Chicken Kiev Origin and History: Who Invented and Where Does it Come From?


Chicken Kiev is a well-loved dish all over the world. It’s made with a chicken breast that’s carefully filled with butter that’s been mixed with garlic and herbs. Then, it’s covered in breadcrumbs and cooked until it’s crispy on the outside. People either fry or bake it.

Let’s talk about Chicken Kiev. What is it? It’s a chicken dish that has a soft inside and a crunchy outside. It’s special because it has a piece of chicken that’s filled with flavorful butter. The breadcrumbs on the outside make it crispy when you cook it.

chicken kiev stuffed breaded and fried

Chicken Kiev has a long history. It started with fancy cooking in Eastern Europe and Russia in the 1700s. The rich people back then liked to eat fancy French food, and that’s how this dish began. Over time, cooks have changed the recipe a little bit, but the tasty butter inside the chicken is always there.

Does Chicken Kiev always have a bone in it? In traditional recipes from France and Russia, yes, they keep the bone called the humerus in the chicken. Nowadays, many cooks take it out to make it easier to eat.

Chicken Kiev isn’t just food; it’s also part of culture and history. It’s so famous that it’s in books and movies. It even played a part in politics. There was a big speech called the ‘Chicken Kiev speech’ by U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Ukraine.

Chicken Kiev Country of Origin

various origin theories explored

French Influence: Is chicken kiev French?

In the 1800s, some people think that the dish Chicken Kiev was first made in France. Russian royals sent their cooks to Paris to learn how to cook like the French.

At first, the cooks used veal to make the dish because that was popular in France. But when they made it in Moscow, they used chicken instead. Back then, people in Moscow thought chicken was fancier and better than veal.

The dish was first called ‘Mikhailovska cutlet.’ But over time, as people in Ukraine changed the recipe and talked about it, the name changed too. Now we know it as ‘Chicken Kiev.’

Russian Origin: Is chicken kiev Russian?

Exploring the history of Chicken Kiev, we learn from food expert William Pokhlyobkin that this famous dish was actually first made in the year 1912.

It started out with the name Novo-Mikhailovskaya kotleta and was created at a well-known club for business people in St. Petersburg, Russia. This idea challenges the usual thought that French cooking had a big impact on Russian food.

Then, in 1947, a restaurant in the Soviet Union changed the name to kotleta po-kiyevski. This name change tied the dish to Ukrainian culture.

But, some people say that Chicken Kiev was a name used way before 1947. They point to old books and articles from the 1910s that already talked about Chicken Kiev.

This makes it look like the dish was not a new invention in 1947, but rather a renaming of something that already existed.

Chicken Kiev has a debate around its origin. Was it a creation of 1912, named after a club in St. Petersburg, or was it known before that time? This dish, with its Russian beginnings and Ukrainian name, is famous worldwide.

Ukrainian Origin: Is chicken kiev Ukrainian?

ukrainian origin and luxury

People in Kyiv say they invented Chicken Kiev. They believe chefs at the Continental, a fancy hotel that opened in 1897, made it first. The hotel was known for really good food.

The story goes that the chefs wanted to make something special for rich people, so they came up with Chicken Kiev.

This isn’t just a story; it’s also about Ukrainian pride and culture. Chicken Kiev shows how creative cooks in Kyiv were back then.

They used local stuff and fancy French cooking to make something new. This makes Kyiv an important place for food around the world.

Evolution and Popularity

chicken kyiv s global popularity

Chicken Kiev, a dish with Ukrainian beginnings, has become very popular in the United States. It is known for being a fancy Russian food.

Since the second half of the 1900s, more people in the U.S. have started to enjoy Chicken Kiev. It is served in high-end restaurants and also found as a frozen food, which makes it easy for more people to try.

After the Soviet Union ended, Chicken Kiev stayed popular in countries that were part of it. It’s a dish that reminds people of home and mixes local cooking with Russian food styles. People in these countries often eat Chicken Kiev at home and in restaurants.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, people also like Chicken Kiev. They have made changes to the recipe to match what they like to eat.

But after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, these countries changed the dish’s name to ‘Chicken Kyiv.’ This shows support for Ukraine and respects the dish’s true Ukrainian history.

Recipe Variations

chicken kiev variations and fillings

Chicken Kiev is a classic dish with different versions around the world. In the West, people like to add garlic to the butter inside the chicken. But in Russia, they usually use just plain butter.

This dish starts with a chicken breast without the bone. You pound it flat, put cold butter in the middle, roll it up, bread it, and cook it. There are lots of ways to change the inside of Chicken Kiev.

Let’s talk about the stuffing. In Western countries, it’s common to find garlic butter inside. This adds a strong, tasty flavor that many people there enjoy. Some recipes change the butter for something else, like a mix of cheese and herbs. This makes the dish creamy and gives it a nice smell.

People have come up with other new fillings too. For example, some stuff Chicken Kiev with avocado and brie cheese. This mix is modern and tastes really good.

Another way to make Chicken Kiev is to bake it instead of frying it. Baking is healthier and easier, and it makes the chicken a bit different on the outside.

chicken kiev s disputed origins

People Also Ask:

1. Who invented chicken kiev?

Chicken Kiev’s exact origins are debated, but it is often attributed to either French or Russian chefs. Some sources credit French chef Nicolas François Appert, while others say it was created by a Russian chef at the Moscow Merchants’ Club in the early 20th century. Another theory claims it was popularized in Kiev, Ukraine, in Soviet times by Ukrainian chefs.


2. Where does chicken kiev come from?

Chicken Kiev’s origin is also a matter of debate. It is believed to have either been developed in Russia or Ukraine, with influences from French cuisine. The dish was widely popularized in Soviet Ukraine in the mid-20th century.

  • Where is chicken kiev from?
    Chicken Kiev became widely associated with Ukraine, particularly the city of Kiev (Kyiv), but its origins may also be linked to Russia.
  • Where was chicken kiev invented?
    It could have been invented either in France (influenced by Russian aristocracy), in Russia itself, or later in Ukraine. The city of Kiev often gets the credit for popularizing the dish.
  • Where did chicken kiev originate?
    Most sources trace its creation back to Russian or Ukrainian chefs during the early 20th century. Its name ties it to Kiev, but the culinary techniques may have been imported from French cuisine.
  • Where do chicken kievs come from?
    The dish likely has roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Russia, although it was inspired by French cooking techniques.
  • Where did the chicken kiev originate?
    Its exact origins are unclear, but it was likely invented in Russia or Ukraine, based on a French-inspired recipe.
  • Where are chicken kievs from?
    While it’s named after the Ukrainian city of Kiev, its actual origin could be Russian or French. The dish became famous in Soviet Ukraine.
  • Where does chicken kyiv come from?
    Kyiv (or Kiev) is often credited with popularizing the dish, but the original recipe may have been brought from France and adapted by Russian chefs.
  • Is chicken kiev from Kiev?
    It is named after Kiev, but it may not have been originally invented there. The dish became popularized in Kiev during Soviet times.
  • Do chicken kievs come from Kiev?
    Chicken Kiev is associated with the city, but its invention may have roots outside of Kiev, possibly in Russia or France.

3. What country is chicken kiev from?

While Chicken Kiev is strongly associated with Ukraine due to its name, some historians believe it may have originated in Russia, influenced by French cuisine.

  • Is chicken kiev from Ukraine?
    It is popularly linked to Ukraine, especially Kiev (Kyiv), but there is a debate over whether it was invented there or in Russia.
  • Are chicken kievs from Ukraine?
    Chicken Kiev became closely associated with Ukraine during the Soviet era, but it might have been created in Russia or even by French chefs.
  • Does chicken kiev come from Ukraine?
    Although it is named after the Ukrainian city, the dish may have been developed outside of Ukraine, in Russia or France.
  • Is chicken kiev Russian or Ukrainian?
    The dish is tied to both Russia and Ukraine, with historical records suggesting that it could have originated in either place.
  • Is chicken kiev Russian?
    Some sources claim Chicken Kiev was created by Russian chefs, possibly influenced by French cooking methods.
  • Is chicken kiev French?
    Chicken Kiev may have been inspired by French haute cuisine, as many Russian and Ukrainian chefs were trained in French culinary techniques.

4. Why is it called chicken kiev?

The dish is named after the city of Kiev (now spelled Kyiv), the capital of Ukraine. This name likely became popular during the Soviet era when the dish was associated with Ukrainian cuisine.

  • Why is a chicken kiev called that?
    It’s named after Kiev, where it became a famous dish. However, it might have originated elsewhere and gained its name due to its popularity in the city.
  • Why are chicken kievs called kievs?
    The dish was named after Kiev (Kyiv), where it was heavily popularized, though it may have originated in Russian or French kitchens.
  • What is chicken kiev named after?
    Chicken Kiev is named after the Ukrainian city of Kiev (Kyiv), where it gained prominence during the Soviet era.
  • Why is chicken kiev now kyiv?
    The spelling has changed from “Kiev” to “Kyiv” as part of Ukraine’s efforts to establish its national identity following independence from the Soviet Union, aligning the name with the Ukrainian language.
  • Why is a chicken kiev called a kiev?
    The dish gained its name from the city of Kiev (now Kyiv), where it was widely associated with Soviet Ukrainian cuisine.

5. When was chicken kiev invented?

The exact date of its invention is unknown, but Chicken Kiev likely originated in the early 20th century, possibly around the 1910s to 1940s. Its popularity grew significantly during Soviet times.


6. Where does kiev come from?

Kiev (now officially Kyiv) is the capital of Ukraine, with a rich history dating back more than 1,400 years. The name became well-known internationally during the Soviet era, often associated with Ukrainian and Russian culinary traditions.

  • Where do kievs come from?
    Kiev, or Kyiv, is the capital of Ukraine. The dish “Chicken Kiev” became popular there during the Soviet period, though the culinary techniques may have come from France.

Wrapping Up: Origin of Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev is a famous dish with unclear origins. Some say it started in Ukraine, others think it’s from Russia, and some believe it has French roots. No matter where it came from, Chicken Kiev is important in the world of fancy food. It’s known for being a fancy dish in many countries.

People love Chicken Kiev because it’s delicious and can be found in restaurants all over the world. It’s also available as a ready-made meal in stores, showing how popular it is. Chicken Kiev mixes simple cooking with fancy eating, which is why people like it so much.

The main thing to know about Chicken Kiev is that it’s a big deal in fancy dining. It’s not just about where it came from; it’s about how it shows off the best parts of cooking from different places. Even though we’re not sure about its exact history, Chicken Kiev is still a favorite for many people.

To make it easier to find online, we’re talking about Chicken Kiev in a clear way. We’re using words that people might search for, like ‘famous dish,’ ‘unclear origins,’ and ‘fancy food.’ This way, more people can learn about Chicken Kiev and why it’s so special.

Al Amin

It's me and my food-loving crew at Food Origin. We're all about diving into the real stories and origins behind your favorite dishes. Join us on this tasty adventure, discovering the roots of global cuisines, dish by dish. Let's explore the world of flavors together!

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