Are you on the lookout for a timeless recipe that seamlessly combines comfort and elegance? Look no further than Chicken à la King! This iconic dish features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, and peas, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s as luxurious as it is delicious. Whether served over rice, pasta, or biscuits, Chicken à la King is sure to become a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover the magic of this beloved classic.
Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons butter (1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 7 ounces diced pimentos, well drained
- 3 cups cooked diced or shredded chicken
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Dry Mustard and Flour: Sprinkle the dry mustard and all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Once the sauce has thickened, add the frozen peas, drained diced pimentos, and cooked diced or shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Chicken à la King over rice, pasta, or biscuits. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Sautéed carrots, celery, or even diced tomatoes can be delicious additions to this dish.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half. Alternatively, you can lighten up the dish by using whole milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, whether roasted, grilled, or rotisserie, works perfectly in Chicken à la King. Simply dice or shred the chicken and add it to the dish during the final step of cooking to heat through.
Q: What can I serve Chicken à la King with? A: Chicken à la King pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, pasta (such as egg noodles or fettuccine), mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Choose your favorite accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
Q: Can I make Chicken à la King ahead of time? A: Yes, Chicken à la King is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare the sauce and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stove and add the cooked chicken.
Q: Is Chicken à la King suitable for a keto diet? A: While the traditional version of Chicken à la King contains flour as a thickening agent, you can create a keto-friendly version by using a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or glucomannan powder, and serving the dish over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
- Use Keto-Friendly Thickener: Instead of all-purpose flour, use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or glucomannan powder to thicken the sauce.
- Serve Over Cauliflower Rice: Substitute traditional rice or pasta with cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb alternative that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Increase Healthy Fats: Amp up the richness of the dish by adding a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to each serving for extra healthy fats.
Chicken à la King is a classic dish that embodies comfort and sophistication with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing entree at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. With its versatility and timeless appeal, Chicken à la King is a culinary masterpiece that deserves a place in your recipe repertoire. So indulge in the luxurious flavors of this beloved dish and elevate your dining experience with Chicken à la King!
Do you have any questions or suggestions about this recipe? Feel free to leave a comment below!
