Crispy Chicken Kiev with Herb Butter
This delightful Crispy Chicken Kiev recipe is a family favorite that brings back wonderful memories of birthday celebrations. Originating from the legendary James Beard's collection, this dish features succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a fragrant herb butter that melts beautifully when cooked. Each bite offers a crispy, golden exterior and a burst of rich, savory flavors from the buttery filling. It’s not just a treat; it’s a nostalgic experience that the whole family will love. Perfect for special occasions or simply to elevate a weeknight dinner, this dish will surely impress.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Chives
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Parsley
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Water
1 tablespoon
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4
Vegetable oil
1 cup (for frying)
Flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped chives, chopped parsley, salt, rosemary, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
2
Shape the butter mixture into a log about 3/4 inch in diameter and wrap it in waxed paper. Freeze the log until it becomes very hard, which may take several hours or overnight.
3
Once the herb butter is firm, preheat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.
4
Pound each chicken breast between plastic wrap or parchment until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the frozen herb butter into 4 equal pieces.
5
Place one piece of the herb butter in the center of each chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken around the butter and secure the ends with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
6
Set up a breading station with flour in one shallow dish and the beaten egg mixed with water in another.
7
Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat again in flour. This double-coating will create a crispy outer layer.
8
Carefully place the chicken rolls into the hot oil and fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
9
Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, making sure to remove the toothpicks before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this Crispy Chicken Kiev recipe?
This recipe is adapted from the legendary James Beard's collection.
What ingredients are needed for the herb butter filling?
The herb butter consists of softened butter, minced garlic, chives, parsley, salt, dried rosemary, and freshly ground pepper.
How long should I freeze the herb butter log?
The butter log should be frozen until it becomes very hard, which typically takes several hours or overnight.
What dimensions should the butter log be?
The herb butter should be shaped into a log approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.
How thin should the chicken breasts be pounded?
Each chicken breast should be pounded between plastic wrap or parchment until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
How do you prevent the butter from leaking out during cooking?
Roll the chicken carefully around the frozen butter and secure the ends tightly with toothpicks.
What is the secret to the crispy outer layer of this Chicken Kiev?
A double-coating process is used: dredge the chicken in flour, dip in an egg and water mixture, and then coat in flour again.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How much butter is required for 4 servings?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does it take to fry the chicken rolls?
The chicken should be fried for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying.
What should I do immediately after frying the chicken?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What is the purpose of the water in the egg mixture?
One tablespoon of water is mixed with the beaten egg to create a thinner consistency for the breading station.
How much garlic is used in the herb butter?
One minced garlic clove is added to the butter mixture.
Are the herbs used fresh or dried?
The recipe uses chopped chives and parsley (implied fresh) and dried rosemary.
What should I remember to do before serving?
Make sure to remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls before serving.
How many pieces should the frozen butter log be cut into?
The frozen herb butter log should be cut into 4 equal pieces, one for each chicken breast.
At what heat setting should the chicken be fried?
The skillet should be preheated with vegetable oil over medium heat.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a crispy, golden exterior and a succulent interior with a burst of rich, savory herb butter.
Can this dish be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite for birthday celebrations and special occasions.
How much flour is needed for the coating?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of flour for the coating process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the amount of rosemary used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
What should the butter consistency be when mixing?
The butter should be softened to ensure it blends well with the garlic and herbs.
Is salt and pepper included in the herb butter?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper are mixed into the butter.
What should I use to wrap the butter log for freezing?
The butter mixture should be wrapped in waxed paper before being placed in the freezer.
Where should the butter piece be placed on the chicken breast?
One piece of herb butter should be placed in the center of each pounded chicken breast before rolling.
Does this recipe contain nutritional information like calories or fat?
No, the nutritional values such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not specified in this version of the recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of this Chicken Kiev?
The dish is rich and savory, characterized by garlic, chives, parsley, and rosemary-infused butter.