Chicken a la King

1 french loaf, sliced into 1" pieces
3 tbsps. butter
4 to 8 oz. fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup green pepper
1/4 cup green onions
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups evaporated milk or half and half
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsps. cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water (optional)
3 cups cooked diced chicken
1/4 cup pimiento

 I seasoned 5 chicken thighs with skin, bone in.  On a hot skilled with olive oil, I browned them about 7-10 minutes on each side.  Remove from skillet and set aside to cool off a little

When the chicken was cool enough, I removed the skin and removed the meat from the bone.  I then diced it the best I could (I didn't have any chicken breasts so I had to use these chicken thighs).  Set aside.

Preheat oven broiler.  Take the bread slices and place them on a cookie sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and a little bit of kosher salt.  

 Broil for about 2 minutes but keep a close eye on them and don't walk away from them while they're broiling as they can burn very easily.  I only broiled these for 2 minutes and that was plenty.  Hubby likes the well toasted ones, I don't, so these came out perfect for all.  Set aside.

Melt butter in large sauce pan on medium heat.  Saute the green onions, green peppers and mushrooms until tender.

Add the flour and blend in with a flat whisk or fork

Slowly add the milk or half & half and the broth, continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.  I probably whisked for about 7-10 minutes, the sauce thickened a little bit but I had to end up using cornstarch to thicken it like gravy (the way I prefer it)

Add the chicken and pimientos, stir and heat thoroughly.

Serve warm over toasted bread or white rice.

Chicken a la King was my most favorite meal growing up.  I couldn't get enough of it and when it was all gone, I was very sad.  It was so delicious I could've eaten it every day and probably still can.  Although this recipe seemed to have everything I thought Chicken a la King was supposed to have, it was still missing something and didn't taste like the same kind I grew up enjoying.  It was still good but not great!!  My son was over and although he liked it too, he said it would probably taste even better the following day.  I had bought a french loaf of bread at the local farmer's market and thought it would be perfect with this meal and it was.  This made a pretty big pot so I had enough leftovers for another meal, yay! I won't have to slave over a hot stove after work this week.  Hubby and I went swimming this evening around 8p - I love swimming in the evening.  It was very warm and muggy but the water was cool.  We were invigorated and enjoyed the rest of the evening in our jammies watching True Grit.  Well, hope you've enjoyed your weekend and savored every moment.  Have a great week!