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Creamy Chicken Supreme Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Creamy Chicken Supreme Recipe

I made this creamy chicken supreme for the first time on a rainy weeknight when I wanted something special without a long ingredient list. I seared the chicken, built the sauce in the same pan, and within forty-five minutes I had a restaurant-style dinner on my table.
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds) – pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy
  • 4 ounces bacon chopped – this adds a smoky base flavor to the sauce, so try to use thick-cut bacon rather than thin strips
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms halved – fresh mushrooms hold their texture much better than canned ones, so skip the canned variety here
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced – slice instead of mincing so you get little pockets of garlic flavor in every bite
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – used for searing the chicken and it also helps render the bacon evenly
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine – choose something you would actually drink since a poor-quality wine can make the sauce taste flat
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth – low-sodium broth is best since the bacon already brings a good amount of salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream – this is what gives the sauce its silky texture so avoid substituting it with half-and-half if you want that classic richness
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste – kosher salt dissolves evenly, so I always prefer it over table salt for this recipe
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste – freshly cracked pepper has far more punch than the pre-ground kind
  • Minced fresh parsley or chives optional, for serving – this adds a fresh, bright finish to an otherwise rich dish

Method
 

  1. I start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Drying the chicken first helps it brown properly instead of steaming in the pan. I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken.
  2. I sear the chicken for about four to five minutes per side, just until it turns golden brown. It does not need to be fully cooked through at this point, since it will finish simmering in the sauce later. Once browned, I remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, I add the chopped bacon and cook it until it turns crisp and releases its fat. This step builds a smoky flavor base for the entire sauce. I keep the heat at medium so the bacon renders slowly instead of burning.
  4. Once the bacon is crisp, I add the halved mushrooms directly into the pan. I let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they can brown properly. Stirring too often at this stage keeps the mushrooms from developing that deep, savory color.
  5. Next, I stir in the sliced garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so I keep a close eye on it and stir constantly during this short window. Burnt garlic can turn the whole sauce bitter.
  6. I then pour in the white wine, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step, called deglazing, pulls all that concentrated flavor into the sauce. I let the wine simmer for two to three minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the liquid reduces slightly.
  7. Once the wine has reduced, I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together until it looks smooth and combined. The sauce will look thin at first, but it thickens as it simmers. I taste it here and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
  8. I bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil, since boiling cream can cause it to separate. Patience really pays off in this step, because a slow simmer gives the sauce time to develop a velvety consistency.
  9. I nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top of each piece. This allows the chicken to finish cooking gently while soaking up all that flavor. I cover the pan partially so the sauce keeps reducing without drying out.
  10. I let everything simmer together for another eight to ten minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Right before serving, I sprinkle on fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh finishing note.

Notes

  • I always pound my chicken breasts to an even thickness first, since uneven pieces cook unevenly and one side often dries out before the other is done.
  • I never rush the searing step, because a good golden crust on the chicken adds so much flavor to the finished dish.
  • I let the wine reduce fully before adding the cream, since this concentrates the flavor and keeps the sauce from tasting watery.
  • I keep the heat moderate once the cream goes in, because high heat can cause the sauce to break or curdle.
  • I always taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end, since the bacon and broth can vary in saltiness between brands.