If you’re craving a classic comfort dish with that creamy, savory goodness that just wraps you up in a warm hug, the Chicken a la King Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious sauce dotted with colorful veggies, all coming together to create a meal that’s surprisingly easy to make but impressively delicious. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy biscuits, rice, or pasta, this dish brings a touch of elegant nostalgia to your dinner table while still feeling like a homey treat. It’s a perfect way to elevate simple ingredients into a feast everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken a la King Recipe is delightfully simple—each one plays a vital role in creating the velvety texture, fresh flavor, and beautiful color that make this dish so irresistible. From buttery richness to just the right veggies to add a little crunch and sweetness, these basics come together harmoniously.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation essential for sautéing and building flavor.
- Diced yellow onions: Add sweetness and depth as they soften and become translucent.
- Sliced mushrooms: Bring an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Diced green peppers: Lend a slight bite and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness, helping the sauce develop its hearty flavor.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory profile with a subtle, concentrated onion flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and complexity.
- Pimentos, diced and drained: Provide bright, sweet pops of color and taste.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all those lovely flavors.
How to Make Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and sizzling, toss in your diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Keep stirring until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms soften, releasing all their earthy goodness. This step is where you build the base flavor for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add the Green Peppers
Next, add the diced green peppers to the pan and stir well. The peppers will bring a subtle crispness and a lovely green color, making the dish more vibrant both visually and in flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked veggies. Stir everything together until the flour coats the mixture completely. This is crucial because it will thicken your sauce later on, creating that smooth, comforting texture we all love in Chicken a la King.
Step 4: Cook the Flour Mixture
Keep stirring the flour and veggie mixture for about 4 minutes. This cooking time helps eliminate the raw flour taste and starts to gently brown the mixture, deepening the flavor and setting the stage for a silky sauce.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. This ensures the flour blends seamlessly without lumps. You’ll notice the mixture thickening as the broth heats—it’s your sauce starting to come to life.
Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Now sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings enhance the dish with layers of subtle flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 7: Finish with Pimentos and Chicken
Finally, fold in the diced pimentos and your cooked, shredded chicken until everything is evenly mixed and heated through. The pimentos add a pop of color and sweetness, while the chicken soaks up the rich sauce, making each bite wonderfully satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
When serving Chicken a la King, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens the plate with a touch of green and adds a fresh herbal note. A few extra diced pimentos on top can also lift the presentation with vibrant red flecks, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Chicken a la King Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are a classic choice, perfect for mopping up every bit of that creamy sauce. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of white rice or buttered pasta for a cozy, filling meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try spooning the Chicken a la King into toasted puff pastry shells or baked crepes to create elegant individual servings. You can even layer it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist. These presentations make the dish feel special enough for company or a fun family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken a la King keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the moisture and flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and smooth.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, Chicken a la King freezes nicely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months but be sure to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken a la King gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This prevents it from drying out while restoring that silky texture that makes the dish so comforting. Stir often and heat until heated through but avoid boiling.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this Chicken a la King Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and makes the recipe even easier to pull together. Just shred or dice it before adding to the sauce in the final step.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well but won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream or cashew cream can be used, though the flavor will shift slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional Chicken a la King Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, carrots, or even diced celery can add extra flavor and texture. Just add them early when sautéing to ensure they cook through.
What is the best way to serve Chicken a la King?
Serving it over warm biscuits is a classic favorite, but it’s just as delicious over rice or a bed of buttered noodles. You can also try it stuffed into a baked potato or as a filling for puff pastry shells for a fancy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken a la King Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. It’s easy to make, full of flavor and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has remained such a beloved classic—rich, creamy, and satisfying in every bite. Give it a go and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that feels special without the fuss.
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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 featuring tender shredded chicken in a rich sauce made with butter, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and a smooth blend of chicken broth and heavy cream. Perfect served over biscuits, rice, or pasta, this classic recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Primary 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 1/2 cups 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: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until fully melted and beginning to bubble.
- Cook Onions and Mushrooms: Add the diced yellow onions and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Green Peppers: Stir in the diced green peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat the vegetables completely, forming a roux base for the sauce.
- Cook Flour Mixture: Continue cooking the flour and vegetable mixture for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning and to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This will help prevent lumps and thicken the sauce as it heats.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine and gently simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season: Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Incorporate Chicken and Pimentos: Stir in the diced pimentos and cooked shredded chicken until everything is well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked biscuits, rice, or pasta as preferred.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftover roast, rotisserie, or boiled chicken breast for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can add peas or diced cooked carrots for additional vegetables and color.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on your broth choice.
