There’s something truly magical about a dish that whispers tales of home, warmth, and shared meals. For me, that feeling comes alive with a glorious serving of Creamy Chicken a la King. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a symphony of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables bathed in a luscious, savory cream sauce that brings a touch of elegance to any table. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and remember why homemade food is simply the best.
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of our home, a place where flour dust danced in sunbeams and the aroma of simmering goodness always filled the air. While she was a dessert queen, she also taught me the beauty of savory comfort. I remember her saying, “Sara, a good sauce can transform anything into a feast!” And that wisdom certainly holds true for this delightful Chicken a la King, a dish I’ve perfected over the years, bringing her spirit into my own kitchen.
This recipe for Chicken a la King is wonderfully straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight meal or a special Sunday supper. It’s incredibly family-friendly and promises to fill your home with an aroma that invites everyone to gather ’round. My best tip for success? Always use fresh, good-quality ingredients – they truly make all the difference in achieving that deep, satisfying flavor!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting the perfect Chicken a la King starts with a handful of wholesome ingredients. We’re talking tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts, earthy cremini mushrooms, and a colorful medley of red and green bell peppers, all brought together by a rich, velvety sauce made with chicken broth and half-and-half. I always believe in using what brings joy, and these simple staples transform into something truly extraordinary. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken a la King
Making this delightful Chicken a la King is a journey of simple steps, each building upon the last to create a harmonious dish. You’ll begin by sautéing your chicken until golden, then softening those vibrant vegetables. Next, we’ll create that dreamy, rich sauce, slowly whisking in the flour and liquids until it’s perfectly thickened. Finally, everything comes together, simmering gently until all the flavors meld into a comforting masterpiece. It’s a truly rewarding process!
Classic Creamy Chicken a la King
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Slice the mushrooms. Dice the red and green bell peppers and the yellow onion.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their liquid.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the half-and-half (or milk/cream), stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the dry sherry (if using) and the frozen peas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peas to cook through. Do not boil vigorously.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately over toast points, steamed rice, egg noodles, or puff pastry shells.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Chicken a la King
Creating a truly memorable Chicken a la King is all about those little touches that elevate a good recipe to a great one. These are the nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered through years of stirring, tasting, and perfecting in my own kitchen.
My Secret Trick: When sautéing your vegetables, always add a pinch of salt early on. This helps draw out their moisture, intensifying their flavor and ensuring they caramelize beautifully, giving a deeper base to your Chicken a la King sauce.
I always recommend dicing your chicken and vegetables into roughly uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation in every spoonful of your creamy Chicken a la King.
Don’t rush the sauce! Whisking in the flour slowly and cooking it for a minute or two before adding the liquids helps cook out the raw flour taste and prevents lumps, guaranteeing a silky-smooth sauce for your Chicken a la King.
For that extra layer of complexity, a splash of dry sherry (as called for in the recipe!) added at the end truly brightens the entire dish. It’s a subtle yet impactful flavor enhancer that makes this classic Chicken a la King sing.
Fun Variations for Chicken a la King
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this classic Chicken a la King is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be shy about playing with flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
Spice It Up
My friend Emily loves a little kick in her food, so sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle warmth. It adds a lovely depth without overpowering the creamy essence of the Chicken a la King.
Veggie Boost
Feel free to add other vegetables! Frozen mixed vegetables work beautifully, or try sautéing some diced carrots, celery, or even some fresh spinach with the peppers. It’s a fantastic way to boost the nutrition and add more color to your Chicken a la King.
Protein Swap
While chicken is classic, you can certainly experiment with other proteins. Cooked turkey is a wonderful substitute, especially after Thanksgiving, or even some sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist on Chicken a la King.
Cheesy Goodness
For a richer, more decadent version, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or a sharp cheddar cheese just before serving. It adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess that complements the savory notes of the Chicken a la King beautifully.
What to Serve With Chicken a la King
This heartwarming Chicken a la King is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate the experience and make it feel even more special. Think of it as creating a full, cozy picture around this comforting dish.
I absolutely adore serving Chicken a la King over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that glorious creamy sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s my go-to pairing for an [easy weeknight dinner].
Another fantastic option is a generous serving of buttered egg noodles. Their tender texture is just perfect with the rich sauce, creating a truly classic combination that feels like a warm hug.
For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken a la King. It’s a wonderful way to balance the meal.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, warm biscuits or crusty bread are ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delectable sauce. My mom always keeps a fresh loaf nearby when I make Chicken a la King!
How to Store Chicken a la King
After all the love poured into making your delicious Chicken a la King, it’s important to know how to properly store it so you can enjoy every last bit. We want those flavors to stay just as wonderful for your next meal!
To store leftover Chicken a la King, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping throughout the week!
For longer storage, this hearty dish freezes wonderfully. Portion your cooled Chicken a la King into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
When reheating, my personal tip is to gently warm the Chicken a la King on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems a little too thick. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, ensuring it retains its creamy texture and rich flavor. This also works wonderfully if you want to repurpose it into one of your [comforting casseroles].
Nutritional Benefits
While we often focus on the joy and flavor of dishes, this Chicken a la King also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. With lean protein from the chicken and a good helping of vitamins from the colorful vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It showcases how wholesome ingredients can come together in a delicious, creamy sauce that feels indulgent yet provides valuable nutrients.
FAQs
What exactly is Chicken a la King?
Chicken a la King is a classic American dish featuring diced chicken and a medley of vegetables, typically mushrooms and bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s often served over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits, offering a delightful and hearty meal.
Can I make Chicken a la King ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Chicken a la King is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the dish completely, then cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
What kind of chicken is best for Chicken a la King?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for Chicken a la King as they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor, or even leftover cooked rotisserie chicken to save on prep time.
Can I freeze leftover Chicken a la King?
Yes, Chicken a la King freezes quite well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stove, possibly with extra liquid to refresh the sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it, dear bakers and home cooks – a recipe for Creamy Chicken a la King that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. This dish truly embodies the spirit of comfort food, reminding us that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can create magical, memorable meals. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones, share this heartwarming Chicken a la King, and create your own sweet memories around the table, just as I’ve done for years. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with joy and delicious aromas!