Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
Golden, crispy on the outside and bursting with garlicky, herby butter on the inside, Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter is a timeless dish that always impresses. From the moment you cut into the juicy chicken breast and watch the warm, fragrant butter flow out, you know you’re in for a comforting, elegant meal. This classic recipe is perfect for dinner parties, a cozy family dinner, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something a little special.
The beauty of Chicken Kiev lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The buttery center keeps the meat moist and tender, while the crunchy breadcrumb coating adds just the right amount of crisp. Pair it with a fresh salad or creamy mashed potatoes and you have a restaurant-worthy plate right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without being overly complicated. You’ll love how the buttery garlic filling infuses the chicken with rich flavor while keeping it juicy. The crispy coating gives it a satisfying crunch, making each bite memorable. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time and simply fry or bake it when you’re ready, which makes it ideal for busy evenings or entertaining.
How Do You Keep the Garlic Butter from Leaking Out?
A common question when making Chicken Kiev is how to stop the butter from escaping during cooking. The secret is in the sealing. After filling the chicken breast and rolling it tightly, make sure the edges are completely sealed by pressing them firmly and even pinning them with toothpicks if needed. Also, chilling the prepared chicken in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cooking helps the butter stay put as the exterior cooks and crisps.
Ingredients for the Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
For this recipe, each ingredient plays an important role in creating its signature flavor and texture. The chicken breasts are the star, pounded thin so they cook evenly and wrap easily around the butter. The garlic and fresh parsley bring brightness and aroma to the butter filling, while unsalted butter ensures a creamy, rich center. Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs work together to form the perfect golden crust that locks in moisture and adds crunch. A little salt and pepper seasons everything to perfection, making every bite delicious.

How To Make the Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Shape the mixture into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze for about 30 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Pound and Fill the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and pound it evenly until about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place a piece of the chilled garlic butter log in the center, then roll the chicken tightly, folding in the sides to seal the butter inside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each rolled chicken piece first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s completely coated.
Step 4: Chill Before Cooking
Place the breaded chicken on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps keep the butter from leaking during cooking.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken roll for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a 375°F oven to finish cooking for another 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy the buttery surprise inside.
Serving and Storing Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter is best served immediately while it’s hot, crispy, and the butter is still molten inside. This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family meal or a small dinner party. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy coating and warm filling.
What to Serve With Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and classic pairing, soaking up the garlicky butter that spills onto the plate.
Steamed Asparagus
The bright, tender crunch of steamed asparagus complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Buttered Green Beans
Simple and flavorful, buttered green beans add a pop of color and freshness to your meal.
Garden Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Baby Carrots
Sweet and caramelized, roasted baby carrots offer a hint of natural sweetness to your plate.
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is another great side that works perfectly with the buttery chicken.
Garlic Bread
If you want to double down on the garlic, serve with warm slices of garlic bread to mop up all the delicious juices.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter, here are a few more irresistible chicken recipes you’ll want to try next:
• Easy One Pan Mozzarella Chicken Recipe for a quick and cheesy dinner.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you’re craving pasta with a creamy twist.
• Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken for a restaurant favorite at home.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs when you want something tangy and comforting.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for a unique take on crispy baked chicken.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add any herbs to the butter? Did you try baking instead of frying? I’d love to hear your variations and tips!
Explore beautifully curated chicken dinner inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover even more creative ways to enjoy your favorite meals.
Conclusion
Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter is a show-stopping recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crispy exterior and irresistible garlicky center, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, it brings together classic flavors everyone will love.
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Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Kiev with Garlic Butter is a crispy, juicy chicken dish filled with garlicky herb butter. Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, this recipe delivers golden crunch and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic and parsley. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic, and freeze 30 minutes.
2. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness between parchment sheets.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place a piece of chilled butter in center and roll tightly, folding sides in.
4. Dredge each roll in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
5. Chill breaded rolls in freezer for 30 minutes.
6. Fry in oil over medium heat, 3–4 minutes per side, then transfer to 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the buttery center.
Notes
Keep the butter log firm before filling to prevent leaking.
Use toothpicks to seal edges if needed.
Freezing before cooking helps keep the butter inside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fry and bake
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken kiev
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 33
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 170