Chef John's Chicken Kiev

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Gather all ingredients.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Grind garlic and pinch of salt together in a mortar and pestle until smooth; add parsley and mix well. Pound butter into garlic mixture with the pestle until well combined. Wrap butter mixture in plastic wrap; refrigerate until cold, at least 15 minutes.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place 1/4 of the butter mixture in the center of the wider end of each chicken breast.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Fold the narrower end of each chicken breast up over butter to form a tight pocket around the butter; gather the sides of each chicken breast to the center to form a round ball. The top of each chicken ball will be smooth and the bottom will be gathered. Tightly wrap each chicken ball in plastic wrap; transfer to a plate and chill in the freezer until the gathered bottoms hold together and are slightly firm, about 30 minutes.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Whisk flour and 2 teaspoons salt together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs together in another shallow bowl. Pour panko bread crumbs into a third bowl.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Remove chicken breast balls from plastic wrap. Gently press them into flour mixture to coat; shake off any excess flour. Dip into beaten eggs, then press into bread crumbs. Place breaded chicken on a plate; cover with plastic wrap, and return to the freezer to chill until firm, about 15 minutes.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Working in batches, place chicken, gathered-side down, in hot oil and cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute per side. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet; sprinkle salt and cayenne pepper over the top.'}

8. 8

   {'id': 'step_7', 'step': 8, 'text': 'Bake in the preheated oven until you can hear the butter start to sizzle on the baking sheet, 15 to 17 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).'}

9. 9

   {'id': 'step_8', 'step': 9, 'text': 'Let rest for a few minutes before serving.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (4 servings total)