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Chicken Kyiv

Chicken Kiev

Ukraine

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Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

Chicken Kyiv is a classic Ukrainian dish featuring chicken breast stuffed with herb butter, then breaded and fried until golden. The crisp exterior gives way to tender meat and a molten, aromatic butter centre that bursts with parsley, garlic and lemon. It represents the hearty, comforting cuisine of Eastern Europe and remains a beloved restaurant staple worldwide.

Central/Eastern Europe Dessert
High-Protein
Difficulty

Medium

Servings

4

Prep Time

40 mins

Make Time

15 mins

Calories

680 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 35.0g
Fat 40.0g
Carbs 35.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
Lactose Intolerance
IBS
Diabetes
Indigestion
High Blood Pressure
Cook Along

Kitchen Instructions

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forChicken Kyiv

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STEP 1

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped spring onion, parsley, garlic and lemon juice.

Ingredients

Servings: 4
Herb Butter
75 ml / 5 tbsp / 2.6 oz , softened
15 g / 0.5 oz , chopped
8 g / 0.3 oz / 2 tbsp , chopped
3 g / 0.1 oz / 1 , finely chopped
15 ml / 1 tbsp / 0.5 fl oz
Chicken and Coating
600 g / 1.3 lb / 4 halves, skinless and boneless
65 g / 2.3 oz / 1/2 cup unbleached
200 g / 7 oz / 4 , lightly beaten
180 g / 6.3 oz / 1 1/2 cups
2 g / 1/2 tsp
1 g / 1/4 tsp
4 / 4 toothpicks
500 ml / 2 cups / 16 fl oz , for frying
Ingredients at a glance
Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
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All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Herb Butter
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped spring onion, parsley, garlic and lemon juice.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Shape the mixture into a 10-cm (4-inch) square on plastic wrap. Cover and freeze on a plate for about 20 minutes or until firm.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Cut the frozen butter into four equal strips. Keep refrigerated until needed.

Chicken
Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 170 °C (325 °F). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Using a small sharp knife, cut into the thickest end of each chicken breast to create a deep cavity, taking care not to cut through the other side.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Insert one butter strip into each cavity. Seal tightly with a toothpick. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Place the flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs into three separate shallow plates.

Step 8 instruction thumbnail 8

Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double crust.

Step 9 instruction thumbnail 9

Fry two breasts at a time for approximately 14 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on the wire rack.

Step 10 instruction thumbnail 10

Serve immediately with green beans or a green salad.

Other considerations for this recipe

Freezing Tip
Ensure the herb butter is completely frozen before inserting into the chicken to prevent leakage during frying.
Baking Alternative
For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 200 °C (400 °F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Coating Variation
Substitute dried breadcrumbs with panko for extra crunch, or use a single coating if preferred.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance.

Parsley offers vitamin K and antioxidants.

Garlic contains compounds that may support immune function.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Golden Pockets of Herb Butter

Chicken Kyiv
Yum User
Yum User

Creating the perfect pocket in a chicken breast demands a steady hand and a sharp blade, working carefully to hollow the flesh without piercing the surface. This technique defines Chicken Kyiv, the Ukrainian classic that hides a frozen block of herb butter within its walls, waiting to transform into a golden sauce.

Mastering the Method

Double-dredging builds the essential barrier: first flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, repeated to create a fortress that seals in every drop of moisture. The deep fryer works its magic at 170 degrees, turning the coating into a shatteringly crisp armour.

When the knife finally cuts through, melted butter infused with parsley, spring onion and garlic floods the plate. For best results:

  • Freeze the butter square until firm before inserting
  • Seal the cavity tightly with toothpicks to prevent leaks
  • Fry two breasts at a time to maintain oil temperature

Serve immediately with crisp green beans or a sharp salad to cut through the richness.

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