What is Mary Berry Chicken Kiev Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev is a classic dish consisting of chicken breasts filled with a garlic and herb butter, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried until crispy and golden. It’s a deliciously indulgent meal, perfect for special occasions or a hearty family dinner
What Goes Best with Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe?
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy, buttery chicken perfectly.
- Green Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas for a fresh and healthy balance.
- Salad: A light mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or roasted potatoes go well alongside.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Filling:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100g plain flour
- 100g breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying (if shallow frying)
How to Prepare Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, crushed garlic, parsley, tarragon (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Shape the garlic butter into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge until firm.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully make a deep pocket inside the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut through the other side.
- Slice the chilled garlic butter into 4 portions, and insert a portion into each pocket of the chicken breasts. Seal the pocket by pressing the edges of the chicken together.
- Coating the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish, season with salt and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in another dish, and place the breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- For Baking: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- For Frying and Baking: Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes to cook through.
Notes
- Sealing the Chicken: Make sure to press the chicken tightly around the butter filling to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Herbs: You can adjust the herbs in the garlic butter to your liking—thyme, chives, or dill work well too.
How to Serve Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roast vegetables and a side of fresh greens or salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
How to Reheat Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F, place the Chicken Kiev on a baking tray, and heat for 15-20 minutes until hot.
- Avoid Microwave: It’s not recommended to reheat Chicken Kiev in the microwave, as it will cause the breadcrumbs to become soggy.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe
- In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze uncooked Chicken Kievs after breading them. Place them on a baking tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry’s Chicken Kiev Recipe
- Can I make Chicken Kiev ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and bread the chicken in advance, then refrigerate or freeze it before cooking.
- What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
- Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well. Panko will give a crispier texture.
- Can I bake the Chicken Kiev instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake it for a healthier option. Drizzle with oil to help crisp the breadcrumbs.
- What if my butter leaks out during cooking?
- Ensure the chicken is tightly sealed, and don’t cut too large of a pocket. Also, chilling the butter helps minimize leakage.
- Can I use different herbs in the butter?
- Yes, you can use other herbs like thyme, chives, or basil.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken; it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they can hold the butter filling.
- Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
- Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- What can I serve with Chicken Kiev?
- Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad all pair nicely.
- Can I freeze leftover Chicken Kiev?
- You can freeze uncooked, breaded Chicken Kievs, but cooked leftovers won’t freeze as well.
Nutritional Information of Mary Berry Chicken Kiev Recipe (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg