Yield: 4 servings

Chef John / AllRecipes

“I’m not going to say this chicken Kiev is ‘easy to make.’ It’s really not. So, why try? Because, if and when you pull this off, you’ll be enjoying one of the greatest chicken experiences of your life. It’s also one of the greatest garlic experiences of your life, as well as one of the greatest butter experiences of your life.”

• 2cloves garlic, minced
• salt & pepper
• 2TBS chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 6TBS unsalted butter
• 4(8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1cup AP flour
• 2tsp salt
• 2eggs, beaten
• 2cups panko bread crumbs
• 1pinch cayenne pepper
• 2cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Potatoes:

• 12oz potatoes
• olive oil

Roast Vegetable Medley: (Substitute any vegetables as desired)

• 4oz red onion
• 4oz green beans
• 4oz carrots

Build Kievs:

Grind garlic and a pinch of salt together in a mortar and pestle until garlic is completely smashed. Add parsley and mix until completelyincorporated. Pound butter into garlic mixture with pestle until parsley and garlic are fully incorporated into the butter. Wrap the butter mixture in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 15 minutes.

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place ¼ the butter mixture in the center of wider end of each chicken breast. Fold the narrower end of each chicken breast up over the 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 the chicken will be smooth, and the bottom will be gathered. Tightly wrap each chicken breast ball in plastic wrap, put wrapped breasts on a plate, and chill in the freezer until the gathered bottoms hold together and are slightly firm, about 30 minutes.

Prep vegetable medley:

Adjust rack to top and middle positions and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce.

Trim beans, peel and cut carrots into ½-inch thick diagonal pieces, peel, halve and slice red onion into ½-inch wedges.

Add carrots, beans and red onion to sheet pan with a large drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast on top rack for 22 minutes.

Cook Potatoes:

Peel, if desired, and chop potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Add potatoes to medium saucepan and fill with water to cover by 1 inch, add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, partially cover and reduce heat to a soft boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. Reserve 1/2-cup potato cooking liquid and drain.

Cook Kievs:

Whisk flour and 2 tsp salt together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs together in another shallow bowl. Pour panko breadcrumbs into another bowl.

Remove chicken breast balls from plastic wrap. Gently press each chicken breast ball into flour mixture to coat and shake off any excess flour. Dip into beaten eggs, then press into breadcrumbs. Place breaded chicken onto a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and return to the freezer to chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Heat oil in a large saucepan to 350°F. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Working in batches, cook chicken, gathered side down, in hot oil and until lightly golden on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle salt and cayenne pepper over the top.

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°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mash potatoes:

Return pot with drained potatoes to medium-low heat. Add 1 1/2 TBS sour cream and 1 TBS butter. Mash until smooth, adding splashes of reserved potato cooking liquid as needed. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Serve:

Divide Kievs, mashed potatoes and vegetables between plates.

Side dish suggestions:

Vegetables	Starches
Green Beans & Mushrooms	Couscous
Roasted Asparagus	Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli	Rice Pilaf with Peas
Roast Vegetable Medley	Noodles