Chef John's Chicken Kiev Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with delicious garlic butter, Chef John's Chicken Kiev is a timeless classic that's sure to impress. This dish originates from Ukraine and has been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion, yet simple enough to make for a family dinner.

What sets Chef John's Chicken Kiev apart is the attention to detail in the preparation. Each step of the process is carefully thought out ...

What sets Chef John's Chicken Kiev apart is the attention to detail in the preparation. Each step of the process is carefully thought out to ensure that the end result is a juicy and flavorful chicken breast that's complemented by a rich, creamy garlic butter. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and promises spectacular results.

The key to making the perfect Chicken Kiev lies in the preparation of the chicken breast. Chef John's method of butterflying the chicken breast and pounding it to an even thickness ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist. This step also allows for the chicken to be stuffed with the decadent garlic butter, which adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

As for the garlic butter itself, the combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and butter creates a luxurious filling that melts beautifully into the chicken as it cooks. The result is a heavenly, aromatic infusion that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Once the chicken is stuffed, it's coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect amount of crunch to each bite. When you cut into Chef John's Chicken Kiev, you'll be greeted with a mouthwatering display of juicy chicken and oozing garlic butter - a sight and taste to be savored.

With a dish as impressive as Chef John's Chicken Kiev, there's no doubt that it will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. It's a delightful blend of comfort and elegance that's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to savor every bit of this delectable Chicken Kiev. Let's get cooking!

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Information

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 4

Grind garlic and pinch of salt together in a mortar and pestle until smooth; add parsley and mix well. Pound butter into garlic mixture with the pestle until well combined. Wrap butter mixture in plastic wrap; refrigerate until cold, at least 15 minutes.

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place 1/4 of the butter mixture in the center of the wider end of each chicken breast. Fold the narrower end of each chicken breast up over the butter to form a tight pocket around the butter; gather the sides of each chicken breast to the center to form a round ball. The top of each chicken ball will be smooth and the bottom will be gathered. Tightly wrap each chicken ball in plastic wrap; transfer to a plate and chill in the freezer until the gathered bottoms hold together and are slightly firm, about 30 minutes.

Whisk flour and 2 teaspoons salt together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs together in another shallow bowl. Pour panko bread crumbs into a third bowl.

Remove chicken breast balls from plastic wrap. Gently press them into the flour mixture to coat; shake off any excess flour. Dip into beaten eggs, then press into bread crumbs. Place breaded chicken on a plate; cover with plastic wrap, and return to the freezer to chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Working in batches, place chicken, gathered-side down, in the hot oil and cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute per side. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet; sprinkle salt and cayenne pepper over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven until you can hear the butter start to sizzle on the baking sheet, 15 to 17 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

790 cal.

Total Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 268mg
Sodium: 1656mg
Total Carbohydrate: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 60g
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 52mg
Iron: 4mg
Potassium: 479mg

How to Make Chef John's Chicken Kiev - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

790 cal.

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