Chicken a la king

Chicken à la King (also spelled Chicken ala King or Chicken a la King) is a popular American dish consisting of diced chicken in a cream sauce, and often with mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers, served over rice, pasta, or bread. While its origins are debated, it is a classic example of American comfort food that has spread in various forms to other parts of the world.

History

The exact origins of Chicken à la King are unclear, with several theories and claims. One popular story attributes its creation to William King, a cook at the Brighton Beach Hotel in New York in the early 20th century. Another theory suggests it was named after Foxhall P. Keene at the Delmonico's Restaurant by chef Charles Ranhofer. Despite the uncertain origins, Chicken à la King became widely popular in the United States by the mid-20th century, often appearing in cookbooks and on dinner tables across the country.

Ingredients and Preparation

The basic ingredients of Chicken à la King include:

• Diced chicken breast or thigh meat
• Butter
• Flour (for making a roux)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or milk
• Sliced mushrooms
• Green peas
• Diced red or green bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste

The dish is typically prepared by cooking the chicken and then making a roux with butter and flour. Chicken broth and cream are added to the roux to create a thick sauce. The cooked chicken, mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers are then added to the sauce. The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper and served hot over rice, pasta, or bread.

Variations

There are numerous variations of Chicken à la King, reflecting regional tastes and preferences. Some versions include sherry or white wine for added flavor. Others might include different vegetables, such as carrots or celery, or use a different base, such as puff pastry shells instead of rice or pasta.

Cultural Significance

Chicken à la King is considered a quintessential American dish, embodying the comfort food genre with its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients. It has also been adapted into various cuisines around the world, with each region adding its own twist to the classic recipe.

See Also

• Comfort food
• American cuisine
• Cream sauce