Chicken à la Crème

Chicken à la Crème Recipe - A French Classic with Mushrooms and Sour Cream

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken à la Crème is a classic French dish that features tender chicken in a creamy sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

History

Chicken à la Crème has its origins in French cuisine, where creamy sauces are a staple in many dishes. The combination of tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce has been enjoyed for generations in France and beyond.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced green onions
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 cup sour cream
1 4 oz (113 g) can sliced mushrooms, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
0.33 cup dry vermouth
3 cups cooked chicken cubes
0.33 cup chopped pimentos
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground thyme
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook onions in butter over medium heat until they are tender but not browned.
Blend in flour.
Add sour cream, mushrooms with their liquid, chicken broth, and vermouth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Stir in chicken, pimentos, salt, thyme, and pepper. Heat the mixture thoroughly.
Serve the mixture over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or pork for a different flavor.
Add in your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender but not browned to ensure a delicate flavor in the dish.

- Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- Use cooked chicken cubes for a quick and easy preparation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken à la Crème with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender but not browned for a delicate flavor.

- Constantly stir the sauce while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken à la Crème in a large serving dish over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken à la Crème with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, for a perfect complement to the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken à la Crème contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken à la Crème contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken à la Crème contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken à la Crème contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken à la Crème is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Chicken à la Crème is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken à la Crème is a classic French dish that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner or gathering. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken à la Crème. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret in the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious and elaborate meals, and on this particular day, she had prepared a feast fit for royalty.

As we sat down at the table, the aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation. The pièce de résistance was a dish of succulent chicken smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that was simply divine. I took one bite and was instantly hooked. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After dinner, I begged Margaret to share her recipe with me, but she just smiled mysteriously and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I made a mental note to try and recreate the dish on my own.

As soon as I returned home, I set to work experimenting in the kitchen. I spent hours poring over cookbooks and testing out different combinations of ingredients until I finally stumbled upon the perfect combination. I couldn't wait to share my creation with Margaret and see if it lived up to her family recipe.

The next time I visited Margaret, I arrived with a dish of my own Chicken à la Crème in hand. Margaret's eyes widened in surprise as she took her first bite. She nodded approvingly and declared that my version was even better than hers. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully cracked the code to this delicious dish.

From that day on, Chicken à la Crème became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for myself on a quiet night at home. Each time I made it, I would think back to that warm summer day at Margaret's house and how it had inspired me to push myself in the kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to refine my recipe, adding my own personal touches and tweaks to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its delicious taste and creamy texture. It became a beloved dish in our household, and I was always happy to whip it up whenever someone requested it.

As I grew older, I realized that this recipe was more than just a dish to me. It was a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for creating something special to share with others. It reminded me of the joy and satisfaction that came from a well-cooked meal and the memories that were made around the dinner table.

Now, as I sit here writing this, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the times I've made Chicken à la Crème over the years. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day at Margaret's house, where it all began. And I am grateful for the journey that this recipe has taken me on, the friends it has brought me closer to, and the memories it has helped me create.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal, look no further than my recipe for Chicken à la Crème. It's a dish that has stood the test of time and will always hold a special place in my heart. Enjoy!