Chicken Ala King is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, savory sauce loaded with mushrooms, peas, and colorful pimentos. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be served over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken ala king from scratch, here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide that will have you cooking like a pro in no time!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken Ala King
– ½ cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for a healthier twist)
– 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion or shallot, diced
– 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 to 2½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
– 1 cup milk or half-and-half (whole milk works great)
– 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
– ⅓ to ¼ cup diced pimentos (drained)
– 3 to 4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (leftover or rotisserie works well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons dry sherry for extra flavor
– Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg for warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Veggies and Mushrooms
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion or shallot, and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown-about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook the mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken your sauce later.
3. Add the Liquids
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or half-and-half), making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If you’re using sherry, stir it in now. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Add Chicken, Peas, and Pimentos
Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and diced pimentos. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the rich, creamy chicken ala king over your choice of rice, buttered toast, noodles, or biscuits. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and leftovers taste just as good!
Tips for the Best Chicken Ala King
– Use cooked chicken breast for a firmer texture, or leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
– If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour during the roux stage or reduce the liquid slightly.
– For a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
– Don’t skip the pimentos-they add a lovely sweetness and color contrast.
– If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use the broth from boiling your chicken for extra flavor.
– Adjust seasoning at the end-taste and add more salt or pepper as needed.
Why You’ll Love Making Chicken Ala King at Home
This dish is a nostalgic favorite that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Plus, it’s versatile-you can serve it over a variety of bases and customize the veggies to your liking.
Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a creamy, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Ready to make your own Chicken Ala King? Have questions about substitutions or serving ideas? Just ask!