High School Chicken Ala King

When I was in high school which was many moons ago I remember hating just about everything in the cafeteria except their version of chicken ala king it was very creamy and thick and they would serve it over a scoop of their plaster of Paris mashed potatoes. I actually looked forward to chicken ala king day (it really wasn’t so bad, very comforting). The other days of the week were less than inviting, sure on any given day you could get their drier than a drive-in hot dogs or their infamous hamburger with those still to this day unknown white and clear plastic like bits (yum). Pizza day wasn’t too bad, more like eating a thick slice of bread with tomatoes, meat and cheese or you could get some chicken flavored fried breading if you ordered their version of chicken nuggets. On a really good day if you were lucky you got to snag some of the really good food your friends brought from home.
All in all it was always a culinary adventure into the mysterious that you got to share with your friends and classmates.

Chicken Ala King

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk

2 cup chicken, diced

1 (3 oz.) can mushrooms

1/4 cup pimento, chopped or red bell pepper (optional)

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen peas
Instant mashed potatoes, noodles, toast or rice to pour mixture over.

In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Blend in 1/3 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup milk all at once. Cook, (stir constantly until sauce is thick and bubbly). Add 2 cups diced cooked chicken, drained mushrooms, chopped pimento and frozen peas, stir to combine. Heat thoroughly and serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, toast or rice.