Easy Chicken Kiev Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Easy Chicken Kiev: a timeless comfort food that transforms simple chicken breasts into something downright magical. Tender, savory chicken envelopes a molten core of garlicky herb butter, creating a dish that looks gourmet yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. Each bite oozes aromatic butter and bursts with fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy crust—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to dinnertime all day long. If you’ve ever wanted to impress family or friends (or simply treat yourself), Easy Chicken Kiev absolutely delivers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Easy Chicken Kiev doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few tried-and-true staples, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and that signature rich, buttery center. Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic come to life.

• Unsalted Butter (8 Tbsp): The foundation of that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth garlic herb core—always use butter at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Garlic Cloves (2, finely minced): Adds a pungent kick and irresistible aroma to the butter center.
• Fresh Parsley (1 1/2 Tbsp, finely chopped): Gives the filling a burst of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 tsp): A touch of acidity brightens the butter and lifts all the flavors.
• Salt (for butter, 1/4 tsp; for chicken, 1 tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer and enhancing taste from within.
• Black Pepper (for butter, 1/8 tsp; for chicken, 1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and a gentle bite throughout the dish.
• Chicken Breasts (4, boneless and skinless): Choose large, even pieces for easiest rolling and juiciest results.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): The first coating in your breading trio—helps the egg to stick and adds crispness.
• Eggs (2 large): Act as the glue in your breading process so the crumbs stay put and crisp up beautifully.
• Plain Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The final layer that crisps to golden perfection—use panko for extra crunch, if you like.
• Avocado Oil or Neutral Oil (for frying): Helps achieve that gorgeous, evenly browned crust without overpowering the delicate flavors inside.

How to Make Easy Chicken Kiev

Step 1: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter

This is the secret hero of Easy Chicken Kiev! In a small bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Once it’s silky and aromatic, transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and freeze until firm (about 30 minutes). This not only adds incredible flavor; the chilled butter also ensures it stays nestled inside the chicken while cooking, so you get that dramatic, buttery ooze with every cut.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken

While you wait for the butter to chill, prep your chicken. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about a quarter-inch thick. This step turns each chicken breast into a perfect envelope for all that luscious butter—just be careful not to pound too thin and risk tearing.

Step 3: Assemble the Kiev

Now comes the fun part! Slice your butter log into four equal pieces. Lay one piece in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Fold in the sides, then roll up the chicken tightly, making sure no butter can escape during cooking. If you want extra insurance, you can use toothpicks to hold everything together, but a firm roll is usually enough. Pop the assembled rolls back into the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this crucial chill helps them hold their shape and keeps the butter where it belongs.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Set up a classic breading station: flour on one plate, beaten eggs in a bowl, and breadcrumbs on another plate. Dip each chilled chicken roll first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help everything adhere. This triple coating ensures every Easy Chicken Kiev has a crisp, evenly golden exterior that locks in that all-important butter center.

Step 5: Pan Fry for the Perfect Crust

Heat about half an inch of avocado oil or your preferred neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, gently lay each chicken roll seam-side down and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re after that deep golden color and a sturdy crust that will finish crisping up in the oven—don’t worry about cooking the chicken through just yet!

Step 6: Bake to Finish

Move the pan-fried chicken to a baking dish and place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The aroma alone will let you know you’re nearly there!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Kiev

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle your Easy Chicken Kiev with a scattering of fresh herbs like more chopped parsley or even a few chives. A bright twist of lemon on the side also elevates the flavors and adds a pop of color on the plate. If you’re feeling extra, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a flash of flaky sea salt can really take each bite to the next level.

Side Dishes

Classic Easy Chicken Kiev is heavenly served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or perfectly steamed green beans. Roasted carrots and buttered new potatoes are other favorites that soak up all that delicious garlicky butter. If you want something lighter, try a simple cucumber salad or a tangy slaw for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each Easy Chicken Kiev sliced on a bias to show off the melting butter center in dramatic style. Arrange slices on a bed of vibrant greens, or perch each whole roll atop a pile of sautéed spinach for color and flair. For gatherings, you can even make smaller, appetizer-sized portions—just slice the chicken breasts in half before stuffing and rolling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy Chicken Kiev tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to hold in both flavor and moisture, and make sure to store separate from sauces or extra garnishes to keep the crust from softening.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Chicken Kiev before or after cooking. For best results, freeze the uncooked, breaded rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze cooked leftovers as well, but wrap tightly to guard against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place Easy Chicken Kiev in a 350°F (175°C) oven (don’t use the microwave, which makes the crust soggy!) and warm for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and crisp. If reheating straight from frozen, add a few extra minutes to ensure everything is piping hot inside.

FAQs

What if my butter leaks out while baking?

It’s fairly common for a little butter to escape, especially if the roll isn’t quite sealed. Rolling tightly and chilling before cooking keeps most of the butter inside, and a little leakage just adds tasty pan sauce to enjoy on the side.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken breasts are traditional because they’re large and flat, but you can use boneless thighs for a juicier twist. Just be aware they may require extra pounding and careful rolling to contain the butter filling.

Is it possible to bake Easy Chicken Kiev instead of frying first?

For maximum crunch and color, pan-frying is highly recommended. However, you can bake the breaded chicken rolls at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–35 minutes if you prefer a lighter version; just lightly spray with oil for an extra golden crust.

What breadcrumbs work best for Easy Chicken Kiev?

You can use classic plain breadcrumbs for a tender crust, or go for panko if you love an especially crispy finish. Fresh homemade breadcrumbs are delicious, too—just pulse stale bread in the food processor for a custom touch.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the classic garlic herb butter can be made days (even weeks) ahead and stored in the freezer until you’re ready. It’s a flavor powerhouse, equally delicious on steak, grilled veggies, or warm bread.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something cozy, beautiful, and deeply satisfying, Easy Chicken Kiev is the way to go. It packs the wow-factor of a restaurant meal but is absolutely doable in any home kitchen. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a new family favorite!

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