Chicken Kiev
Try this Chicken Kiev recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken Kiev recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves of garlic
- olive oil
- 2 lemons
- sunflower oil
- 4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
- 4 x 150 g skinless chicken breasts (i got mine from the butcher with the bone in, but either way is fine)
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 large free-range eggs
- 150 g fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 large handfuls of baby spinach or rocket
- 4 knobs of unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 head of broccoli
- 1/2 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (15g)
- 800 g maris piper potatoes
- 1 knob of unsalted butter
- Carbohydrate 71.8230375 g
- Cholesterol 105.75 mg
- Fat 8.3519374998875 g
- Fiber 7.86337507039309 g
- Protein 13.4103125 g
- Saturated Fat 1.66912249998447 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (335g)
- Sodium 322.773906249998 mg
- Sugar 63.9596624296069 g
- Trans Fat 1.10156531249695 g
- Calories 406 calories
Step-by-step
- Fry the bacon in a pan on a medium heat with a tiny drizzle of olive oil, until golden and crisp, then remove.
- For the butter, peel the garlic, then finely chop with the parsley leaves and mix into the softened butter with the cayenne. Firm up in the fridge.
- Working one-by-one on a board, stuff the chicken breasts. To do this, start by pulling back the loose fillet on the back of the breast – put your knife in the opposite direction and slice to create a long pocket. Open the pocket up with your fingers, cut the chilled butter into four and push one piece into the pocket, then crumble in a rasher of crispy bacon. Fold and seal back the chicken, completely covering the butter and giving you a nice neat parcel. Repeat with the 3 remaining breasts.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs in another, and put the breadcrumbs and a pinch of seasoning into a third.
- Evenly coat each chicken breast in flour, then beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, and finally, turn them in the breadcrumbs, patting them on until evenly coated.
- Shallow-fry in 2cm of sunflower oil on a medium to high heat for a couple of minutes on each side, or until lightly golden, then transfer to a tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- You can bake them completely in the oven and skip the frying altogether, you just need to drizzle them with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes – they won’t be as golden, but they’ll be just as delicious.
- Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop the potatoes and cook in a large pan of boiling salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender.
- Chop up the broccoli and add it to the potatoes for the last 8 minutes.
- Drain and leave to steam dry, then return to the pan and mash with a knob of butter and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Divide the mash between your plates and place a Kiev on top of each portion.
- Lightly dress the spinach leaves or rocket in a little oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle over the top as a salady garnish.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side.
A Weeknight Wonder: Mastering the Art of Chicken Kiev
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and impressive dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. But I've discovered a secret weapon that transforms a simple weeknight meal into something truly special: Chicken Kiev.
Forget takeout or frozen dinners; Chicken Kiev is surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight. This recipe, while decadent, is incredibly satisfying and requires minimal prep time. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a juicy, tender chicken breast with a burst of flavourful, garlicky butter in the center. The creamy, herbaceous butter is the star of the show, adding a rich depth that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. It's the perfect balance of comfort food and culinary sophistication.
Why Chicken Kiev is a Weeknight Winner:
First, the prep time is remarkably short. Most of the work can be done in advance. You can prepare the garlicky butter ahead of time, and even bread the chicken earlier in the day or the night before. This significantly reduces the stress of cooking on a busy evening. Second, it’s a complete meal in itself. The classic combination of chicken, potatoes, and greens ensures a satisfying and balanced meal, reducing the need for multiple dishes.
The Magic of the Filling:
The heart of a truly great Chicken Kiev lies in its buttery, garlicky filling. The combination of freshly minced garlic, vibrant parsley, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a flavour profile that is both intense and subtle. I find that using good quality, unsalted butter is key. It allows the other flavours to shine through. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the herbs; a sprinkle of thyme or chives could add an interesting twist.
Cooking Techniques:
While the original recipe involves shallow-frying, followed by baking, I often opt for a simpler method, baking the Kievs entirely in the oven. This slightly reduces the crispiness but ensures that the chicken is perfectly cooked through without excessive oil. It's a healthier option for those watching their fat intake, without sacrificing taste. No matter which method you choose, ensure the oven is adequately preheated to guarantee a perfectly golden-brown crust.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete meal, I typically serve my Chicken Kievs with creamy mashed potatoes and a simple side salad of spinach or rocket. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the richness of the chicken, while the fresh salad adds a refreshing contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish adds a final touch of brightness.
Beyond the Weeknight:
Chicken Kiev isn’t just for busy weeknights; it’s also a fantastic choice for entertaining guests. It’s a visually impressive dish that's sure to wow your friends and family. It can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The best part is, despite its elegance, it remains remarkably straightforward to prepare.
In Conclusion:
Chicken Kiev is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, well-executed flavours. It's a dish that bridges the gap between quick weeknight meals and impressive dinner party fare. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is both impressive and enjoyable. So, next time you’re looking for a culinary adventure without sacrificing time, give this recipe a try. You won't regret it.
