James Beard's Chicken Kiev

Delight in the timeless elegance of James Beard's Chicken Kiev, a dish that combines crispy, golden-breaded chicken with a decadent hidden surprise of garlic herb butter. This classic recipe features perfectly seasoned, tender chicken breasts wrapped around a luscious log of butter blended with fresh parsley, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Carefully rolled, breaded, and fried to perfection, each piece delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, buttery center that melts with every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent dinner, this crowd-pleaser is best served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. With just 25 minutes of prep time, James Beard's Chicken Kiev is a gourmet treat that's surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pieces eggs, beaten
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until well-blended. Shape the butter mixture into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to flatten to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 3

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove the butter log from the refrigerator and cut it into 4 equal pieces.

Step 5

Place one piece of butter in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Fold the sides of the chicken over the butter, then roll tightly to form a packet. Use toothpicks to secure if necessary.

Step 6

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Dredge each chicken packet in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they adhere well.

Step 8

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Carefully place the breaded chicken packets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 10-12 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the Chicken Kiev from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 11

Serve hot with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or a green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1591.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6994.4

Total Fat 611.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 133.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1209.6mg	0%
Sodium 3919.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.0g
Protein 251.6g	0%

Vitamin D 87.0IU	0%
Calcium 404.9mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 2347.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.9%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 7.8%