Chicken a la Queen: A Timeless Classic Recipe

Chicken a la Queen is a dish steeped in history, often associated with elegance and comfort. While its exact origins are debated, it’s believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century, possibly named in honor of a prominent woman of the time. Regardless of its true source, Chicken a la Queen has remained a beloved classic, and for good reason. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences. This blog post delves into the intricacies of making the perfect Chicken a la Queen, providing a detailed recipe and helpful tips to ensure your culinary success.

What is Chicken a la Queen?

At its core, Chicken a la Queen is a creamy, white sauce-based dish featuring cooked chicken, mushrooms, and often, green peppers and pimentos. The mixture is traditionally served over toast points, puff pastry shells, rice, or noodles. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to your liking, adding other vegetables or even different types of protein. The creamy sauce is the key, providing a rich and comforting base for all the other flavors to shine.

The Perfect Chicken a la Queen Recipe

This recipe provides a classic approach to Chicken a la Queen, yielding a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your personal taste.

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

Ingredients:

* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
* 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
* 1/4 cup chopped pimentos, drained
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 slices of toast, puff pastry shells, cooked rice, or noodles, for serving
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and chop the onion and green bell pepper. Make sure they are diced into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
* Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice them into even slices, about ¼ inch thick. If the mushrooms are very dirty, you can briefly rinse them, but avoid soaking them, as they will absorb water and become soggy.
* Drain the pimentos and chop them into small pieces. These will add a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later.
* Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the melted butter. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
* Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and have released their moisture. Continue to stir occasionally.

**3. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly with a whisk for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent it from being lumpy. Be careful not to burn the flour.
* Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. This may take a few minutes. If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
* Stir in the heavy cream and sherry (if using). The sherry adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, but it can be omitted if you prefer.
* Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause it to curdle.

**4. Add the Chicken and Pimentos:**

* Add the diced cooked chicken and chopped pimentos to the sauce. Stir gently to combine. Make sure the chicken is heated through. If the chicken is cold, it may take a few minutes to warm up.
* Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your personal preferences. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding more salt, as the chicken broth may already be salty.

**5. Serve:**

* Serve the Chicken a la Queen hot over toast points, puff pastry shells, cooked rice, or noodles. Make sure your serving dish is warmed to maintain the temperature of the dish.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.

Tips for the Best Chicken a la Queen

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your Chicken a la Queen will taste. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality chicken broth, and heavy cream for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use pre-cooked chicken or cook the chicken separately and add it to the sauce just before serving.
* **Make the Sauce Ahead of Time:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat before adding the chicken and pimentos.
* **Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your Chicken a la Queen, such as peas, carrots, or asparagus.
* **Use Different Types of Chicken:** You can use different types of chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or leftover chicken.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Don’t Skip the Nutmeg:** Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Garnish Generously:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad makes a great accompaniment to Chicken a la Queen.
* **Consider using Cornstarch:** If you want a gluten-free option to thicken the sauce use cornstarch. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce while it simmers to thicken it.
* **Use different Liquids:** You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

## Variations on Chicken a la Queen

While the classic recipe is delicious, Chicken a la Queen is a dish that lends itself well to variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Turkey a la King:** Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist. This is a great way to use leftover turkey from the holidays.
* **Seafood a la Queen:** Replace the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat for a seafood version. This is a more delicate variation that can be served over pasta or rice.
* **Vegetarian a la Queen:** Omit the chicken altogether and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, carrots, and asparagus. You can also add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
* **Curried Chicken a la Queen:** Add a teaspoon or two of curry powder to the sauce for a warm, spicy flavor. This variation pairs well with rice.
* **Spicy Chicken a la Queen:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Chicken a la King with Biscuits:** Instead of toast or pastry shells, serve the Chicken a la Queen over warm, fluffy biscuits.
* **Cheesy Chicken a la Queen:** Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor. This is a great option for cheese lovers.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken a la Queen is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

* **Over Toast Points:** This is the classic way to serve Chicken a la Queen. Toast slices of bread and cut them into triangles.
* **In Puff Pastry Shells:** Puff pastry shells add a touch of elegance to the dish. Bake the shells according to the package directions and fill them with the Chicken a la Queen.
* **Over Rice:** Serve the Chicken a la Queen over cooked white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Over Noodles:** Egg noodles or fettuccine noodles are a good choice for serving with Chicken a la Queen.
* **In Crepes:** Fill savory crepes with Chicken a la Queen for a sophisticated brunch or light dinner.
* **As a Casserole:** Combine the Chicken a la Queen with cooked rice or noodles in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover Chicken a la Queen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, gently warm the Chicken a la Queen in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little milk or cream to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from drying out.

## Conclusion

Chicken a la Queen is a timeless classic that’s sure to please. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, you’re sure to create a memorable meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of culinary history!