Classic Chicken Kiev Recipes

CHICKEN KIEV

Steps:

• Combine 1/3 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. On a 6x6 inch piece of aluminum foil, spread mixture to about 2x3 inches. Place this mixture in the coldest section of your freezer and freeze until firm. This can be done ahead of time.
• Remove all fat from the chicken breast. If using whole chicken breasts, cut them in half. Place each chicken breast half between 2 pieces of waxed paper and using a mallet, pound carefully to about 1/4 inch thickness or less.
• When butter mixture is firm, remove from freezer and cut into 6 equal pieces. Place one piece of butter on each chicken breast. Fold in edges of chicken and then roll to encase the butter completely. Secure the chicken roll with small skewers or toothpicks.
• In a mixing bowl, beat eggs with water until fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, dill weed and flour. Coat the chicken well with the seasoned flour. Dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture and then roll in the bread crumbs. Place coated chicken on a shallow tray and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• In a medium size deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to medium-high. Fry chicken for about 5 minutes then turn over and fry for 5 minutes longer or until the chicken is golden brown. To test for doneness, cut into one of the rolled chicken breasts to make sure it doesn't have a pink interior. Serve immediately, garnished with a sliced lemon twist and a sprinkling or parsley.

CLASSIC CHICKEN KIEV

Steps:

• At least four hours before the meal, prepare the butter mixture - stir together butter, dill, lemon juice and cayenne in a medium bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and mix well.
• Spread a 12" long piece of plastic wrap on a work surface and place the butter mixture on one end, forming a 2" X 3" rectangle. Wrap the rectangle with the plastic wrap, maintaining the shape, and refrigerate at least 2 hours to chill and harden.
• When the butter has chilled, prepare the chicken breast halves, placing each half between plastic wrap (or I use a zip bag) and using a meat mallet with a large flat side, pound the halves until they are 1/4" thick overall, taking care not to tear the meat. Season each one with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cut the chilled butter lengthwise into 4 equal size bars. Place 1 bar in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the ends of each breast over the butter; roll up each piece tightly to completely enclose butter.
• Make fresh breadcrumbs (you can do this in advance), by cutting the crusts off 12 slices of firm white sandwich bread, tearing the slices into pieces, and pulsing them in a food processor at least three times. Less will produce a coarser crumb, more a finer crumb.
• Whisk bread crumbs, thyme, and 1 tsp salt and add a generous amount of ground pepper in a shallow bowl large enough to roll each chicken breast
• Place the flour and the eggs in separate shallow bowls.
• Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then eggs, followed by the bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken and shaking off excess. Transfer to a sheet pan, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• When ready to fry the chicken breasts, pour the oil to a depth of 1/2" in a pan large enough to hold all the chicken breasts. Heat over medium heat until 325 degrees.
• Add chicken to the hot oil and reduce heat to medium low. Cook, turning once, until golden brown and crispy on both sides, making sure it is done throughout - about 25 minutes total.
• Transfer the fried chicken rolls to a paper towel lined plate and serve immediately.