Kotleti Po-Kievski

This dish is considered Ukrainian in origin and takes its name from the capital of Ukraine, Kiev. "Kotlety po-kievski" is seasoned butter rolled up in breaded chicken breasts. It’s a delicious dish, great for very special occasions like family birthdays, sunday dinners or for friends. The seasoned melted butter oozes out when eating and the aroma that comes out is just so good. You have to try it to believe it.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour + a pinch of salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• bread crumbs
• a pinch cayenne pepper/black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying
  

How To:

Grind garlic and a pinch of salt together in a mortar and pestle until garlic is completely smashed. Add parsley and pound. Combine butter, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place the mixture on plastic wrap and roll into a small log. Place in freezer.

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.  Using a sharp knife, slice halfway through the thickness of each chicken breast, cutting it almost all the way through. Stop cutting when you reach about 1/2 inch from the end of the breast and open it like a book. Place chicken breasts, 1 at a time, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Even out the chicken breast's thickness by pounding it carefully until about 1/5 inch thick.

Remove the firm butter mixture from freezer and divide into 4 equal pieces. Place one piece of butter on each chicken breast. Fold in edges of chicken and then roll to encase the butter completely. Tightly wrap each chicken breast ball in plastic wrap, put wrapped breasts on a plate. Place in freezer for about 10-15 minutes.

Remove chicken breast balls from plastic wrap. Gently press each chicken breast ball into flour mixture to coat and shake off any excess flour. Beat eggs with a fork or a whisk. Dip each breast in the eggs and then roll in the 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 C). Working in batches, gently place each breast in oil, sealed-side down, and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Or; Heat oven to 400 F and bake in the preheated oven until you can hear the butter start to sizzle on the baking sheet, 15 to 17 minutes.

Bon Apetit!

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