Chicken Breast Supreme: Delicious Recipes and Foolproof Techniques
Chicken breast, often perceived as bland and boring, can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with the right techniques and flavor combinations. This article explores several delicious chicken breast supreme recipes, offering detailed instructions and tips to ensure a moist, flavorful, and satisfying meal every time. We’ll delve into various cooking methods, marinades, sauces, and side dish suggestions to elevate your chicken breast game to the next level. Get ready to discover the versatility and deliciousness of chicken breast supreme!
What Makes a Chicken Breast ‘Supreme’?
While the term “chicken breast supreme” might conjure images of elaborate dishes, it primarily refers to a boneless, skinless chicken breast. However, it can also imply a higher quality cut, carefully trimmed and prepared for optimal cooking. The key to a truly “supreme” chicken breast lies in its preparation and cooking technique, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Essential Tips for Cooking Chicken Breast Supreme
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s cover some fundamental tips that will drastically improve your chicken breast cooking experience:
* **Pounding for Even Thickness:** Uneven thickness is a major culprit behind dry chicken. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the thicker end of the breast to an even thickness (about ½ inch). Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to prevent tearing and splatter. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents the thinner parts from overcooking while the thicker parts remain undercooked.
* **Brining or Marinating:** Brining and marinating are your best friends when it comes to adding moisture and flavor to chicken breast. A brine, typically a saltwater solution with added sugar and spices, helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking. A marinade, on the other hand, uses an acidic base (like lemon juice or vinegar) to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating, or ideally several hours for maximum impact.
* **Don’t Overcook!** This is the golden rule. Overcooked chicken breast is dry and rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness. Chicken breast is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the heat a few degrees before it reaches this temperature, as it will continue to cook as it rests.
* **Resting is Crucial:** After cooking, let the chicken breast rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
* **Sear for Flavor (When Applicable):** Searing the chicken breast before baking or braising adds a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction. This process creates hundreds of flavor compounds that significantly elevate the taste.
Recipe 1: Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Supreme
This classic recipe highlights the bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs, creating a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. **Make the Marinade:** In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. **Cook the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the marinade. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. **Bake the Chicken:** Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
* Substitute other herbs like oregano, parsley, or chives.
* For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Serve with a lemon-butter sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe 2: Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast Supreme
This recipe offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile, thanks to the balsamic glaze. It’s a sophisticated and delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. **Make the Balsamic Glaze:** In a small saucepan, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. (Alternatively, you can bake in the oven at 375F after searing for 10-15 minutes)
4. **Glaze the Chicken:** Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken to coat evenly.
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a spicy kick.
* Substitute balsamic cream for balsamic vinegar for a richer and sweeter glaze.
* Marinate the chicken breasts in the balsamic glaze for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
* Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a salty and savory touch.
Recipe 3: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Breast Supreme
This recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy mushroom sauce elevates the chicken breast to a whole new level of deliciousness.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Mushroom Sauce:** Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced.
5. **Add Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the mushroom sauce over them. Heat through for another minute or two. Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
* Add a splash of dry white wine to the mushroom sauce for extra flavor.
* Substitute sour cream for heavy cream for a tangier sauce.
* Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
* A tablespoon of dijon mustard into the sauce also adds a subtle but amazing flavor
Recipe 4: Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Chicken Breast Supreme
This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines the savory taste of sun-dried tomatoes with the herbaceousness of pesto. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup prepared pesto
* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
3. **Assemble the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the sun-dried tomatoes and pesto evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. **Bake the Chicken:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with a side salad or pasta.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use homemade pesto for the best flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella cheese.
* Include other vegetables, such as spinach or artichoke hearts, under the pesto.
* Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Recipe 5: Blackened Chicken Breast Supreme
This recipe delivers a bold and spicy flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little heat. The blackened seasoning creates a flavorful crust on the chicken breast.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Homemade Blackened Seasoning (optional):**
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Apply Blackened Seasoning:** Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the blackened seasoning, pressing it gently to adhere.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be very hot before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until blackened and cooked through. Be careful not to burn the seasoning.
4. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with rice, beans, and your favorite Southwestern-inspired sides.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning to control the heat level.
* Use a cast iron skillet for the best results. It distributes heat evenly and creates a nice crust.
* Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool down the spice.
* Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy finish.
* To ensure chicken is cooked but not burned, you can start by searing in the pan and finishing the cooking process in a preheated oven at 375F until internal temperature is 165F.
Recipe 6: Chicken Breast Supreme with Roasted Vegetables
This is a complete and healthy meal that combines flavorful chicken breast with a medley of roasted vegetables. It’s a great way to get your protein and veggies in one dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 pound assorted vegetables, such as broccoli florets, bell peppers (cut into chunks), zucchini (sliced), and red onion (cut into wedges)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. (Optional – can be cooked in the oven along with the vegetables).
4. **Roast the Vegetables and Chicken:** Place the skillet (if oven safe) or the chicken directly on the baking sheet with the vegetables. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Rest and Serve:** Remove from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken breast supreme with the roasted vegetables.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use any vegetables you like! Other options include carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and asparagus.
* Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice after roasting for extra flavor.
* Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
* Marinate the chicken breasts in a simple vinaigrette before cooking.
* Add cherry tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Recipe 7: Grilled Chicken Breast Supreme with Mango Salsa
This recipe is a light and refreshing option that’s perfect for summer. The grilled chicken breast is topped with a vibrant and fruity mango salsa.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Mango Salsa:**
* 1 ripe mango, diced
* 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the Mango Salsa:** In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño pepper (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat them dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. **Grill the Chicken:** Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Top with the mango salsa and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken breasts before grilling.
* Use other fruits in the salsa, such as pineapple or avocado.
* Serve with grilled corn on the cob and black beans for a complete meal.
* Marinate the chicken breasts in a citrus-herb marinade before grilling.
* Substitute the mango salsa with pineapple salsa or peach salsa.
Recipe 8: Chicken Breast Supreme with Spinach and Feta Stuffing
This recipe is a more elaborate and impressive dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The chicken breast is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach and feta cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 4 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Make sure the pocket is big enough to accommodate the stuffing.
2. **Make the Stuffing:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. **Stuff the Chicken:** Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
4. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. (Optional – can be baked without searing in the oven at 375F until internal temperature is 165F).
5. **Bake the Chicken:** Transfer the skillet (if oven safe) to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, or olives.
* Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
* Wrap the chicken breasts in bacon before baking for extra flavor.
* Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
* Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to the stuffing for texture.
Side Dish Suggestions for Chicken Breast Supreme
No chicken breast supreme meal is complete without delicious side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your chosen recipe:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** A classic and healthy option. Toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and spices and roast until tender.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful and aromatic rice dish that pairs well with many chicken breast recipes.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A healthy and protein-packed salad that’s perfect for a light meal.
* **Pasta Salad:** A versatile salad that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and dressings.
* **Green Salad:** A simple and refreshing salad that provides a contrast to the richness of the chicken breast.
* **Asparagus:** Grilled, roasted or sauteed, asparagus is a great accompaniment
* **Brussel Sprouts:** Roast or sauteed, these are a great healthy side.
Conclusion
Chicken breast supreme, often underestimated, offers a blank canvas for culinary creativity. By mastering the basic techniques and exploring these delicious recipes, you can transform this humble ingredient into a memorable and satisfying meal. From the bright flavors of lemon and herbs to the bold spices of blackened seasoning, there’s a chicken breast supreme recipe to suit every taste and occasion. So, get in the kitchen and start experimenting! With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be creating chicken breast masterpieces in no time.