Name: Easy Chicken Kiev
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487896H14M54S
Total time: PT-487896H14M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Garlic Herb Butter:; 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; For the Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; Avocado oil or neutral oil for frying

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Kiev offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy breading pairs wonderfully with the rich and savory garlic herb butter that oozes out when you slice into the chicken. It’s a dish that feels both fancy and homey — something that will impress your guests or make any night feel extra special. Plus, the combination of buttery filling and crispy coating makes it an indulgent yet comforting meal.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
Avocado oil or any neutral oil, for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Easy Chicken Kiev

Directions

1. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. Once mixed, place the butter on a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and wrap it tightly. Place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until firm. This step helps keep the butter inside the chicken during cooking.

2. Prep the Chicken:

While the butter is chilling, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Kiev:

Remove the garlic herb butter from the freezer and cut it into four equal pieces. Place one piece of butter in the center of each pounded chicken breast. Fold the sides of the chicken over the butter, then roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to fully enclose the butter inside. If needed, secure the rolls with toothpicks. Place the rolled chicken on a plate and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

4. Coat and Bread the Chicken:

Prepare your breading station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and another plate with breadcrumbs. First, roll each chilled chicken roll in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs in gently to help them stick.

5. Fry to Golden Perfection:

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy. This step is to get a nice crispy crust, but the chicken will cook through in the next step.

6. Finish in the Oven:

Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

When you slice into the chicken, that herb butter should ooze out as a warm, savory surprise.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 32-37 minutes (10 minutes for frying and 20-25 minutes for baking), bringing the total time to approximately 42-47 minutes.

Variations

Lighter Version: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 30-35 minutes instead of frying first. While the coating won’t be as crispy, the dish will still be delicious and much lower in fat.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to customize the flavor of the garlic herb butter.
Cheese Add-In: Add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the butter for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Kiev in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but this may affect the crispiness of the breading.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. They will add more juiciness to the dish but may require a slightly different cooking time.

Can I freeze Chicken Kiev before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked Chicken Kiev. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic herb butter up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and simply take it out and shape it into a log before using.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through. This is a great option for a lower-fat version of Chicken Kiev.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine in place of butter, the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. Butter gives the dish its signature flavor, so it’s recommended to use unsalted butter for the best result.

Can I substitute the breadcrumbs with something gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground almonds for a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

How do I keep the garlic herb butter inside the chicken?

The key is to tightly roll the chicken around the butter and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the butter inside during cooking. You can also secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.

What can I serve with Chicken Kiev?

Chicken Kiev pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. It’s also delicious with a side of buttery rice or even some crispy fries.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the butter?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor. However, Parmesan tends to be the most traditional option for this dish.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Kiev is a timeless classic that brings together crispy, golden breading and savory garlic herb butter in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a mid-week treat, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy the elegance of Chicken Kiev in the comfort of your own home.