Chicken a la King
The ultimate comfort food, Chicken a la King combines tender pieces of chicken in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and peas. It's an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Make it tonight and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick) - This forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 Shallot (finely diced) - Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (sliced) - Provides an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- 1 Garlic (minced) - Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adds a gentle kick to the dish.
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup Half-and-Half Gives the sauce a rich creaminess that binds the dish together.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
- 0.33 cup Pimentos (drained and chopped) - Introduces a tangy flavor to the dish.
- 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken The star ingredient that gives the dish its name and heartiness.
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. This is where the magic begins! You want it to become bubbly but not browned. The aroma of the melting butter fills the air, creating a warm atmosphere while you cook.
- Add in the shallot and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them until they become translucent, about five to seven minutes. Stir occasionally. Watching the mushrooms soften and release their juices is a delightful sight, and the scent is simply irresistible!
- Nestle in the garlic, along with the kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté this mix for about thirty seconds until fragrant. The smell of the garlic will awaken your culinary senses and elevate the dish.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir until all the flour is coated with the butter. This step is crucial. You want to cook the flour for a minute or so, allowing it to absorb the flavors and remove any raw taste.
- Next, whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a simmer. As it heats, you'll notice it thickening. Keep stirring, watching as it turns into a creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat and let it cook for five minutes until thickened. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully. Keep an eye on it; stirring occasionally ensures nothing sticks to the bottom!
- Now, stir in the frozen peas, pimentos, and the shredded cooked chicken. Let everything simmer together for another five minutes until warmed through. The peas will brighten up the dish with their vibrant green color.
- Finally, serve your Chicken a la King over pasta or rice if desired. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! The creamy sauce cascading over the dish is a sight to behold, and you’ll be eager to dig in.
Notes
- Tip 1: If you have a hard time finding pimentos, you can also use roasted red peppers. The flavors will change slightly but will still be delicious!
- Tip 2: I have found that the cream mixes in better at room temperature than if added cold straight from the fridge. Make sure to add it slowly and stir continuously so it mixes in evenly.