Chicken Kyiv

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups plain breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crispiness)
• Vegetable oil for frying (or mix of oil and butter)

Instructions

1. Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Shape into a log using plastic wrap, about 1 inch thick. Freeze until firm (at least 30 minutes).
2. Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound gently with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness, being careful not to tear the meat.
3. Fill Chicken: Cut the firm herb butter log into 4 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 up tightly from one end, ensuring the butter is completely enclosed. Tuck in any loose ends.
4. Chill: Place rolled chicken breasts on a plate, seam-side down, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freeze briefly) to help them hold their shape.
5. Bread Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chilled chicken roll first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip completely in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Cook:
   • Fry: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place breaded chicken rolls in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. (Check internal temp reaches 165°F/74°C).
   • Fry/Bake (Recommended): Brown chicken rolls in hot oil in an oven-safe skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Be cautious when cutting, as hot butter will spurt out.

What Makes It Special

Chicken Kyiv is perhaps Ukraine's most famous culinary export, though its exact origins are debated. This elegant dish involves a pounded chicken breast wrapped around chilled herb butter, then breaded and fried or baked. The dramatic release of melted butter when cut open is its signature feature. It represents a more refined side of Slavic cuisine and became a popular restaurant dish internationally in the mid-20th century.