Greek Chicken Kiev Kotokiev Recipes

CHEF JOHN'S CHICKEN KIEV

Steps:

• Grind garlic and a pinch of salt together in a mortar and pestle until garlic is completely smashed. Add parsley and mix until completely incorporated. 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 1/4 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.
• Whisk flour and 2 teaspoons salt together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs together in another shallow bowl. Pour panko bread crumbs 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 bread crumbs. 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 deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). 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 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

CHICKEN KIEV

Steps:

• Make the herb butter. Combine all the butter, herbs and lemon juice ingredients in a medium-large bowl, and, using a rubber spatula, mix until well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
• On a work surface, spread out a piece of plastic wrap, about 10 inches long. Put the herb butter across the bottom center of the plastic wrap, and form into a log-like shape, about 4 inches long. Fold the bottom edge of the plastic wrap over the butter and roll the enclosed butter forward until completely wrapped, to form a tube about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Twist the ends together, like a party favor, and freeze until very firm.
• Prepare the chicken. On a work surface, place 1 breast half between 2 layers of plastic wrap or wax paper and, using a meat-tenderizing mallet, pound to a 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Unwrap the butter and cut lengthwise into four equal pieces. Lay out each breast half and season both sides assertively with salt and pepper. Place 1 piece of butter across the bottom center of each breast. Fold the bottom edge of a breast over the butter, fold in the sides, and roll the just enclosed butter forward until completely wrapped, to form a tight rolled package. Repeat with the remaining breasts.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and the thyme and season generously with pepper.
• Place the flour and eggs in separate flat bottomed bowls or lipped plates. Working with one chicken roll at a time, dredge it in the flour, dip in the egg, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off the excess. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12.
• In a large straight-sided skillet, pour the oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it registers 325 degrees F on a deep-frying thermometer. Add the breaded chicken and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 25 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Divide the chicken among plates and serve immediately. When cutting into the chicken, beware of spurting herb butter!

GREEK CHICKEN KIEV (KOTOKIEV)

Steps:

• 1. In a small bowl mix oregano, garlic powder, feta, butter, olives, salt and pepper.
• 2. Form the mixture into small balls equal to the number of split chicken breasts (8).
• 3. Place rolls in the freezer for 30 minutes.
• 4. Flatten chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness by placing between sheets of wax paper or cellophane and pounding with a meat tenderizer.
• 5. Drizzle lemon juice over the breasts and allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
• 6. Preheat cooking oil in a deep-fryer or heavy skillet to 350°.
• 7. Place one frozen butter roll in the center of each breast, and wrap the meat around it. Secure with a wooden pick.
• 8. Roll chicken in flour, dip in egg, then roll in bread crumbs.
• 9. Deep fry in oil about about 5 minutes* until the chicken is golden-brown.
• 10. Drain on paper towels.
• * If frying in a skillet, where the chicken is not covered in oil, it will take at least 10 - 15 minutes and 2 or 3 turns to cook all sides.