So, you’ve got a hunger for learning how to cook, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got just the dish to kickstart your culinary journey:
Chicken à la King. Now, don’t be intimidated by the fancy name.
This classic dish is all about simple ingredients coming together to create a delicious masterpiece.
If you’re like me, you might have found yourself staring at a pack of chicken breasts in the fridge, wondering what to do with them.
That’s where Chicken à la King swoops in to save the day.
In this guide, I’ll break down the steps in a clear, easy-to-follow manner, so you can whip up this comforting dish in no time.
The Dish
- A creamy mixture of diced chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables.
- Served over rice, pasta, or pastry shells.
- Known for its rich, velvety sauce and comforting, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
To prepare Chicken à la King, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- Chicken breasts: 500 grams, cooked and diced
- Mushrooms: 250 grams, sliced
- Green bell peppers: 1, diced
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Butter: 30 grams, for sautéing
- Fresh cream: 250 ml
- Chicken stock: 500 ml
For the Roux (Thickening Agent)
- Butter: 30 grams
- Cake flour: 30 grams
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Optional Garnishes
- Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Pimento: Sliced, for added color and flavor
Preparation Steps
Cooking the Chicken
- Boil or bake the chicken: Cook until tender, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Set aside: Keep the cooked chicken aside while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, melt butter and gently fry the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cook until soft: Ensure the vegetables are tender but not browned.
Making the Roux
- Melt butter: In a separate pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add flour: Stir in the flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for a minute.
- Gradually add liquid: Slowly incorporate the chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook until thickened: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Combining Ingredients
- Add chicken and vegetables to roux: Combine the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables with the roux.
- Stir in fresh cream: Mix in the cream for a rich, silky texture.
- Season to taste: Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over steamed rice, pasta, or nestled in pastry shells.
- Garnish with parsley and pimento for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Low and slow: Keep the heat low when making the roux to avoid burning the flour.
- Stir continuously: This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in flavor.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add peas, carrots, or any of your favorite vegetables.
We’ve covered the steps to create a delicious Chicken à la King, aimed at making the process as simple and understandable as possible.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or looking to add a classic to your culinary repertoire, this dish is sure to please.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences – did you find this guide helpful?