If you follow me on Twitter, you know the above image is usually tagged “What is Maura about to put in her big silver pot?” The answer this time is Chicken á la peasant.
Chicken á la Peasant is my variation of Chicken a la king. This is cut down for those of us who actually work and we toss the puff pastry shell because we don’t have time for it. Many people are sort of familiar with a cheap and bland version of this from commercially made pot pies, but let’s face it: those are okay at best, have way too much salt and not much flavor…or anything substantive really. This recipe could be done with canned versions instead of frozen which cuts the cooking time but honestly, you will probably be disappointed with the taste.
2 ½ c water or chicken stock/broth
1 c white wine
½ c onion chopped
1 t thyme
1 t tarragon–sometimes hard to find but oh does it make the flavor!
1 t garlic powder
½ t black pepper
12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
3 c frozen diced chicken breast
½ c Heavy Cream–yes heavy don’t cheap out you’ll regret the flavor
2 4 oz cans of sliced mushrooms drained–optional
1 ½ c finely shredded cheddar cheese
Add the liquids to the pot (you can leave the wine out and just replace it with stock, it will still taste good but not everyone is good with wine.)
LIGHT THE FIRE! MUHAHAHA!!…oh yeah…uh where was I? Oh yes, fire burn and cauldron bubble…
Add your onion and allow it time to thaw as the water heats
With onion thawed add the rest of the spices–note we don’t add salt as there is enough in the stock or powdered base already.
By now you should have a good boil…not for long though…
Add the frozen veggies and chicken
Stir
Close the lid
Stir now and then to see if the chicken is soft yet–should only take a few minutes on a gas stove maybe 10 or so on electric but your mileage will vary.
Once the chicken is hot add the cream
Stir well
Add the mushrooms
Stir
Add the cheddar
Fire burn and cauldron bubble, if you stop stirring too soon, that cheese will be trouble!
Serve over rice, noodles, or if you dare…grits!
This should pair well with white wine, most wine coolers, lemon-lime sodas, milk, or iced tea.
Bon Appétit y’all!
