Herbs & Spices for Creamed Chicken?

[Rozzer]

I made some very good creamed chicken from leftovers last night, first time for creamed chicken, one of my favorites. Excellent recipe. But the only seasoning it called for was fresh thyme and salt and pepper. That wasn't quite enough. I know I'm not making chili here. The flavoring should be reasonably subtle. But I don't know what to add next time. Paprika? Lots of poppy seeds? Onions? Rosemary? Mushrooms? I know you'll need the recipe, so here are the basics:

Butter, flour, milk, fresh thyme, leftover chicken, salt and pepper. That's it. Served over biscuits.

[KarenB]

I'd go with a bit of basil and oregano as well. I'd sprinkle the paprika on at the end for colour.

[Rozzer]

I'd go with a bit of basil and oregano as well. I'd sprinkle the paprika on at the end for colour.

So, basically, it sounds like what they call "Italian seasoning"?

[KarenB]

Yes but watch the prepared Italian dressing. The combo may not be to your taste or may contain salt or msg.

[CM]

Here's the recipe for creamed chicken that I often use - sometimes I'll add a little low sodium chicken soup base and fresh minced garlic, too.

Creamed Chicken for Popovers

[eclecticsynergy]

Yah, sage and shallots sounds like an ideal combination to go with chicken.

Or you could do mushrooms and a little dry sherry or vermouth. A few drops of truffle oil, even...

The piney notes of rosemary might help to wake up a bland cream sauce.

I agree about a paprika sprinkle at the end; I'd probably use smoked paprika just 'cause I love it so.

[eclecticsynergy]

You might also take it in a direction more French than Italian, perhaps with chives and some marjoram or tarragon, and bake it in a puff pastry or serve over wild rice.

[K. Slink]

Now THAT sounds just delightful.........

[Rozzer]

Here's the recipe for creamed chicken that I often use - sometimes I'll add a little low sodium chicken soup base and fresh minced garlic, too.

Creamed Chicken for Popovers

Waargh! POPOVERS! I love popovers, and with creamed chicken too. GREAT idea. Thanks, CM!

[Rozzer]

Yah, sage and shallots sounds like an ideal combination to go with chicken. Or you could do mushrooms and a little dry sherry or vermouth. A few drops of truffle oil, even... The piney notes of rosemary might help to wake up a bland cream sauce. I agree about a paprika sprinkle at the end; I'd probably use smoked paprika just 'cause I love it so.

Hey, ES:

1. Does truffle oil really make a difference? How much does it really have to do with truffles, which of course are the price of kryptonite?

2. What's the taste difference between regular paprika and smoked paprika?

Thanks for the other suggestions, which I will use (this will be some surely fancy leftover chicken!)