Chicken Kiev And Keto: A Match Made In Heaven?

Chicken Kiev is a dish made from pounded chicken breast stuffed with butter and herbs, then coated with eggs and breadcrumbs. The traditional recipe is not keto-friendly, but there are many keto-friendly alternatives that use almond flour, pork rind, or whey protein for breading instead. Keto Chicken Kiev is a great option for those looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, and nut-free meal that is sure to impress the whole family.

Keto Chicken Kiev recipe

This keto-friendly Chicken Kiev is a decadent dish that is perfect for serving at a special occasion or dinner party. It is a low-carb, gluten-free, and nut-free meal that will satisfy even the most finicky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• ¼ cup cassava flour (optional)
• 1 ½ cups ground almonds or almond flour
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee, softened
• ½ cup parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp. chives, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients for the herb butter in a bowl and mix well.
• Roll into a sausage shape in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.
• Preheat oven to 400 °F.
• Slice a slit into each chicken breast, taking care not to slice through the breast, and create a pocket.
• Stuff each pocket with a slice of the flavored butter.
• Place the cassava flour, eggs, and almonds in separate bowls.
• Season cassava and almonds to taste with salt and pepper.
• Coat the chicken by dipping it first in the cassava flour, then in the egg, and finally in the almonds.
• Fry in a medium-hot frying pan in cooking oil until golden brown on each side.
• Place into the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove from the oven and serve.

Tips:

• You can use cassava flour to dust the chicken, or coconut flour. Alternatively, you can eliminate the flour altogether to keep the carb count lower.
• If you choose to go straight to the egg wash, use almond flour for the final coating.
• To soak up all the excess butter, serve with creamy mashed cauliflower and a side of sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon.

Chicken Kiev origin

The origin of Chicken Kiev has been a subject of debate for decades. While it may be easy to assume that the name of the dish originates from the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv (previously spelt Kiev), it is believed that the dish was actually born in France.

In the late 1840s, Russian royalty would send their chefs to Paris to learn from the best French chefs. It is said that the chefs learned how to make a dish similar to Chicken Kiev, but made with veal instead of chicken. When the chefs returned to Russia, they decided to elevate the dish by using chicken, which was considered a higher-priced meat at the time.

According to another version of the story, the Chicken Kiev recipe was invented by Marie-Antoine Carême, the French chef at the Court of Alexander I. Carême only spent several months in Russia during the whole year, but his influence on Russian cuisine was significant. However, you will not find any information about the dish in Carême's cookbooks today.

The Ukrainian recipe for Chicken Kiev that we know today is said to have been invented in 1918 in the restaurant of the Continental Hotel in Kiev. The dish was cooked for officers of the command staff of Skoropadsky Hetman and became extremely popular.

Keto Chicken Kiev tools

To make Keto Chicken Kiev, you will need a variety of tools and equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly and the final dish is cooked to perfection. Here is a list of essential tools to help you prepare this mouth-watering dish:

Cutting Board:

Having a good-quality, dishwasher-safe cutting board is essential for preparing the ingredients. It provides a stable surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing the chicken and herbs. Opt for a cutting board made of materials like wood or plastic, which are durable and easy to clean.

Chef Knife:

A sharp chef knife is indispensable for any home chef. It allows you to cut and pound the chicken breasts with precision, making it easier to create pockets for the herb butter. A good knife will also help you mince and chop the herbs and garlic needed for the herb butter filling.

Large Frying Pan:

A large, non-stick frying pan is perfect for frying the chicken. Look for one with a sturdy handle and a non-stick surface, like those offered by Rachel Ray, to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

Parchment Paper:

Parchment paper is a must-have for lining your baking trays or pans. It ensures that your Keto Chicken Kiev doesn't stick to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Baking Pan:

A reliable baking pan is essential for finishing off your Keto Chicken Kiev in the oven. Choose a pan made of durable material that distributes heat evenly, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly. Again, Rachel Ray's baking pans in various sizes are a great option.

Air Fryer (Optional):

If you prefer to use an air fryer instead of a traditional oven, invest in a good quality air fryer that can maintain a consistent temperature. An air fryer liner can also be useful to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Mixing Bowls:

You will need several mixing bowls to prepare the herb butter and the coating for the chicken. Have at least three bowls of different sizes to separate the cassava flour (or coconut flour), beaten eggs, and almond flour mixture.

Measuring Cups and Spoons:

Accurate measuring tools are crucial for getting the right proportions in your herb butter and coating. Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons in various sizes to measure both dry and liquid ingredients.

Meat Mallet (Optional):

While not mandatory, a meat mallet can be useful for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps create a uniform pocket for the herb butter and ensures even cooking.

Toothpicks:

Toothpicks are handy for securing the chicken breasts after stuffing them with herb butter. They hold the chicken together during refrigeration and cooking, preventing the butter from leaking out.

With these tools and equipment, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious Keto Chicken Kiev that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Chicken Kiev cooking methods

Chicken Kiev is a classic Eastern European dish from the early 1900s. It is made by stuffing chicken breasts with butter and herbs, coating them in breadcrumbs, and then frying or baking them. Here are some detailed cooking methods for this delicious dish:

Preparing the Herb Butter:

The first step in making Chicken Kiev is preparing the herb butter that will be stuffed inside the chicken breasts. This is done by combining softened butter with various herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, tarragon, chives, thyme, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients are mixed together until well combined, and then the herb butter is shaped into a log and refrigerated until firm.

Preparing the Chicken:

The next step is to prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them thin, usually to about 1/4" thickness. A meat mallet or rolling pin can be used for this. Then, a pocket is cut into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. A slice of the prepared herb butter is then placed into the pocket, and the chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper.

Coating the Chicken:

After the chicken is stuffed and seasoned, it is time to coat it. This is typically done by dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in beaten eggs, and then coating it with breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs can be regular or panko breadcrumbs, depending on the desired level of crunchiness. Some recipes also suggest using a mixture of whey protein and parmesan cheese or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make the dish more keto-friendly.

Frying or Baking the Chicken:

Finally, the coated chicken is either fried in oil until golden brown or baked in the oven at a temperature of around 350-375°F until cooked through. For frying, a deep skillet or heavy-based pot with about 1/3" of oil is used. The chicken is fried for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown, and then it may besection transferred to the oven to finish cooking. Alternatively, the chicken can be cooked entirely in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Kiev is often served with sides that can soak up the delicious herb butter, such as mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or crusty bread. A leafy green salad or sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon are also recommended side dishes to balance out the richness of the dish.

Keto Chicken Kiev Casserole

This keto-friendly chicken Kiev casserole is a healthier take on the classic recipe popular in Russia and Ukraine. It's a simple recipe that can be made with leftover or rotisserie chicken and other basic ingredients. The dish is creamy, crispy, and bursting with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (one 3-pound rotisserie chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/4 cups of sour cream
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 8 ounces of baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup of almond flour
• 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of Italian spices
• Salt to taste

Method:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Make the sauce:

In a small pot over medium-low heat, mix the heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Then, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Assemble the casserole:

In a 3-quart casserole dish or a 9x13 baking pan, mix the chicken with the sauce. Add the sliced mushrooms and onion over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Prepare the topping:

In a small bowl, mix the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian spices, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken casserole and drizzle melted butter on top.

Bake:

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbling.

Serve:

Serve the keto chicken Kiev casserole over cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three weeks.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and freeze it in an oven-safe container for up to two months. When ready to bake, defrost in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes.

Frequently asked questions