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What is Chicken à la Kiev? The Origins of a Ukrainian Icon

Chicken à la Kiev – ever heard of it? How about Chicken Kyiv? If you’re a fan of delicious comfort food, this one’s a must-try. It’s a chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter and herbs, and it’s a global favorite. At Sveta, where Eastern European cuisine takes center stage, this dish holds a special place on the menu.

The Basic Components

It all starts with a chicken breast, pounded thin and tender, stuffed with a rich filling of garlic butter, herbs, and sometimes cheese, then rolled up. Once that’s done, it’s carefully breaded and either fried or baked to golden perfection. The best part? When you cut into it, that delicious garlic butter melts from the inside.

At Sveta, we make Chicken Kyiv according to our family recipe, which is the perfect combination of tradition and taste. The crispy outside, tender, juicy meat, and flavorful, savory filling create a deliciously comforting meal.

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French or Ukrainian?

Now, let’s get into the chicken Kiev origin story. Some say the dish originated in France, where chefs first experimented with butter-stuffed meats. However, it was Ukrainian cooks who brought this technique to their own kitchens, giving the dish its name, signature flavors, and association with Ukraine. The dish gained fame as a symbol of fine dining during Soviet times, and today, it’s enjoyed worldwide.

It’s undoubtedly a famous dish in both Eastern European and global cuisine. It represents a perfect blend of rich flavors and classic cooking techniques.

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Get a Taste of Ukraine’s Best Eats at Sveta

What is it, Chicken à la Kiev or Chicken Kyiv? No matter what you call it, dinner at Sveta in NYC hits different when it’s on the menu! It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to take your time to enjoy. And while you’re here, don’t stop at just one dish – our menu is packed with other Ukrainian meals, and each one tells its own story. Hungry yet? Go ahead and make a reservation today!

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