Words of a Watchman

We present a daring and spicy homage to the classic dish, Chicken Kiev, with homage to a fiery event that occurred in 1988.

The backdrop for this post is the war in Ukraine: That is obviously the inspiration for it.

My formative years were lived in the 1980s. I lived through the Cold War, under the constant fear of nuclear war, and that had a serious psychological impact on me.

That threat of nuclear conflict now seems closer than ever. But good food should never be far from hand, especially in an emergency.

So, do you want to play chicken with Russia?

To be clear, this recipe is no joke. We take the beloved tender and buttery essence of Chicken Kiev, and infuse it with a bold and explosive twist, mirroring the unexpected and powerful nature of its namesake. By incorporating a vibrant mix of hot sauces and spices, this dish captures the spirit of adventure and resilience. It’s a culinary creation that celebrates the rich flavours of a Ukrainian scorched battlefield.

Chicken Chernobyl is more than just a meal; it’s a tribute to the enduring strength and spicy zest of the Ukrainian people, even in the face of challenges and fear of sudden death without warning. Get ready to ignite your taste buds and embark on a flavorful journey with this fiery rendition of a timeless classic.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extreme hot sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños (or more for extra heat)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spicy Butter:
   • In a bowl, mix the softened butter with hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   • Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick, being careful not to tear the meat.
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
   • Once the spicy butter is solid, cut it into 4 equal pieces.
   • Place a piece of the spicy butter in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Fold the sides over the butter, then roll up the chicken, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
4. Breading:
   • Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
   • Dip each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off any excess, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat them well in breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully place the chicken rolls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, depending on size. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Serving:
   • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then remove any toothpicks.
   • Slice each roll diagonally to reveal the spicy buttery center and serve immediately.

This Chicken Chernobyl offers a spicy kick inside a juicy chicken breast with a golden, crispy coating. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste by playing with the type and amount of chili peppers and hot sauce. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this explosive dish! It is World War III warfare in your mouth!