The Most Comforting Chicken a la King Recipe Ever Made

Creamy, comforting chicken a la king recipe delights taste buds with its rich, velvety sauce and tender meat.

Generations of home cooks have embraced this classic dish for its simplicity and incredible flavor.

Packed with succulent chicken pieces and a luxurious blend of vegetables, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that warms the heart.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance on your palate.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly versatile, this chicken a la king can be served over rice, toast, or pasta.

Each bite tells a story of culinary tradition and home-cooked comfort.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this timeless, crowd-pleasing classic.

Chicken a la King: Royal Comfort On Your Table

• Whip up a hearty, creamy chicken dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Transform leftover chicken into a luxurious meal that works perfectly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting spices, or serving over different bases like rice, pasta, or crispy toast to suit everyone's taste preferences.
• Pack protein, vegetables, and rich flavors into a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and providing a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.

All The Goodies For Creamy Chicken a la King

• Chicken: A tender and succulent protein that provides the core flavor and substance of the dish.

• Green Bell Pepper, Sweet Onion: These fresh vegetables add depth and a subtle sweetness to the recipe.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
• Pimentos: A mild, sweet red pepper that brings a bright color and gentle flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken and create a smooth, creamy texture for the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid base that adds depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and velvety consistency of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the recipe.

Kitchen Tools For Chicken a la King Success

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for dicing bell peppers, onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient chopping.
• Measuring cups: Accurately measure butter, flour, chicken stock, and cream.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for measuring salt and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Critical for blending stock and cream without lumps.
• Colander: Useful for draining pimentos.

Cooking Chicken a la King The Easy Way

Step 1: Melt and Sizzle Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Green bell pepper (diced small)
• Sweet onion (diced small)

Stir occasionally until vegetables turn soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook until its aroma fills the kitchen, roughly 30 seconds.

Step 3: Dust with Flour Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to blend flour completely and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Pour Liquid Goodness

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Create Silky Sauce

Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens beautifully, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Protein and Color

• Cooked chicken (diced)
• Frozen peas
• Drained diced pimentos

Stir everything together with love.

Step 7: Final Warm Embrace

Simmer for 3 more minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.

Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires.

Step 8: Serve with Joy

Dish out immediately alongside toasty bread or fluffy biscuits for a comforting meal.

Pro Hints For Silky, Savory Chicken a la King

• Whisk constantly when adding chicken stock and cream to ensure a smooth, silky texture without any flour clumps.
• Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for a richer, more intense taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace chicken with turkey or diced ham for a delicious variation that keeps the classic comfort food feel.
• Experiment with different frozen vegetables like carrots or corn to add color and nutritional variety to the classic recipe.
• Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, adding fresh chicken just before serving to save cooking time.

Chicken a la King Ideas For New Flavors

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp, crab, or a mix of seafood for an ocean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with firm tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and ensure gluten-free ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic flavor profile.

Ways To Plate Chicken a la King With Style

• Rustic Country Plating: Spread the chicken a la king over warm, buttered toast points or golden-brown biscuits for a classic, homestyle presentation that captures hearty comfort.
• Elegant Dinner Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the dish and add fresh crispness.
• Rice Bed Delight: Nestle the chicken a la king over steamed white rice or fragrant basmati rice, creating a satisfying meal that soaks up the delectable sauce.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this dish into a brunch centerpiece by serving it alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend morning feast.

Keeping Chicken a la King Tasting Great

• Store leftover Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled Chicken a la King to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place refrigerated portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Is Chicken a la King a healthy dish?

While delicious, Chicken a la King is relatively high in calories and fat due to butter, heavy cream, and rich sauce. It’s a comfort food best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly poached chicken breast all work perfectly. Ensure the chicken is cooked and diced into uniform pieces for even heating.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use the same measurement and follow the same cooking technique to maintain the sauce’s thickness and texture.

Chicken a la King Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken a la king delivers comfort on a plate with creamy, rich sauce embracing tender chicken pieces. Served over rice or toast, this classic dish promises a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 4 ounces (113 grams) jar diced pimentos, drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium green bell pepper, small diced
• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Introduce diced green bell pepper and sweet onion, gently stirring until vegetables transform into a soft, translucent landscape, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the skillet for roughly 30 seconds, releasing its delicate flavor profile.
3. Sprinkle flour, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable mixture, thoroughly integrating dry ingredients to create a smooth, cohesive base. Toast the flour mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk chicken stock into the skillet, maintaining constant motion to prevent luminal formations. Follow with heavy cream, creating a silky, uniform sauce through continuous stirring.
5. Reduce heat and allow sauce to gently simmer, thickening for approximately 5 minutes while occasionally rotating the skillet contents.
6. Incorporate diced cooked chicken, frozen peas, and drained pimentos into the creamy sauce. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even distribution and harmonious flavor integration.
7. Continue simmering for an additional 3 minutes, guaranteeing all components reach a consistent, appetizing temperature. Taste and calibrate seasoning as needed.
8. Present the chicken a la king immediately alongside warm toast or freshly baked fluffy biscuits, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Make sure to dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Whisk continuously when adding stock and cream to prevent lumpy sauce, creating a smooth, silky consistency that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add deeper flavor to the dish, making meal preparation easier.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for lactose-intolerant guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg