Mock Chicken Kiev
Mock Chicken Kiev offers a crispy, golden exterior with a flavorful herbed butter center, perfect for a satisfying main course suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash margarine with garlic, parsley, and chives.
- Divide the herbed butter into 2 equal portions and refrigerate until chilled.
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper and pound with a mallet until 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place a portion of herbed butter in the center of each chicken breast, tuck in the sides, and roll up the breast, fastening with toothpicks.
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Brown the chicken breasts quickly until golden.
- Place in lightly greased ovenware and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve with rice or noodles, vegetables, and tossed salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute margarine with olive oil or a plant-based butter. If you prefer, you can use turkey breasts instead of chicken for a different flavor. To enhance the flavor of the herbed butter, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest or a dash of hot sauce. If you're short on time, pre-made herbed butter can also work well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Mock Chicken Kiev pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a versatile dish. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh tossed salad to balance the meal. For added flavor, you can also complement it with a side of Dirty Rice for a Cajun twist. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to maintain the chicken's moisture and prevents it from drying out, ensuring a delicious second serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Chicken Kiev contains roughly 779 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent them from drying out. When you're ready to serve, simply brown and bake them as directed in the recipe for a quick meal.
What can I use instead of chives?
If you don't have chives on hand, you can substitute them with green onions or shallots for a similar oniony flavor. Fresh dill or thyme can also be great alternatives, adding their own unique twist to the herbed butter mixture.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared chicken rolls before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, ensuring they are airtight. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).