Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King Recipe - American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken à la King is a classic dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This creamy and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Chicken à la King is said to have originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It was a popular dish in upscale restaurants and quickly became a favorite in households across the country.

Ingredients

1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
0.25 cup chopped bell pepper
0.33 cup boiling water
0.67 cup flour
1 cup cold milk
2 cup chicken broth
2 tsp salt
pepper, to taste
0.5 tsp poultry seasoning
2 cup cooked chicken or turkey, diced
4 oz (113 g) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1 tbsp chopped pimento

How to prepare

In a pot of boiling water, cook peas, onion, and green bell pepper for 5 minutes with the lid on.
Drain the vegetables and save the liquid.
In a separate bowl, blend flour with milk.
Combine the vegetable cooking liquid, broth, and seasonings; slowly stir this mixture into the flour mixture.
Heat the mixture while stirring constantly until it comes to a boil.
Boil for 1 minute.
Add chicken, cooked vegetables, mushrooms, and pimento to the mixture.
Heat the dish thoroughly and serve.
This recipe serves 6.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using shrimp or lobster instead of chicken. You can also add in your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the dish to your liking.

Notes

Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepans
Cooking spoon
Strainer or colander

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding a splash of white wine or sherry to the sauce. This will give it a rich and complex flavor that is sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken à la King is delicious served over rice, pasta, or toast. It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Chicken à la King is to slowly stir in the liquid ingredients to the flour mixture to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have turkey on hand, you can easily substitute it with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add in the cooked chicken and vegetables.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken à la King pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken à la King can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the dish in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken à la King contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken à la King contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken à la King contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken à la King contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat.

Summary

Chicken à la King is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken à la King is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken à la King. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, filled with yellowed pages and handwritten notes. And there it was, a recipe that seemed to leap off the page with its elegant name and exotic ingredients.

My mother explained to me that Chicken à la King was a classic dish, invented in the late 19th century by a chef at the famous Delmonico's restaurant in New York City. It was said to be a favorite of the rich and famous, served in luxurious dining rooms with crystal chandeliers and gleaming silverware. I was captivated by the idea of recreating such a dish in our humble kitchen, with its worn linoleum floors and mismatched pots and pans.

My mother, with her gentle smile and patient hands, guided me through the process of making Chicken à la King. We started by sautéing diced chicken breast in butter, until it was golden brown and tender. The kitchen filled with the rich aroma of cooking meat, mingling with the scent of onions and mushrooms that were added to the pan. The vegetables sizzled and softened, releasing their earthy flavors into the mix.

Next, we sprinkled flour over the chicken and vegetables, creating a roux that would thicken the sauce. My mother taught me how to stir continuously, making sure the flour was cooked through and didn't clump together. Then came the addition of chicken broth and heavy cream, transforming the roux into a velvety sauce that coated the ingredients in a luscious blanket of flavor.

As the sauce simmered and thickened, my mother seasoned it with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for a hint of warmth and color. She then stirred in a generous amount of sherry, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish. The aroma of the cooking sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the final result.

Once the sauce was ready, we gently folded in diced red and green bell peppers, adding a pop of color and crunch to the dish. My mother explained that the peppers were a signature ingredient in Chicken à la King, giving it a vibrant and fresh taste that balanced the richness of the sauce. Finally, we spooned the mixture over buttered toast points, garnishing it with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of elegance.

As I took my first bite of Chicken à la King, I was transported to a world of luxury and indulgence. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crisp peppers danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that I had never experienced before. I marveled at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a sophisticated and delicious dish.

From that moment on, Chicken à la King became a staple in our household, a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings. I would think back to that day in the kitchen with my mother, learning the recipe that had captivated me so deeply. And I would be filled with gratitude for her guidance and wisdom, passing down a culinary tradition that would bring joy and comfort to generations to come.