Chicken Supreme II: A Decadent and Delicious Recipe Guide
Chicken Supreme II is a dish that elevates the humble chicken breast to something truly special. Building upon the classic Chicken Supreme, this version often incorporates richer, more complex flavors and textures, making it perfect for a sophisticated dinner party or a comforting yet elegant weeknight meal. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a Chicken Supreme II that will impress even the most discerning palates.
## What is Chicken Supreme?
Before diving into the variations, it’s helpful to understand the fundamentals of Chicken Supreme. Traditionally, it consists of a boneless, skinless chicken breast, often pan-fried or baked, and served with a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce is typically made with chicken stock, cream, butter, and sometimes mushrooms, creating a luxurious and flavorful accompaniment to the tender chicken.
Chicken Supreme II takes this concept and expands upon it. It might involve:
* **More elaborate sauces:** Incorporating ingredients like wine, herbs, spices, or truffle oil to create a more complex flavor profile.
* **Different cooking techniques:** Exploring methods like sous vide or reverse searing to achieve perfectly cooked chicken.
* **Unique accompaniments:** Pairing the chicken with gourmet sides like truffle mashed potatoes, asparagus with hollandaise, or risotto.
* **Stuffed Chicken:** Adding a savory or sweet stuffing to the chicken breast before cooking.
## Recipe: Classic Chicken Supreme II with Mushroom and White Wine Sauce
This recipe provides a solid foundation for Chicken Supreme II. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and techniques to personalize it to your liking.
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 25 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 shallot, finely chopped
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* 1 cup chicken stock
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Optional: Truffle oil, for drizzling
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Meat thermometer
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
**2. Sear the Chicken:**
* Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps to create a nice sear.
* Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
**3. Make the Mushroom Sauce:**
* In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the shallots.
* Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
* Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
* Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
* Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh note to the sauce.
**4. Assemble and Serve:**
* Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving plate. Spoon the mushroom sauce generously over the chicken.
* Optional: Drizzle with a small amount of truffle oil for added richness and aroma.
* Serve immediately with your favorite sides. See suggestions below.
## Recipe Variations and Creative Twists
The beauty of Chicken Supreme II is its versatility. Here are some ideas to inspire your own culinary creations:
**1. Chicken Supreme II with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pesto:**
* **Sauce:** Instead of a mushroom sauce, create a sauce with chicken stock, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and a touch of garlic. The pesto adds a vibrant herbaceous flavor, while the sun-dried tomatoes contribute a chewy texture and intense sweetness.
* **Chicken:** Consider stuffing the chicken breasts with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes before searing or baking.
**2. Chicken Supreme II with Lemon-Butter Sauce and Capers:**
* **Sauce:** Prepare a classic lemon-butter sauce with white wine, chicken stock, butter, lemon juice, and capers. The capers add a salty, briny flavor that complements the richness of the butter sauce.
* **Chicken:** Lightly dredge the chicken breasts in flour before searing to create a crispy crust.
**3. Chicken Supreme II with Dijon Mustard and Tarragon:**
* **Sauce:** Make a sauce with chicken stock, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh tarragon. Dijon mustard adds a tangy, savory flavor, while tarragon contributes a subtle anise-like aroma.
* **Chicken:** Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
**4. Chicken Supreme II with Spinach and Artichoke Filling:**
* **Chicken:** Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Secure with toothpicks before searing or baking.
* **Sauce:** Serve with a simple cream sauce or a light tomato sauce.
**5. Chicken Supreme II with Prosciutto and Sage:**
* **Chicken:** Place a slice of prosciutto and a fresh sage leaf on top of each chicken breast before searing. The prosciutto adds a salty, savory flavor, while the sage contributes a warm, earthy aroma.
* **Sauce:** Prepare a pan sauce with white wine, chicken stock, butter, and sage.
**6. Chicken Supreme II with Wild Mushroom Ragout:**
* **Sauce:** Create a rich and earthy ragout with a variety of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and porcini. Sauté the mushrooms with shallots, garlic, thyme, and a splash of Madeira wine. Finish with a touch of cream and parsley.
* **Chicken:** Consider using a sous vide cooking method to ensure that the chicken breasts are perfectly cooked and tender.
**7. Chicken Supreme II with Truffle Cream Sauce:**
* **Sauce:** Elevate the classic cream sauce with the luxurious flavor of truffle. Stir in truffle oil or truffle paste at the end of cooking. Garnish with shaved black truffles for an extra-special touch.
* **Chicken:** Use high-quality chicken breasts and sear them to a beautiful golden brown.
**8. Chicken Supreme II with Chorizo and Manchego:**
* **Chicken:** Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with diced chorizo and grated Manchego cheese. Secure with toothpicks before searing or baking.
* **Sauce:** Serve with a smoky paprika-infused cream sauce or a Romesco sauce.
**9. Chicken Supreme II with Fig and Balsamic Glaze:**
* **Sauce:** Create a sweet and tangy glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar with fig jam, honey, and a touch of thyme. Drizzle over the chicken before serving.
* **Chicken:** Grill the chicken breasts instead of searing or baking for a smoky flavor.
**10. Chicken Supreme II with Apple Cider Reduction:**
* **Sauce:** Reduce apple cider with butter, sage, and a touch of Dijon mustard to create a sweet and savory sauce. This is a great option for the fall season.
* **Chicken:** Pan-fry the chicken in butter and sage for added flavor.
## Tips for Cooking the Perfect Chicken Supreme II
* **Choose high-quality chicken breasts:** Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Look for breasts that are plump and evenly sized.
* **Pound the chicken breasts evenly:** This ensures that they cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound it to an even thickness.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Rest the chicken before slicing:** Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Make the sauce ahead of time:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. This is a great way to save time when entertaining.
* **Adjust seasoning to taste:** Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to create the perfect flavor profile.
* **Use fresh herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Deglaze the pan:** Deglazing the pan with wine or stock is a great way to add flavor to the sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
* **Thicken the sauce if necessary:** If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few more minutes or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
* **Garnish with fresh herbs:** Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, for added flavor and visual appeal.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Supreme II is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to Chicken Supreme II. Consider adding garlic, herbs, or truffle oil to elevate the flavor.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, are a healthy and flavorful side dish. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs before roasting.
* **Rice pilaf:** Fluffy rice pilaf is a simple and elegant side dish that complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious grain that makes a great alternative to rice. Cook the quinoa with chicken stock or vegetable broth for added flavor.
* **Pasta:** Pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti aglio e olio, are a satisfying and comforting side dish.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce:** A classic pairing that adds elegance and a touch of richness.
* **Risotto:** A creamy risotto, especially one with mushrooms or Parmesan cheese, complements the Chicken Supreme II beautifully.
## Wine Pairing Suggestions
* **White Wine:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay, pairs well with Chicken Supreme II. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
* **Rosé Wine:** A dry rosé wine can also be a good choice, especially with variations that include tomato-based sauces or Mediterranean flavors.
* **Light-bodied Red Wine:** For some variations, especially those with mushroom-based sauces, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can work well.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Chicken Supreme II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the chicken may become slightly dry. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to the sauce to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
## Conclusion
Chicken Supreme II is a dish that is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for any occasion. With its versatility and rich flavor, it is sure to impress your family and friends. By following this guide and experimenting with different variations, you can create a Chicken Supreme II masterpiece that is uniquely your own. Enjoy!