Mexican Chicken Kiev
Mexican Chicken Kiev combines tender chicken breasts filled with green chiles and Monterey Jack cheese, coated in seasoned bread crumbs and baked to perfection. This flavorful dish offers a spicy, cheesy twist on a classic, making it ideal for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned
- 1 (7 oz.) can green chiles, diced ⓘ
- 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 8 strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Put chicken between 2 pieces of wax paper and pound to 1/4-inch thick.
- Place 2 tablespoons of diced green chiles and 1 cheese strip in the center of each chicken piece.
- Roll up and tuck the ends under.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, cumin, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Brush each stuffed chicken piece with melted butter.
- Roll each in the crumb mixture to coat.
- Place the chicken rolls seam side down in a baking dish and drizzle with a little melted butter.
- Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. If Monterey Jack cheese isn't available, you can substitute with Pepper Jack for added flavor. When pounding the chicken, ensure even thickness to guarantee uniform cooking. Keep the chicken chilled until ready to bake to maintain shape.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Chicken Kiev with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side enhances the flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with Easy Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas for a delightful Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mexican Chicken Kiev can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chicken Kiev contains roughly 153 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time as needed based on thickness.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Both will provide a nice flavor to the breading.
Can I freeze the chicken before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled chicken rolls before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).