Easy Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that brings a bit of culinary flair to any weeknight meal. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and rich, herby garlic butter makes it a family favorite. I remember the first time I made it; the anticipation of cutting into that golden crust to reveal the molten butter is an experience that’s hard to forget. It’s perfect for impressing guests during casual dinner parties or treating your family on a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

The beauty of Chicken Kiev lies not just in its sumptuous flavor, but also in its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and heaven knows kids love anything they can dip or roll! This dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a celebratory brunch, or even a holiday gathering, elevating any meal into something special with minimal effort.

“This Chicken Kiev was a hit with my whole family! The butter just melted in my mouth. I’ll definitely make it again.” — Happy Home Cook

Preparing Easy Chicken Kiev

Ready to dive into this delicious homemade delight? Here’s a quick overview of the process so you can see just how straightforward it really is! First, you’ll create a luscious garlic herb butter, then pound your chicken to the perfect thickness. Next comes the fun of assembling, coating, and frying until golden. Finally, a quick bake in the oven seals the deal.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a mouthwatering Chicken Kiev:

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
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

Feel free to use herbs like thyme or tarragon instead of parsley for a unique twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended — the aroma will tantalize your taste buds! Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and freeze it for 30 minutes until firm. You can even make this butter earlier and keep it stored for later use on toast or vegetables.
Prep the Chicken: While the butter sets, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. With a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to season.
Assemble the Kiev: Once your butter is firm, cut it into four equal pieces. Place one piece in the center of each pounded chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly like a burrito, tucking in the ends to keep that glorious butter sealed inside. For added security, you can use toothpicks if needed. Chill the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Coat and Bread the Chicken: Set up your breading station with one plate for flour, a bowl for beaten eggs, and another plate for breadcrumbs. Dredge each chilled chicken roll in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing down to ensure they stick well.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken rolls seam-side down and fry for 3-4 minutes each side until you achieve that beautiful golden crust.
Finish in the Oven: Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When you cut into it, expect a delightful ooze of herb butter!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

For a delightful presentation, serve your Chicken Kiev with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables. You can also pair it with a light salad or a warm baguette to soak up all that melted butter. This dish not only pleases the palate but also adds a lovely aesthetic to your table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, preserving that crispy coating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly through to avoid dryness.
Don’t rush the chilling time for the butter; it ensures the butter doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the butter for extra flavor, like dill or smoked paprika.

Creative Twists

Want to add a little flair to your Chicken Kiev? Consider trying cheese-stuffed versions with mozzarella or cream cheese. You could also swap out the chicken for turkey cutlets or even a vegetarian option like eggplant for a delightful take!

Common Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Easy Chicken Kiev?
It typically takes about 30 minutes of active work, plus cooling time, so plan accordingly!
Can I freeze Chicken Kiev before cooking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked rolls. Just ensure they are well wrapped.
What can I serve as sides?
Classic options include mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or even roasted vegetables for a vibrant meal.

Now that you have everything to make this delicious Easy Chicken Kiev, it’s your turn to glow in the kitchen. Enjoy the compliments that follow!

Chicken Kiev

A classic dish with juicy chicken and rich, herby garlic butter, perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Garlic Herb Butter

8 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature 1 stick of butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped Can substitute with other herbs like thyme or tarragon.
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken

4 pieces 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 for frying neutral oil

Instructions

Preparation of Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until blended.
Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a log and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.

Chicken Preparation

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to season.

Assembling the Chicken Kiev

Once the butter is firm, cut it into four equal pieces and place one piece at the center of each chicken breast.
Roll the chicken tightly like a burrito, tucking in the ends to keep the butter sealed.
Chill the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Coating the Chicken

Set up a breading station with flour on one plate, beaten eggs in a bowl, and breadcrumbs on another plate.
Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and coat it in breadcrumbs.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the chicken rolls seam-side down for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).