Simple Chicken Ala King Recipe: A Culinary Classic Revisited
Introduction
Chicken Ala King is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed by many for decades. This delectable dish is a flavorful combination of chicken, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce. While there are many variations of this recipe, the essence of Chicken Ala King lies in its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients. In this article, we will explore the origins of Chicken Ala King, discuss the key ingredients and techniques, and provide a detailed recipe for you to enjoy this timeless culinary delight.
The Origins of Chicken Ala King
Chicken Ala King is believed to have originated in the 1930s in the United States. The dish was created by a chef named Bob Hargrove at the King’s Inn restaurant in San Francisco. The name Ala King is derived from the Hawaiian word aloha, which means hello or welcome. The dish was created as a way to welcome guests with a warm, comforting meal.
Key Ingredients and Techniques
The success of Chicken Ala King lies in the quality of its ingredients and the cooking techniques used. Here are the key ingredients and techniques to achieve the perfect Chicken Ala King:
Key Ingredients
– Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and texture.
– Onions: Fresh, sweet onions are essential for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
– Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half is used to create a rich, creamy sauce.
– Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds a delightful taste and texture to the dish.
– Worcestershire sauce: This tangy sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
– Chicken broth: Chicken broth is used to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
– Flour: A small amount of flour is used to thicken the sauce.
– Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: These seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish.
Cooking Techniques
– Sautéing: Sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant.
– Breading and frying: Bread the chicken pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.
– Deglazing: Use the chicken drippings to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
– Thicken the sauce: Whisk together flour and chicken broth to create a roux, then slowly add the cream to thicken the sauce.
– Simmer: Simmer the sauce with the shrimp and seasonings until the shrimp are cooked through.
Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Add the garlic powder to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Create the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour and chicken broth to create a roux. Slowly pour the roux into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Add the Shrimp: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve: Serve the Chicken Ala King over cooked rice or pasta. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
Conclusion
Chicken Ala King is a timeless American classic that is both comforting and delicious. By using high-quality ingredients and following the proper cooking techniques, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this simple Chicken Ala King recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warm embrace of this classic American dish.
