If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Chicken a la King Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, comforting, and loaded with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this classic recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a cozy, elegant meal that satisfies both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner favorite or a dish to share with friends, this Chicken a la King Recipe delivers timeless flavor with ease and style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken a la King Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each one plays a crucial role, from the buttery base that carries the flavor to the vegetables that add freshness and color.
- Butter: Acts as the luscious base for sautéing and brings richness to the sauce.
- Diced yellow onions: Provide sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent.
- Sliced mushrooms: Add earthiness and a meaty texture that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- Diced green peppers: Bring a mild crunch and vibrant green color to the mix.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfectly creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and a light base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor with subtle warmth.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlicky kick without overpowering.
- Salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Pimentos, diced and drained: Offer a sweet and bright pop of color.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty star protein mellowed by the creamy sauce.
How to Make Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting your butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat—this will be the flavorful foundation of your dish. Once melted, add the diced yellow onions and sliced mushrooms and cook them slowly until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms soften, releasing their delicious earthy aroma.
Step 2: Add Green Peppers
Next, toss in the diced green peppers. Their fresh, mild crunch adds a wonderful texture contrast and a burst of color that makes the dish visually appealing while brightening the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Allow the flour and vegetable mixture to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps—this step is essential for developing that classic velvety sauce texture we all love in Chicken a la King Recipe.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to thicken beautifully. Then, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. This is where the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Season your sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Finally, fold in the diced pimentos and the shredded chicken, mixing everything thoroughly until heated through. Your Chicken a la King Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken a la King Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives. These fresh herbs add a burst of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. A few extra pimento strips on top can also brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to adapt to your preference. Serve it over fluffy cooked biscuits, a bed of warm rice, or buttered pasta—each offers a different texture and taste that complements the luscious sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress at the dinner table, try serving Chicken a la King Recipe in toasted puff pastry shells for a classic and elegant touch. Alternatively, spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes or even baked potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the Chicken a la King Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days while retaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of cream-based sauces may slightly change after freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and convenience, making this Chicken a la King Recipe even easier to prepare on busy days.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken a la King Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like artichoke hearts or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious meatless alternative.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based butter substitute, coconut cream, or cashew cream and ensure your broth is free of animal products. The result will still be creamy and flavorful.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
The easiest method is to use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart into bite-sized pieces. You can also pulse it briefly in a food processor for a finer texture if you prefer.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This Chicken a la King Recipe scales up nicely. Just adjust your pan size accordingly and be mindful of cooking times, especially when thickening the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade Chicken a la King Recipe—it’s like comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite as much as I do. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy meals ahead!
Print
Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken a la King is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a rich sauce made with butter, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and a luscious creamy base. Perfect to serve over biscuits, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1/4 cup diced and drained pimentos
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter completely to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until the onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Green Peppers: Stir in the diced green peppers with the onions and mushrooms, mixing well to combine all the vegetables evenly.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables and begin forming a roux.
- Cook Flour Mixture: Continue cooking the flour-vegetable mixture for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flour cooks through and no raw taste remains.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken into a smooth sauce.
- Add Heavy Cream and Reduce Heat: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and stir well to combine the cream into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Season Sauce: Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Add Pimentos and Chicken: Stir in the diced pimentos and shredded cooked chicken, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated and heated through completely.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked biscuits, rice, or pasta as desired for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breast for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, noting the sauce will be less thick.
- Can be served over toasted bread or mashed potatoes as variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
