Wild Turkey Kiev

With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, this Wild Turkey Kiev recipe offers a unique fusion of savory herbs and moist turkey, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any dining occasion.

The trick here is to fully encase the butter within the turkey breast so it doesn’t leak out during cooking. Traditionally, the butter is placed inside a pocket in the breast, which can make it vulnerable to leakage during the frying process. My method is to instead enclose a pounded cutlet around the butter, which gives the Kiev more stability. It is then rolled tightly in plastic wrap and rested, forming it into a consistent, even shape. Each layer of breading, from the first application of cornstarch (which has a stickier coating quality) and flour to the egg wash to the final layer of breadcrumbs needs to be fastidiously applied completely. While garlic and parsley are traditional, I prefer some extra herbs—namely floral cilantro and pungent dill—in the butter.