Chicken a la King is a timeless comfort food that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce loaded with colorful vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with something elegant yet easy to prepare. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken a la king, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to make it delicious every time.
What is Chicken a la King?
Chicken a la King is a classic American dish believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It features diced cooked chicken simmered in a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream, along with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, and pimentos. The sauce is velvety and flavorful, making it perfect to serve over toast, biscuits, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic ingredient list to get you started. You can adjust quantities depending on how many servings you want:
– Butter (about ½ cup or 1 stick)
– Cooked chicken (3 to 4 cups, diced or shredded)
– Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
– Bell peppers (green or red, diced)
– Onion (small, diced)
– Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
– All-purpose flour (½ cup)
– Chicken broth (2 to 2½ cups)
– Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup)
– Frozen peas (1 cup)
– Diced pimentos (4 ounces, drained)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: dry mustard or chicken bouillon cube for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken a la King
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms release their moisture, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This mixture will thicken your sauce.
3. Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens. Then stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and continue to simmer gently for a few more minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
4. Add Chicken and Veggies
Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and diced pimentos. Let everything heat through for about 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your chicken a la king hot over buttered toast, flaky biscuits, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken a la King
– Use cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves time.
– Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour with butter and veggies ensures a smooth, thick sauce.
– Adjust the creaminess: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
– Add mushrooms for umami: They add a savory depth that balances the richness of the cream.
– Pimentos or red bell peppers: Both add a pop of color and a mild sweetness that brightens the dish.
– Serve with sides: Chicken a la King pairs beautifully with toast points, rice, biscuits, or even puff pastry shells for an elegant touch.
Variations to Try
– Turkey a la King: Substitute cooked turkey for chicken, perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers.
– Healthier version: Use olive oil instead of butter and milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
– Add dry sherry or white wine: A splash adds a subtle complexity to the sauce.
– Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a little heat.
Chicken a la King is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and colorful ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Enjoy making and sharing this classic recipe that never goes out of style!