Chicken à la King

• servings: 2 servings
• active time: Prep: 15 minutes
• total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 stalk celery, diced (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

1-1/2 cups (4 ounces) of baby belle mushrooms, sliced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

1/8 cup sherry or dry white wine

1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

3/8 cup heavy cream

1 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken

1/2 can pimentos, drained, patted dry, and diced (about 1/4 cup)

1/4 cup frozen peas

1 to 1-1/2 cups cooked white rice , for serving (optional)

Directions

In a medium to large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery, and season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir to coat them in butter, and season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened (they won’t necessarily brown, and that’s fine) and cooked down to about half their volume, about 5 minutes.

Add the sherry or white wine and stir frequently until the liquid has nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes. (If omitting the alcohol, skip this step.)

Sprinkle the flour over the skillet and stir until no dry pockets remain and the raw flour has slightly cooked, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let thicken and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.

Add the cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and frozen peas (no need to defrost). Stir well and cook until chicken is heated through and peas are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with rice, if desired.

Chicken à la king can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add to a pan on the stove with a splash of water and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.