The Chicken Kiev has been given a flavour overhaul – 40 years after it was first introduced in the UK.
Chefs for Marks and Spencer have added sourdough breadcrumbs and three types of garlic to the butter filling.
M&S released Britain’s first ready meal in 1979 and it was a big seller for 20 years, even being included in the basket of goods used to calculate inflation.
Cathy Chapman, the product developer who introduced it, said: “Garlic was only just becoming popular. It was a bold flavour but I was confident it would sell.”
The new £10 Our Best Ever Chicken Kiev, which at 590g is made to share, sold out in the second week of hitting shelves.
The new £10 Our Best Ever Chicken Kiev, which at 590g is made to share, sold out in the second week of hitting shelves.
In the Eighties the Office of National Statistics used the Chicken Kiev as a way to measure inflation in its cost of living basket.
A spokesperson for M&S said: “Because the sauce is so luscious and flavoursome, we’ve added more of it into the dish than ever before too, as we know that’s the bit fans really want to get stuck into.”
Britain’s love affair with nostalgic dishes saw Seventies pud Angel Delight make a comeback last year after owner Premier Foods revamped it in ready to eat pots.
And fondue and kippers have also joined the retro food revival.
