World Flavors Cookbook

Kotleta po-Kyivsky (Chicken Kiev)

An elegant dish of pounded chicken breast rolled around cold garlic and herb butter, then breaded and fried to golden perfection.

Cuisine: Ukraine

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the herb butter: Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 small logs and freeze until hard (about 30 minutes).
  2. Pound the chicken: Place each breast between plastic wrap and pound with a mallet until about 5mm thick, being careful not to tear the meat.
  3. Assemble: Place a frozen butter log in the center of each breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the butter, tucking in the ends to ensure no butter escapes.
  4. Breading: Dredge each roll in flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For a better seal, dip in egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
  5. Chill the breaded rolls in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  6. Fry: Heat oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Serve immediately, warning guests that the hot butter will squirt out when cut.