing)

Variations

Herb Variations: While parsley is the classic herb used in Chicken Kiev, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the garlic butter to your liking.
Cheese Stuffing: For an added creamy touch, you can stuff the chicken breasts with cheese (like mozzarella or cream cheese) along with the garlic butter before coating and cooking.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick. This adds a subtle heat that pairs well with the richness of the butter.
Oven-Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes instead of sautéing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Take a portion of the prepared garlic butter and place it in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the butter, ensuring the butter is completely enclosed. You can secure the chicken with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, coating evenly, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with Panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 5: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature (it should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter for the garlic butter mixture is at room temperature so it mixes well and is easy to stuff inside the chicken.
Proper Coating: Ensure the chicken is coated evenly in each step (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs) for a crispy, golden exterior.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest crust, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Frying Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly, leaving the inside uncooked. Maintain medium heat to ensure an even cook.
Stuffing the Chicken: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken with garlic butter, as it might leak out during cooking. A generous tablespoon of butter per breast is enough.

How to Serve

Chicken Kiev is delicious served with a variety of sides. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice pilaf or crispy potatoes for a more hearty meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Kiev in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain its crispiness.

Freezing

Chicken Kiev can be frozen before cooking. Simply prepare the chicken up to the point of breading, then wrap the stuffed and breaded chicken breasts in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and sauté as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, make sure they are pounded to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I bake Chicken Kiev instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Can I make Chicken Kiev ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the breading stage and refrigerate it for a few hours or freeze it for later.

4. How do I prevent the garlic butter from leaking out?

Be sure to seal the chicken tightly around the garlic butter. You can also use toothpicks to secure the chicken.

5. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

While you can use regular breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a much crispier texture, which is ideal for this dish.

6. Can I add other herbs to the garlic butter?

Yes, you can experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to personalize the flavor of the garlic butter.

7. What sides go well with Chicken Kiev?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad are all excellent choices to serve with Chicken Kiev.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy texture.

9. Can I freeze Chicken Kiev?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked, breaded Chicken Kiev for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

10. How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Chicken Kiev is a timeless classic that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious, flavorful meal. With its tender chicken, flavorful garlic butter, and crispy coating, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you bake or sauté it, Chicken Kiev is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, with a few simple variations, you can tailor this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy this classic dish with your favorite sides and savor every bite!