What is a supreme Describe the step-by-step procedure for preparing chicken supreme?

"Supreme" in cooking refers to a boneless, skinless piece of chicken breast that has been butterflied (opened like a book) and trimmed to a uniform shape. It's a versatile cut perfect for pan-frying, grilling, roasting, or stuffing.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken supreme:

1. Selecting and Preparing the Chicken Breast:

* Choose high-quality chicken breasts: Opt for plump, firm breasts with no discoloration.

* Butterfly the breast: Lay the breast flat, cut horizontally along the center but not all the way through. Open it like a book.

* Trim excess fat: Remove any visible fat or tendons along the edges of the breast.

* Flatten the breast: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the breast to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.

2. Seasoning and Marinating (Optional):

* Seasoning: Salt and pepper are classic seasonings. You can also use herbs, spices, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other flavorings as desired.

* Marinating: For extra flavor, you can marinate the supreme in a mixture of oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Cooking:

* Pan-frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the supreme for 2-3 minutes per side for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Reduce heat and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

* Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season the supreme and grill for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping once.

* Roasting: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned supreme on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

* Stuffing: For stuffed chicken supreme, you can use a variety of fillings such as spinach, ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs. Spread the filling on one side of the butterflied breast, fold it over, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Then, cook as described above.

4. Serving:

* Allow the chicken supreme to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

* Serve it with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Supreme:

* Don't overcrowd the pan when pan-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

* Serve the chicken supreme immediately after cooking to maintain its juiciness.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful chicken supreme!