Cooking supreme of chicken, a classic dish of tender and juicy chicken breast that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world, is an art form that requires finesse, patience, and attention to detail. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a seasoned home cook, this article will take you through the intricacies of preparing the ultimate supreme of chicken that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Understanding Supreme of Chicken
To begin our culinary journey, let’s first define what a supreme of chicken is. A supreme refers to a chicken breast that has been boned, skinned, and tenderized to create a lean, tender, and succulent piece of meat that can be cooked to perfection in a variety of ways. When cooked correctly, the result is a chicken breast that is both juicy and flavorful, making it a staple in many fine dining restaurants.
History and Origins
The concept of supreme of chicken has its roots in French cuisine, where it was first introduced by the famous French chef, Auguste Escoffier, in the late 19th century. Escoffier, known for his innovative techniques and flair for the dramatic, created the dish as a way to showcase the versatility of chicken breast meat. Since then, the supreme of chicken has become a beloved dish around the world, with various regions putting their unique spin on the classic recipe.
Key Ingredients and Equipment
While cooking a supreme of chicken is an art form, the ingredients and equipment required are surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 supreme of chicken breast (boneless, skinless, and tenderized)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of butter or oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- Kitchen utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- A medium-sized saucepan
- An oven
Selecting the Perfect Chicken Breast
Choosing the right chicken breast is crucial in preparing a delicious supreme of chicken. Look for a breast that is fresh, plump, and free of blemishes or bruises. When selecting a chicken breast, consider the following factors:
- Quality of meat: Opt for hormone-free and organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Age: Fresh chicken is essential for achieving the perfect supreme.
- Cut: Choose a breast that has been boned and tenderized for the best results.
Preparation Techniques
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the chicken breast. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Rinse the chicken breast under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Gently poke the chicken with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.
Cooking Methods
Cooking a supreme of chicken can be done using various methods, including baking, grilling, sautéing, and pan-frying. In this article, we’ll explore two of the most popular methods: baking and pan-frying.
Baking
Baking is a classic method for cooking a supreme of chicken, offering a tender and evenly cooked result. To bake a supreme of chicken, follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices.
- Place the chicken breast in a baking dish, and dot the top with butter or oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is another excellent method for cooking a supreme of chicken, providing a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. To pan-fry a supreme of chicken, follow these easy steps:
- Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons of butter or oil.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices.
- Place the chicken breast in the saucepan and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the chicken from the saucepan and let rest for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Additional Techniques and Variations
While baking and pan-frying are the most popular methods for cooking a supreme of chicken, there are several techniques that can elevate this dish to a new level. Here are a few additional techniques and variations to explore:
Sous Vide
Sous vide, a French cooking method that involves cooking food in a sealed bag submerged in water, can be a great way to achieve a perfectly cooked supreme of chicken. By sealing the chicken in a sous vide bag and cooking at a controlled temperature, you can achieve a result that is both tender and evenly cooked.
Incorporating Flavors
While the flavor of chicken is exceptional on its own, incorporating additional flavors can enhance the overall experience. Consider adding a marinade or sauce to your supreme of chicken for added depth and complexity.
Conclusion
Cooking a supreme of chicken is an art form that requires finesse, patience, and attention to detail. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a seasoned home cook, with the right techniques and ingredients, you can create a delicious and memorable dish that will leave a lasting impression on your family and friends. By understanding the history and origins of the supreme of chicken, selecting the perfect chicken breast, and mastering various cooking methods, you can take your culinary skills to a new level and create a dish that will be remembered for years to come.
What is the supreme of chicken and its origin?
The supreme of chicken is a classic dish made from the finest and most tender part of the chicken, the breast or tenderloin. It is prepared using a unique cooking method that involves pounding and then coating the chicken breast with breading mixture, which creates a crispy exterior. The dish is believed to have originated in France in the 17th century and has since spread to other parts of the world, with various twists and variations.
There is also a difference in how chicken breast is known as when presented without bone in the UK for instance. In the UK, the breast when used to create cutlets is usually offered with the tenderloin fillet underneath called a Chicken or Poultry Supreme while in the states the word “cutlet” typically indicates a thinly cutlet. Bone is usually an element absent in this fillet when being cooked.
What are the key ingredients needed to prepare the supreme of chicken?
To prepare the supreme of chicken, several key ingredients are required, including high-quality chicken breast fillets, butter, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices such as paprika and garlic powder. Additionally, flour, salt, and black pepper are also essential components of the dish.
For those with dietary requirements wishing to adhere to healthier alternatives such alternatives can consist of the likes of whole wheat breadcrumbs or flaxseeds. Many modern twists also involve incorporating cheese into the dish too for that extra flavor.
How do I properly prepare the breading mixture for the supreme of chicken?
Preparing the breading mixture involves mixing together various ingredients, including breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and spices, to create a well-blended mix that adheres evenly to the chicken breast. It is essential to follow a specific order of operations when combining the ingredients, typically starting with flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
Some advice would be not to over-mix the ingredients so the mixture becomes dense. In many French recipes it is recommended to prepare a portion of your fresh breading a day before the preparation to achieve a better and intense flavor. You can use a food processor to create your own breadcrumbs with stale bread.
What is the recommended method for cooking the supreme of chicken?
The recommended method for cooking the supreme of chicken involves first breading the chicken breast fillets using the breading mixture, then pan-frying them in butter until golden brown and crispy. Some recipes also recommend baking the chicken in the oven to complete the cooking process.
If pan frying you would usually use clarified butter as it has a higher smoke point which enhances the taste as well as appearance of chicken and it also assists in stopping it from becoming too greasy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when breading fillets because then you need to ensure if the chicken is fully submerged and covered in the butter. In cases where ovens are being used the most common way of cooking is through a steamer method.
What are some variations of the supreme of chicken dish?
There are various twists on the classic supreme of chicken dish, including adding cheese such as parmesan or cheddar to the breading mixture, using herbs and spices for added flavor, and incorporating vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach into the recipe. Additionally, different types of breadcrumbs, such as Japanese panko breadcrumbs, can also change the texture and flavor of the dish.
In many restaurants, chicken supreme fillets are topped with creme-based sauce, so the creamy texture balances well with the crunchy crust of the chicken cutlets. Some dishes use different cheeses as it can be grilled on top to create a delicious golden crust on top of the dish.
What are some tips for maintaining the crispy coating on the supreme of chicken?
To maintain the crispy coating on the supreme of chicken, it is essential to chill the breaded chicken breasts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help set the breadcrumbs in place and prevent them from falling off during cooking.
You should also not over-batter or over coat the chicken tenderloin with the breadcrumbs when breading chicken. Instead it should be basted lightly in breading to achieve the right crunchiness.
Can the supreme of chicken be prepared in advance or frozen?
Yes, the supreme of chicken can be prepared in advance or frozen, but it is essential to follow proper food handling and storage procedures to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. Breaded chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day or frozen for several weeks.
You should not bread the chicken fillets at all if you are going to freeze them so ideally its better to assemble them as the day to pan fry or oven cook them.