The essence of French-inspired comfort meets weeknight practicality in this delicious Chicken Supreme. Featuring golden seared chicken with crispy skin, caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and a silky white wine cream sauce, this dish balances richness and simplicity.
Served over fluffy mashed potatoes with a side of green vegetables, it’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving something cozy and deeply flavorful, Chicken Supreme hits every mark for a soul-satisfying dinner.
Full Recipe:
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2 chicken supremes (chicken breasts with skin on and wing bone attached)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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2 rashers smoked bacon, chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp plain flour
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100ml dry white wine
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100ml double cream
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables, to serve
Directions:
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Heat half the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
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Stir in the bacon and cook on higher heat for 5 minutes or until crispy and browned.
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Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add remaining oil and butter. Season the chicken skin well, then fry skin-side down for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes.
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Return the onion and bacon mix to the pan with the chicken. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
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Pour in the white wine, bring to a boil and reduce for a few minutes.
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Stir in the cream and mustard. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, uncovered, with the chicken skin-side up.
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Season to taste and garnish with parsley if using. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: ~540 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Legacy and Origins of Chicken Supreme
Chicken Supreme, or Suprême de Volaille in French, is a refined dish that traces its culinary roots back to classic French cuisine. The term “supreme” originally referred to a specific cut of chicken: the boneless breast with the skin on and sometimes with the wing bone attached. This cut, known for its tenderness and elegant presentation, was a staple in French haute cuisine and often featured in dishes served at upscale restaurants and formal gatherings.
The preparation of Chicken Supreme often emphasized simplicity and finesse, highlighting the delicate nature of the meat. French chefs would frequently pair it with a velvety sauce—most notably a cream-based or velouté-style sauce, using reductions of white wine, stock, or mushrooms. Over the years, the dish evolved beyond its formal roots and became a beloved comfort food in homes across Europe, particularly in Britain, where it enjoys popularity as a go-to midweek meal or date-night dinner.
Why Chicken Supreme Stands Out
Unlike other chicken dishes that may rely heavily on complex marinades or spice rubs, Chicken Supreme is all about elevating minimal ingredients into a harmonious, rich experience. The cut itself is naturally juicy, and when cooked properly—usually pan-seared skin-side down—it develops a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture.
One of the standout features of Chicken Supreme is the combination of crispy chicken skin with a silky, often wine-enriched sauce. This interplay between textures and flavors is where the dish truly shines. The skin offers a satisfying crunch, while the sauce wraps the entire dish in warmth and richness, balancing the savory profile of the chicken with subtle acidity from wine or mustard.
The Role of White Wine and Cream
In modern interpretations of Chicken Supreme, such as the popular BBC Good Food version, dry white wine and cream form the base of the sauce. This combination is not only traditional but incredibly effective in bringing out the best in the chicken.
White wine adds brightness and depth without overpowering the meat. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the cream, providing a rounded mouthfeel that enhances every bite. When reduced, the wine creates a concentrated flavor base that melds beautifully with the natural chicken juices and added aromatics.
The cream element, meanwhile, brings smoothness and luxury to the sauce. It thickens naturally during the simmering process and helps carry the flavors of the onion, garlic, bacon, and mustard throughout the dish. The result is a comforting, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the tender chicken.
Bacon and Onion: A Flavorful Foundation
The use of bacon and caramelized onion in the base of the dish is a masterstroke of flavor building. Onion, when slowly sautéed, transforms from pungent to sweet and aromatic, providing a mellow foundation that supports the other ingredients.
Bacon, especially smoked varieties, infuses the dish with umami and a hint of smokiness. When cooked until crispy, it also introduces an additional layer of texture, which contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
Together, these two ingredients provide not just taste, but complexity—enhancing the richness of the sauce while deepening the flavor profile of the entire dish.
The Role of Dijon Mustard in Elevating the Sauce
Though used sparingly, Dijon mustard is a key player in Chicken Supreme. It brings a subtle tang and mild heat that cuts through the cream, giving the sauce a bit more dimension.
Unlike yellow mustard, Dijon is more refined, with a sharp but smooth finish that pairs exceptionally well with both poultry and dairy-based sauces. In this dish, it acts almost like a seasoning, rounding out the sauce’s flavor and preventing it from becoming one-note.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Chicken Supreme is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes, but it’s often served with creamy mashed potatoes and green vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas. These choices aren’t just traditional—they also create a balanced plate both visually and nutritionally.
Mashed potatoes offer a neutral base that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, while green vegetables add freshness and a slight crunch. This trio—chicken, mash, and greens—creates a wholesome and well-rounded meal that appeals to a broad range of palates.
For a more elevated dining experience, consider pairing the dish with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. This creates a seamless flavor connection from plate to glass.
Why Chicken Supreme Is a Midweek Winner
In today’s fast-paced world, Chicken Supreme manages to strike a rare balance between elegance and ease. Despite its rich flavor and polished presentation, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only basic kitchen skills and pantry staples.
From start to finish, it can be made in under an hour, making it a practical choice for weeknights without sacrificing sophistication. It also lends itself well to batch cooking—doubling or tripling the recipe is easy and efficient, making it suitable for small gatherings or meal prepping.
What’s more, the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets, and the recipe can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. For instance, swapping out the cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or oat milk can make the dish dairy-free, and using turkey breast or tofu instead of chicken can cater to different protein needs.
Modern Twists and Variations
Though the classic version holds its charm, Chicken Supreme can also serve as a canvas for creativity. For those looking to modernize the dish, here are a few ideas:
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Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms can be added along with or instead of bacon for an earthier, vegetarian-friendly take.
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Herb Infusions: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon can be added to the sauce to infuse herbal notes that pair well with both the chicken and the cream.
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Spicy Kick: A dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of wholegrain mustard can introduce some gentle heat.
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Citrus Brightness: A splash of lemon juice or zest at the end can lift the entire dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
These small adjustments not only personalize the recipe but also allow it to evolve with changing tastes and dietary trends.
Cultural Relevance and Popularity
Chicken Supreme may have its roots in classical French cuisine, but its appeal today is global. It’s commonly featured on British family menus, appears in restaurant specials, and is celebrated by food bloggers and home cooks alike for its adaptability and comforting flavor.
Its popularity also lies in its Instagram-worthy plating—golden chicken skin glistening in a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, often steals the show on social media food feeds. It manages to feel both nostalgic and luxurious, making it a perennial favorite across generations.
Conclusion
Chicken Supreme is more than just a chicken dish—it’s a masterclass in balance, flavor, and simplicity. It demonstrates how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something that feels restaurant-worthy yet achievable for home cooks of all levels.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or planning a comforting meal for the whole family, this dish delivers on every front. Its crispy skin, rich cream sauce, and aromatic foundation create an unforgettable flavor experience that continues to charm food lovers around the world.
By honoring its French roots while embracing modern adaptations, Chicken Supreme remains a timeless classic—proof that culinary elegance doesn’t need to be complicated.
