Elegant Chicken Ala King
Elegant Chicken Ala King offers a creamy, flavorful blend of chicken, mushrooms, and green peppers in a rich sauce, perfect for special occasions or indulgent family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups light cream or half and half ⓘ
- 3 cups cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- Pimento (optional, for stirring in at the end) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook green pepper and mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter until tender, but not brown.
- Push vegetables to one side of the pan and blend salt and flour into the butter.
- Stir in light cream and cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Add cubed cooked chicken to the sauce and heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, blend egg yolks, paprika, and 4 tablespoons softened butter; set aside.
- Add sherry, lemon juice, and onion juice to the chicken mixture and bring to bubbling.
- Immediately add the yolk mixture all at once, stirring until blended.
- Remove from heat immediately after blending.
- Stir in pimento and serve at once over toast or in pastry shells.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of cream. If you prefer a lighter version, swap out half the cream for low-fat milk. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can add a fragrant touch. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the sauce to maintain the integrity of the dish. This recipe is also great for using leftover chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this elegant chicken ala king over toasted bread or in flaky pastry shells for a delightful presentation. Pair it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting option, it also goes well with a side of mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken ala king in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Chicken Ala King contains roughly 654 calories, with 34g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 795mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn based on your taste preferences. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the sauce. This flexibility allows for creativity while still enjoying the classic flavors of this dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this chicken ala king gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, check that your sherry and cream are gluten-free certified. This way, you can enjoy this elegant dish without worrying about gluten.
What can I serve with chicken ala king?
Chicken ala king pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad. For a comforting twist, serve it with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits. This makes for a hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).