Olivia Carter
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that originated in Russia and has become a popular favorite around the world. This dish features a tender chicken breast filled with seasoned butter and herbs, then breaded and baked until golden brown and crispy. While traditionally cooked in a pan or deep-fried, using a convection oven can result in a healthier and equally delicious version of this dish.
The key to cooking Chicken Kiev in a convection oven is to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and remains moist on the inside. The convection oven’s fan and exhaust system help to circulate the heat evenly, resulting in a more uniform cooking process. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and quickly, while still retaining its moisture and tenderness.
Before cooking Chicken Kiev in a convection oven, it is important to properly prepare and season the chicken. Begin by butterflying the chicken breast and gently pounding it to an even thickness. This not only helps to tenderize the meat but also allows it to cook more evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor.
Preparing the Chicken Kiev
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients for the Chicken Kiev recipe. You will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the Chicken Kiev:
- Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice.
- Divide the butter mixture evenly and stuff it into the pockets of the chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
At this point, you can refrigerate the prepared chicken breasts for about 30 minutes to allow the coating to set and the flavors to meld together.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking chicken Kiev in a convection oven, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts | 4 |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced garlic | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
Make sure to measure and prepare all the ingredients in advance, as this will make the cooking process faster and more convenient. Having everything organized and ready will help you stay focused and ensure that you have all the necessary components to make a delicious and perfectly cooked chicken Kiev in a convection oven.
Creating the Filling
To create the filling for your chicken Kiev, you will need the following ingredients:
| • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened |
| • 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped |
| • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped |
| • 1 teaspoon lemon juice |
| • Salt and pepper to taste |
| • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and place the chicken breasts on top. Cover the chicken breasts with another sheet of plastic wrap.
3. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
4. Remove the top layer of plastic wrap and spread a quarter of the butter mixture on top of each chicken breast.
5. Carefully roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight cylinder. Secure the ends with toothpicks to hold them together.
Now that you have created the filling and shaped the chicken breasts, you are ready to move on to the next step in the process.
Cooking the Chicken Kiev
1. Preheat the convection oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take the chicken Kiev out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
3. Place the chicken Kievs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave enough space between each chicken Kiev to allow for proper airflow.
4. Bake the chicken Kievs in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
5. While the chicken Kievs are baking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Once the chicken Kievs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and make the chicken more tender.
7. Serve the chicken Kievs hot, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce. You can also garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor and presentation.
8. Enjoy your homemade chicken Kievs! They are perfect served with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Coating the Chicken
Start by preheating your convection oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, beat two large eggs together until well mixed. In a separate shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes.
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides. Then, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture and press it down gently, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Repeat this process for all the chicken breasts, making sure to replenish the breadcrumb mixture if needed. Once coated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
If desired, you can brush the tops of the chicken breasts with melted butter or olive oil for added flavor and crispness.
Tips:
For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb dipping process.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Using the Convection Oven
When cooking Chicken Kiev in a convection oven, there are a few techniques you can use to ensure the best results.
1. Preheating the Oven
Before you start cooking, it’s important to preheat your convection oven to the recommended temperature. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a crispy outer coating. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Using the Convection Setting
Most convection ovens have a specific setting for convection cooking. Make sure to select this setting before placing the Chicken Kiev in the oven. The convection setting will circulate the hot air evenly around the food, resulting in a quicker and more even cooking process.
Tip: If your convection oven doesn’t have a specific convection setting, you can still use it by reducing the cooking temperature by about 25°F (15°C) compared to a traditional oven. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
3. Using a Baking Rack
For the best results, place the Chicken Kiev on a baking rack set inside a baking tray. This will elevate the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate underneath and helping to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked crust.
4. Adjusting Cooking Time
Since convection ovens cook faster than traditional ovens, it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start by following the recipe’s recommended cooking time and then check the chicken for doneness. If needed, continue cooking in increments of 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
By following these tips and using the convection oven, you will be able to achieve delicious and perfectly cooked Chicken Kiev every time!
Q&A
How long should I cook chicken Kiev in a convection oven?
You should cook chicken Kiev in a convection oven for about 25-30 minutes at a temperature of 200°C (400°F).
What temperature should the internal temperature of chicken Kiev be when it’s done cooking?
The internal temperature of chicken Kiev should reach 75°C (165°F) when it’s done cooking.
Do I need to preheat the convection oven before cooking the chicken Kiev?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the convection oven to ensure even and consistent cooking of the chicken Kiev.
Can I freeze the chicken Kiev before cooking it in the convection oven?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken Kiev before cooking it in the convection oven. Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking.
