Chicken a la King Recipe

Okay, let’s talk comfort food. If Chicken Pot Pie and creamed chicken had a wonderfully elegant baby, it would be this Chicken a la King recipe. Seriously, this is one of those dishes that just makes you feel all warm and cozy inside, you know? It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s, the kind where everyone lingered around the table long after the meal was over, just chatting and enjoying each other’s company. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off, which is always a bonus in my book. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and I can honestly say it’s foolproof. It’s so much better than those canned soups, trust me! It’s creamy, savory, and just plain delicious. I made this just last night for my family; my kids were practically licking their plates!

What is chicken a la king?

So, what *is* Chicken a la King, exactly? Think of it as chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce, often studded with mushrooms, peppers, and peas. It’s essentially the ultimate in Creamy Chicken dishes. The name’s origin is a bit hazy – some say it was created for a wealthy hotel patron back in the day, hence “a la King” (meaning “in the style of the king”). Others claim a chef concocted it in honor of a hotel owner. Regardless of its true origins, this dish has stood the test of time because it’s just so darn good. It’s not overly complicated; it is rich and satisfying. I always imagine it being served in fancy hotels on toast points, although I’m just as happy spooning it over rice or pasta.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this Chicken a la King recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You’ve got the savory chicken, the earthy mushrooms, the slightly sweet peppers, all swimming in that decadent cream sauce. What I love most about this is how easy it is to customize! You can add different veggies, swap out the chicken for turkey, or even play around with the herbs and spices. It’s also surprisingly simple to make. Don’t let the “a la King” fool you – it’s way less fussy than it sounds. This is also pretty cost-efficient, especially if you use leftover cooked chicken. Honestly, this dish stretches a little chicken a long way. It’s perfect if you’re trying to make your grocery budget stretch a little further. Plus, the versatility is amazing! You can serve it over toast, rice, pasta, biscuits, even puff pastry shells for a truly impressive presentation. This recipe definitely gives Chicken Pot Pie a run for its money (and that’s saying something!). If you like something with more spice, give my Creamy Jalapeno Chicken a try. But this Chicken a la King? This is classic comfort, pure and simple.

How do I make chicken a la king?

Quick Overview

Making Chicken a la King is easier than you think! Basically, you’re going to sauté some veggies, create a creamy sauce, add your cooked chicken and remaining ingredients, and simmer until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened. The beauty of this recipe is that it all comes together in One Pan, making cleanup a breeze. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required. I promise, even a beginner cook can nail this recipe. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you spent hours slaving over the stove, but really, it’s done in about 30 minutes. I always feel like a kitchen wizard when I whip this up!

Ingredients

For the Chicken a la King: What is the recipe?
* 2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted, for the best flavor control. Can you use salted, just adjust the salt later?
* 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great.
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: I like cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms are fine too.
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a nice sweetness and color.
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped: For even more color and sweetness!
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent.
* 2 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness.
* 1 cup heavy cream: Don’t skimp on this! It’s what makes the sauce so rich and creamy. I have also used half and half in a pinch, it changes the texture slightly, but still works great.
What are some good leftover rotisserie chicken recipes? Can you cook Chicken Breasts and cube them?
* 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
* 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional): This adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have sherry, you can leave it out.
* 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of color and warmth.

What are the step-

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the onion, mushrooms, and Bell Peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. I always stir frequently so that the onion doesn’t burn. You want them to be nice and tender, almost translucent.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over veggies and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Is it safe to cook raw flour for a minute? I used to skip this step and my sauce was always gritty!

Step 3: Add the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. You want to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. I find that adding broth slowly makes it easier to keep everything smooth. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, and they should eventually dissolve.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Sherry

Stir in the heavy cream, sherry, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. I often add a pinch more paprika to give it smoky colour.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Peas

Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. You want the chicken to be nice and hot, and the peas should be tender. I always check the temperature with a meat thermometer just to be sure.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot over toast, rice, pasta, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley to my salad.

What should I serve it with?

Chicken a la King is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! How do I enjoy life?

What is a classic lunch?Serve it over toasted white bread points. My grandma always served me this way, and it’s still my favorite!

What is a hearty dinner? Spoon it over fluffy white rice or egg noodles. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, and the noodles add a nice chewiness.

For a special occasion:Serve it in puff pastry shells or vol-au-vents. What makes a dish feel fancy? I made this for my friends last Christmas!

For a Casual Meal:Serve over warm biscuits or cornbread. The biscuits add a nice buttery flavor, and the cornbread adds sweetness.

I also love serving it with a simple green salad on the side. The freshness of the salad helps to balance out the richness of the Chicken a la King. Trust me, it’s a winning combination!

What are some tips for perfecting chicken a la king?

How do I make sure my chicken a la king is perfect?

Don’t overcook a vegetable: Don You want the veggies to be tender, but not mushy. I always keep a close eye on them and stir frequently to prevent them from burning. I ruined so many batches by burning the veggies!

Use Good Quality Chicken Broth: The chicken broth is the base of the sauce, so it’s important to use a good quality one. I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.

Don’t Skimp on the Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what makes the sauce so rich and creamy. I’ve tried using milk or half-and-half, but it just doesn’t taste the same. The cream really adds to it!

Add a Touch of Sherry (Optional): The dry sherry adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have sherry, you can leave it out, but I highly recommend adding it if you can. My parents prefer it with, and my kids like it without!

Adjust the Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. I always taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

Serve it Hot: Chicken a la King is best served hot, so make sure to heat it through thoroughly before serving. I find that simmering it for a few minutes after adding the chicken and peas helps to ensure that everything is nice and hot.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Chicken a la King is great for meal prepping, too! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken a la King for up to 2-3 months. I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the Chicken a la King in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. I always add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to keep it from drying out. Also, for this recipe, it’s best to add the peas in when reheating, that way the texture stays great. Freezing them, and then refreezing them makes them a little mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh chicken is always preferable, you can definitely use canned chicken in a pinch! Just make sure to drain it well and flake it before adding it to the sauce. Be mindful that canned chicken may have a slightly different texture and flavor than fresh chicken.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken a la King is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving, as mentioned above. I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for lunches or dinners.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables to your Chicken a la King. Some great additions include carrots, celery, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and green beans. I always use whatever vegetables I have on hand and it always turns out great!

Can I use a different type of cream?

While heavy cream is recommended for the richest and creamiest sauce, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be a bit thinner and less rich.

Is Chicken a la King gluten-free?

As written, this recipe is not gluten-free, as it contains all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that rice flour or tapioca starch work well.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to Chicken a la King recipe! It’s a dish that’s stood the test of time in my family, bringing comfort and smiles to every meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. What I especially love is that the richness of the sauce paired with the tender chicken and veggies makes it incredibly satisfying. If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy dishes, you might also enjoy my Creamy Mushroom Pasta or my Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. Both are guaranteed to warm you from the inside out! I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorites, and I know it will become a favorite in your household too. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! And if you make any fun variations, please share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!