Oven-Baked Chicken Kiev

This tasty version of the classic Russian dish, breaded chicken rolls filled with herbed butter, is oven-fried rather than pan-fried.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 chicken breast halves, boned
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup dry bread crumbs
Melted butter for basting

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly butter 8-inch square baking dish. Set aside.
2. Pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness; season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine 1/4 cup butter and tarragon in same bowl and blend well. Place equal portions of butter mixture in center of chicken breasts. Fold ends over and tuck in sides, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Roll chicken in flour. Dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, covering completely. Arrange in prepared baking dish.
4. Bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes, basting several times with melted butter. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.