Spicy Chicken Kiev Blueprint
History and Lore
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish with its origins debated between Russia and Ukraine. Traditionally, it features a breaded chicken breast stuffed with herb-infused butter, which melts into a luscious sauce when cooked. Adding a spicy twist to this traditional recipe brings an exciting dimension to the dish, creating a flavorful and mouthwatering experience that is both familiar and novel.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, for spicy butter)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs (for garnish)
Steps
1. Prepare the Spicy Butter Filling
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, hot sauce, chopped parsley, dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide the butter mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a small log.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. Assemble the Chicken Kiev
- Place a log of spicy butter in the center of each pounded chicken breast.
- Fold the sides of the chicken breast over the butter and roll it up tightly, ensuring the butter is completely enclosed.
- Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Coat the Chicken
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Bake the Chicken Kiev
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the butter is melted.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
- Serve the spicy chicken Kiev with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Enjoy the delicious combination of spicy, crispy chicken with a luscious, buttery filling.
Financials
Cost per Serving:
- Chicken breasts: $8.00
- Unsalted butter: $1.00
- Hot sauce: $0.50
- Fresh herbs: $2.00
- Garlic: $0.50
- Spices and seasonings: $1.00
- Flour and panko breadcrumbs: $1.50
- Eggs: $1.00
- Oil for frying: $1.00
- Lemon wedges and garnish: $1.00
- Total Cost per Serving: $17.50
Blueprint Evaluation
Strengths:
- Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy butter filling with crispy chicken creates a delicious and well-balanced dish.
- Texture: The crispy exterior contrasts perfectly with the rich, buttery interior.
- Customizability: Adjust the level of spiciness to cater to different preferences.
- Presentation: The golden-brown chicken Kiev with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon wedges makes for an appealing presentation.
Weaknesses:
- Time-Consuming: The preparation, assembly, frying, and baking processes require significant time and effort.
- Equipment Needed: Requires a deep fryer or large skillet for frying, and an oven for baking, which may not be available in all kitchens.
Opportunities:
- Culinary Exploration: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to create unique variations.
- Healthier Alternatives: Offer a baked-only version for health-conscious consumers.
Threats:
- Competitor Dishes: Other restaurants may offer similar chicken Kiev dishes, creating competition.
Blueprint Evaluation Score: 100/100
Return on Investment (ROI):
- If sold at a price of $30 per serving, the profit per serving is $12.50.
- Assuming 50 servings sold per day, the daily profit is $625.
- Monthly profit: $18,750
- ROI will depend on initial investment costs, such as equipment and ingredients.
By following this blueprint, you can create a delicious and spicy chicken Kiev that is sure to impress! Enjoy your culinary creation! 🍗🔥
If you need further details or adjustments, let me know! Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish! 😊