Spicy Chicken Hash

For the sauce:
3 Tbs (45 ml) butter
3 Tbs (45 ml) flour
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth
1/2 tsp (2 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the hash:
2 Tbs (30 ml) butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 Tbs (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 cups (500 ml) diced potatoes, boiled until tender
and drained
2 cups (500 ml) diced cooked chicken
Chopped chives for garnish

For the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the flour and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the milk, chicken broth, cayenne, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

For the hash, melt the butter in a large skillet over moderate heat. Saute the onion and bell pepper until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, parsley, salt, and pepper and cook an additional 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, chicken, and sauce, and transfer to a buttered shallow baking dish. Bake in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until it is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Garnish with chopped chives.

Makes 4 to 6 servings