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Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Whisk (for the sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
How to Make Chicken a la King
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook Onions, Bell Peppers, and Mushrooms: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
- Sprinkle in Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Chicken Broth and Sherry: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the sherry or white wine if using, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Peas
- Stir in Chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces and frozen peas (if using) to the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
- Season and Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Dish: Serve the Chicken a la King over toast points, cooked rice, egg noodles, or in puff pastry shells.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy while hot.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken a la King
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or turkey. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well for added convenience.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Wine for Depth: Adding a touch of dry sherry or white wine gives the sauce extra depth and enhances the overall flavor, though it’s optional.
- Veggie Variations: While bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas are traditional, you can add other vegetables like carrots or asparagus for added flavor and color.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the sauce gluten-free.
- Low-Fat Option: Substitute heavy cream with milk or a milk-cream blend for a lighter sauce.
- Herbs and Seasoning: Add a pinch of thyme or tarragon for a twist on the classic flavors.
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