If you’re on the hunt for a classic comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely must try this Chicken a la King Recipe. Creamy, rich, and brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious sauce, this dish is both nostalgic and timeless. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s easy to prepare yet impressively satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that reliably brings smiles and full bellies, turning simple pantry staples into a meal worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken a la King Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that unite beautifully to create a creamy, flavorful delight. Each component plays its part in building layers of taste, texture, and color, making for a truly irresistible dish.
- Butter: The foundation for sautéing vegetables, adding richness and depth to the sauce.
- Diced yellow onions: Bring sweetness and a subtle bite that mellows as they cook.
- Sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and meaty texture that balances the creaminess.
- Diced green peppers: A pop of color and slight crunch that brightens the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into that smooth, velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce base.
- Heavy cream: The magic touch for lusciousness and a silky finish.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in a subtle way without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle aromatic kick that complements everything.
- Salt: Crucial for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- Pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
- Pimentos, diced and drained: Sweet, mild red peppers that bring a lovely splash of color and sweetness.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein star that makes the dish fulfilling.
How to Make Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. This creates a rich base for your vegetables that will infuse the dish with deep, buttery flavor. Add the diced yellow onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking them until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step softens the vegetables, unlocking their natural sweetness and earthy tones.
Step 2: Add the Green Peppers
Next, toss in the diced green peppers and give everything a good stir. The peppers add a fresh crunch and vibrant green notes to balance the richness of the butter and mushrooms. Cook these together briefly so the peppers remain slightly crisp but meld into the mix.
Step 3: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well. This crucial step forms a roux, which will thicken the sauce to that perfectly creamy texture Chicken a la King is famous for. Allow the flour and vegetables to cook together for about four minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning and to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to break up any lumps and let the sauce thicken beautifully. Once this mixture is smooth and starting to thicken, pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This is where your sauce achieves that silky, indulgent consistency that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Chicken
Season the sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to make sure every bite is flavorful. Stir in the diced pimentos for a sweet and colorful pop, then fold in your cooked, shredded chicken. Allow everything to heat through evenly, making sure the chicken absorbs the flavors around it.
How to Serve Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish speaks for itself, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. For a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top can bring an unexpected texture that’s delightful with every bite.
Side Dishes
Chicken a la King is traditionally served over fluffy biscuits, rice, or even buttered egg noodles. Each option soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. Pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Chicken a la King in puff pastry shells for an elegant appetizer or brunch option. Another fun twist is to spoon it over baked potatoes or inside crepes, turning this classic into a versatile recipe that fits any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the Chicken a la King to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect meal prep solution.
Freezing
This Chicken a la King Recipe freezes well, too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep them for up to two months. Just be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change, but the flavors remain wonderfully intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this Chicken a la King Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a similar texture and richness.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Of course, you can customize your Chicken a la King with peas, carrots, or even asparagus to add more flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve instead of biscuits or rice?
Try serving the dish over mashed potatoes, polenta, or even toasted bread for a delicious change of pace.
How long does it take to make Chicken a la King?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any night.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about a well-made classic like this Chicken a la King Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for turning any meal into a reason to celebrate. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen just as it is in mine.
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Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken a la King is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich sauce thickened with flour and enriched with heavy cream. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with biscuits, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onions
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
Chicken & Liquids
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat to prepare the base for your vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften.
- Add Green Peppers: Stir in the diced green peppers and cook for a minute to combine flavors.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook Flour Mixture: Allow the flour and vegetable mixture to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to remove the raw flour taste and develop a roux.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and stir continuously to combine and heat through gently.
- Season: Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add Pimentos and Chicken: Fold in the diced pimentos and shredded chicken, stirring until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve your Chicken a la King over cooked biscuits, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftover roasted or boiled chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs excellently with buttery biscuits or fluffy rice.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
