Chicken à la King

🍗 Chicken à la King

🔸 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)

• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional, for warmth)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔸 Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper (if using). Cook 5–7 minutes, until soft.

2. Make the Roux:

   • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes until well-coated and the raw flour taste is cooked off.

3. Add Liquids:

   • Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Add Chicken & Peas:

   • Stir in the cooked chicken and peas. Simmer until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon over buttered toast, rice, egg noodles, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.

   • Garnish with parsley.

🔸 Variations:

• Swap milk with cream for a richer sauce.

• Add a splash of dry sherry or white wine for depth.

• Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist.