CHICKEN A LA KING

Chicken à la King is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Why Make Chicken à la King

This classic dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, mixed with mushrooms, peppers, and peas, is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

How to Make Chicken à la King

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped onion and diced green pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms brown.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and dry mustard. Sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half, frozen peas, drained pimentos, and cooked chicken.
6. Continue cooking and stirring until everything is heated through. If the mixture becomes too thick, add one-quarter cup of chicken broth at a time until reaching the desired consistency.
7. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken à la King over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells for a delicious and satisfying meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete dinner.

Storage Info

Store leftover Chicken à la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Techniques and Tips

• Use cooked diced or shredded chicken for this recipe. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breasts.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth according to your preference.
• You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to this dish if you like.

Variation

For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

FAQs about Chicken à la King

1. Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned mushrooms if you prefer. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the dish.

2. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken? No, it’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breasts.

3. Can I freeze Chicken à la King? Yes, you can freeze Chicken à la King in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter
• 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:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped onion and diced green pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms brown.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and dry mustard. Sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half, frozen peas, drained pimentos, and cooked chicken.
6. Continue cooking and stirring until everything is heated through. If the mixture becomes too thick, add one-quarter cup of chicken broth at a time until reaching the desired consistency.
7. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.