If you are searching for a comforting and classic dish that never fails to impress, this Chicken a la King Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish brings a nostalgic touch to your table while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or an unexpected guest, the rich and velvety sauce with its perfectly balanced seasonings will make everyone ask for seconds. I love how this Chicken a la King Recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a luxurious meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to craft this delightful Chicken a la King Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so memorable.
- Butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the veggies and develop depth in flavor.
- Diced yellow onions: Add sweetness and a tender bite as they soften and caramelize.
- Sliced mushrooms: Bring earthy notes and umami that perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
- Diced green peppers: Introduce a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that irresistible silky consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps build the body of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the sauce with luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Onion powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering, keeping a balanced taste.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Salt: Essential for brightening and pulling all flavors together.
- Pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning profile.
- Pimentos, diced and drained: Add cheerful pops of color and a hint of sweetness.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
How to Make Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by melting the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbly and fragrant, add the diced yellow onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook them until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften, releasing their delicious earthy aroma. This forms the flavorful foundation of your Chicken a la King Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced green peppers and give everything a good stir. The peppers will add a bright, fresh note and slight crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy sauce later on. Let the veggies mingle for a minute or two to soften slightly.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your softened vegetables and stir well, making sure every bit is coated. This step creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce and give it that luxurious texture we’re aiming for. Let this mixture cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid any browning or burning.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This helps dissolve the roux and prevents lumps, transforming your pan mix into a smooth, thickening sauce. Once the broth has been fully incorporated and the sauce starts to thicken, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This addition makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and velvety.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Now it’s time to add the seasoning magic! Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly. Then gently fold in the diced pimentos and the cooked, shredded chicken. Allow everything to heat through so the flavors meld beautifully, and your Chicken a la King Recipe is ready for serving.
How to Serve Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that brightens the rich dish. You might also consider a little extra diced pimento on top to keep that classic look and sweet contrast. Simple garnishes elevate the presentation and invite everyone to dig in!
Side Dishes
This Chicken a la King Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that soak up its creamy goodness. Classic choices include warm biscuits, fluffy white rice, buttery noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Each option offers a comforting base that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress even more? Try spooning the Chicken a la King over puff pastry shells for an elegant appetizer or main course that looks as impressive as it tastes. You can also layer it over toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich or serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal that’s loaded with texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken a la King Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal or quick weekday dinner option. Just be sure to cool it quickly to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place the cooled Chicken a la King in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the dish gently over low heat on the stove while stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help revive the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it may cause separation; slow and steady is the key to delicious leftovers!
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a smart way to save time, and it works perfectly in this Chicken a la King Recipe. Just shred or dice the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken a la King?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian take, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The sauce remains just as creamy and flavorful.
What can I serve instead of biscuits or rice?
Puff pastry shells, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta make wonderful alternatives that soak up the sauce beautifully and add variety to your meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Just be mindful the taste might shift slightly but still deliciously creamy.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken a la King?
The preparation and cooking time together is around 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s ready quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken a la King Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s easy to make yet feels indulgent and classic every time. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creates a bowl of pure comfort that warms both the stomach and the soul. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying flavors that have made it a beloved favorite for generations.
Print
Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken a la King is a classic creamy chicken dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Perfect served over biscuits, rice, or pasta, this comforting meal delivers a luscious blend of flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onions
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup diced and drained pimentos
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Add the diced yellow onions and sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking until the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Green Peppers: Stir in the diced green peppers and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat and prevent lumps.
- Cook Flour Mixture: Continue cooking the flour and vegetable mixture for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to remove the raw flour taste and develop a roux base.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and stir well to combine, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Season: Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Combine Pimentos and Chicken: Stir in the diced pimentos and the cooked, shredded chicken, mixing until everything is well combined and heated through for about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked biscuits, rice, or pasta as preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the flour is cooked well to avoid a raw taste in the sauce.
- The dish can be customized by using different types of mushrooms or adding peas for extra texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
