Spicy Chicken Kiev with Green Chili and Cheese
This Spicy Chicken Kiev with Green Chili and Cheese takes the classic dish to a whole new level with a vibrant Mexican twist. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with zesty green chilies and melty Monterey or Jalapeño Jack cheese, rolled, and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture seasoned with chili powder and cumin. Baked to perfection, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a delightful burst of flavor with every bite, making it a perfect companion to your favorite salsa. Serve it up for a family dinner or impress guests at your next gathering with this exciting variation that combines comfort food with a spicy kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (flattened)
Green Chilies
1 (4.5 ounce) can (drained)
Monterey Jack or Jalapeno Jack Cheese
2 ounces (cut into 4 strips)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (plain or seasoned)
Parmesan or Romano Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Chili Powder
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Butter or Margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
Salsa
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a zip-top bag, and flatten them gently using a meat mallet or rolling pin, ensuring even thickness for optimal cooking.
3
In the center of each flattened chicken breast, place a strip of green chilies and a stick of Monterey or Jalapeño Jack cheese. Carefully roll the chicken up from the short end to enclose the filling. Secure each roll with toothpicks to hold the shape.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the spices.
5
Dip each chicken roll in the melted butter, allowing excess butter to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6
Arrange the coated chicken rolls in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
7
Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown crust. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F/75°C).
8
Once baked, remove the toothpicks and serve the Chicken Kiev hot with a side of fresh salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chicken Kiev with Green Chili and Cheese?
It is a Mexican-inspired twist on the classic Chicken Kiev, featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with zesty green chilies and Monterey Jack cheese, then coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked.
What are the primary ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of drained green chilies and strips of Monterey Jack or Jalapeño Jack cheese.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts for this recipe?
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and flatten them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
How do I secure the chicken rolls?
After rolling the chicken around the filling from the short end, use toothpicks to hold the shape and keep the filling enclosed.
What seasonings are in the breadcrumb coating?
The coating is made with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in the breading process?
First, dip each prepared chicken roll into melted butter or margarine to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
How long should the chicken be chilled before baking?
The chicken should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the chicken.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x9 inch baking dish is recommended for arranging the chicken rolls.
How long does the Spicy Chicken Kiev take to bake?
Bake the chicken uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when a meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
Should I bake the chicken covered or uncovered?
The chicken should be baked uncovered to ensure the breadcrumb crust becomes golden and crunchy.
What should I do with the toothpicks before serving?
Always remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls before serving them to your guests.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the Chicken Kiev hot accompanied by a side of fresh salsa.
Can I use Jalapeño Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Yes, Jalapeño Jack cheese is a great alternative if you want to increase the spiciness of the dish.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe call for?
This recipe is designed for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What kind of breadcrumbs can be used?
You can use 1/4 cup of either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
What type of cheese is used in the breading?
The breading uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How much chili powder is included in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder in the coating mixture.
Is cumin used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin is added to the breadcrumb mixture for a Mexican flavor profile.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of either melted butter or margarine can be used for the dipping step.
Do the green chilies need to be fresh?
The recipe specifies using one 4.5-ounce can of green chilies, which should be drained.
What is the purpose of the zip-top bag?
The bag is used to contain the chicken while flattening it, preventing mess and ensuring even thickness.
How many strips of cheese should I cut?
Cut the 2 ounces of cheese into 4 even strips, one for each chicken breast.
Can I make this dish for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its unique twist on a classic dish makes it impressive for guests at gatherings.
Does the chicken need to be covered during refrigeration?
Yes, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap while it chills for 8 hours.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is tender on the inside with a melty cheese center and a crunchy, seasoned outer crust.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste are mixed into the breading.
Can I prepare this recipe a day in advance?
Yes, since it requires at least 8 hours of chilling, it is perfect for overnight preparation.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
While the prep and bake time are manageable, it requires advance planning due to the 8-hour chilling requirement.