How to cook chicken kiev from butcher
Chicken Kiev is a classic Ukrainian dish that has become popular worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was first served at the Moscow Merchants’ Club. This delectable dish typically consists of a chicken breast fillet stuffed with herbed butter, then breaded and fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden crust that encases the flavorful butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a burst of delightful flavors.
While you could easily buy pre-made Chicken Kiev from the store, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making it from scratch at home. The homemade version allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. Plus, with the expertise of a butcher, who can provide you with the freshest, highest-quality meat, you can take your homemade Chicken Kiev to a whole new level.
To start, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets from a butcher. This cut of meat is ideal as it cooks evenly and allows for easy stuffing. Work with your butcher to select chicken breasts that are of consistent size and thickness, ensuring even cooking throughout. The herbed butter filling is a crucial component of Chicken Kiev’s deliciousness. To prepare it, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs such as parsley, dill, and chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can let your creativity shine by adding additional flavors like lemon zest or smoked paprika. Once the butter mixture is well combined, shape it into a log and chill in the refrigerator.
Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each fillet. Be cautious not to cut all the way through! Insert a slice of the chilled herbed butter log into each pocket and seal the edges with toothpicks. The toothpicks will secure the butter inside and prevent it from melting out during cooking. Tip: For an additional layer of flavor, you can also stuff the chicken breasts with cheese, such as Gruyere or mozzarella. This will create a delightful cheesy surprise when you take a bite!
Step-by-step guide to cooking delicious chicken kiev
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish made with tender chicken breast rolls filled with garlic herb butter and cooked until golden and crispy. This step-by-step guide will help you create a mouthwatering version of this crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Next, prepare the chicken breasts. Lay them flat on a clean surface and use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will help the chicken cook more evenly.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the garlic herb butter mixture and place it in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides of the chicken breast over the butter to create a neat roll. Secure the ends of the chicken breast with toothpicks to hold the shape.
- In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Fill one dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
- Dip each chicken breast roll into the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the bread crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken Kiev rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve the chicken Kiev rolls hot with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
This step-by-step guide will ensure that you make perfectly cooked and delicious chicken Kiev every time. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!
Fresh chicken for the best chicken kiev
When it comes to cooking the best chicken kiev, using fresh and high-quality chicken is essential. The freshness of the chicken can greatly influence the taste and texture of this classic dish. Here are a few reasons why opting for fresh chicken is important:
- Taste: Fresh chicken has a natural, flavorful taste that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken kiev. It provides a delicious and succulent eating experience.
- Texture: Fresh chicken has a tender and juicy texture that adds to the mouthfeel of the chicken kiev. It results in a moist and tender final product.
- Health benefits: Fresh chicken is generally free from preservatives, additives, and hormones that can be found in processed or frozen chicken. It is a healthier option for those conscious about their diet.
- Safety: Fresh chicken that is properly handled and stored reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. The freshness ensures that the chicken is free from any bacterial contamination.
When shopping for chicken kiev ingredients, visit your local butcher and choose a reputable supplier to ensure you are getting the freshest chicken available. This will guarantee a delicious and wholesome chicken kiev that will impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Butter and Herb Filling
One of the key elements of a delicious chicken Kiev is the flavorful butter and herb filling. This rich and aromatic filling adds moisture and delectable taste to the dish. Follow these steps to prepare the filling:
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, dill, and chives.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the butter mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix and incorporate all the ingredients.
- Transfer the butter and herb mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Form the mixture into a log shape, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Wrap the log tightly with the plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends to secure the shape. Refrigerate the log for at least 1 hour, or until it becomes firm.
Note: You can prepare the butter and herb filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 week before using it for chicken Kiev.
Assembling and cooking the chicken kiev
Once you have prepared the chicken breasts and the garlic butter, it’s time to assemble and cook the chicken kiev. Follow these simple steps to achieve a delicious and succulent dish:
Step 1: Stuffing the chicken breasts
Take one of the prepared chicken breasts and carefully make a slit in the side using a sharp knife. Be cautious not to cut all the way through. Creating a small pocket inside the chicken breast will allow you to stuff it with the garlic butter.
Grab a spoonful of the garlic butter and gently place it inside the pocket of the chicken breast. Make sure to distribute the butter evenly. Repeat this step with the rest of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Securing the chicken breasts
In order to keep the garlic butter from oozing out during cooking, it’s important to secure the chicken breasts properly. Holding each breast closed, carefully fold the sides inwards and use toothpicks to keep everything in place. Make sure that the toothpicks go through the ends of the chicken breasts to prevent any leaks of the delicious butter.
Step 3: Breading the chicken breasts
Prepare a plate with the beaten eggs and another plate with the breadcrumbs. Take each secured chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then transfer the chicken breast to the plate with breadcrumbs and coat it well, ensuring it’s completely covered.
Once all the chicken breasts are breaded, transfer them to a clean plate and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to adhere to the chicken.
Step 4: Cooking the chicken kiev
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken kievs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
| Side | Time |
|---|---|
| First Side | 4-5 minutes |
| Second Side | 4-5 minutes |
Once both sides are cooked, remove the chicken kievs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the chicken kievs immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes and a green salad.
Serving and enjoying your homemade chicken kiev
After you have successfully cooked your chicken kiev using the butcher’s recipe, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish that you have prepared with love. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your homemade chicken kiev:
1. Plating the chicken kiev
To plate the chicken kiev, carefully transfer it onto a serving platter or individual plates using a spatula. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top of each chicken kiev for an added pop of color.
Arrange some roasted or steamed vegetables along with the chicken kiev to create a well-balanced and visually appealing plate. A side salad or creamy mashed potatoes also complement the flavors of the dish.
2. Serving suggestions
If desired, drizzle a light and tangy sauce over the chicken kiev before serving. Some popular options include a lemon butter sauce or a creamy garlic herb sauce. These sauces complement the rich flavors of the chicken kiev and enhance the overall dining experience.
For a complete meal, serve the chicken kiev with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls. This allows you to soak up any remaining sauce and enjoy every last bit of flavor.
Don’t forget to pair your homemade chicken kiev with a refreshing drink. A glass of white wine or a chilled citrus-infused iced tea are excellent choices that complement the dish perfectly.
3. Enjoying the flavors
Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Take a moment to appreciate the crispiness of the golden-brown chicken, the bursting flavors of the garlic butter filling, and the moist and tender meat. Each bite should be savored and cherished.
Share this delightful dish with your family and friends, and bask in their compliments and appreciation for your cooking skills. Don’t be shy to take a second serving if the flavors have won you over!
Finally, remember that the joy of homemade chicken kiev goes beyond the taste; it’s the pride of creating something special from scratch and sharing it with your loved ones. Enjoy this delightful dish and the memories that accompany it.
Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
