Description
Creamy chicken a la king brings comfort from an American kitchen tradition. Rich, velvety sauce embraces tender chicken and colorful vegetables, creating a nostalgic meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup drained pimientos
Sauce and Thickening Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) salted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions
- Heat unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become tender and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mushrooms, stirring continuously to create a smooth, even coating without any dry flour patches.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Increase heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks with heavy cream until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully ladle of the hot sauce into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly to integrate and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the sauce remains creamy and does not boil.
- Fold in frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked, diced chicken.
- Warm the mixture thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, wide egg noodles, toasted bread, or warm buttermilk biscuits.
Notes
- Master tempering technique carefully to prevent egg yolks from scrambling when adding hot sauce.
- Select fresh, high-quality mushrooms for deeper, more robust flavor in the sauce.
- Use leftover roasted chicken for added depth and to reduce overall cooking time.
- Customize serving options like rice, toast, or pasta based on personal preference and pantry availability.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 245 mg