Chicken ala King is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce loaded with vegetables like mushrooms, peas, and pimentos. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Whether you want to serve it over rice, noodles, biscuits, or puff pastry shells, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
What Is Chicken ala King?
Chicken ala King is a creamy, savory dish featuring diced or shredded chicken in a luscious sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream. It’s often enriched with mushrooms, peas, and diced pimentos or bell peppers, creating a colorful and flavorful meal. Traditionally, it’s served over toast points or flaky biscuits, but it’s equally delicious over rice or pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of common ingredients to prepare a classic Chicken ala King:
– Butter (about ½ cup)
– White or cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
– Onion (1 small, diced)
– Green bell pepper (1 medium, diced)
– Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
– All-purpose flour (½ cup)
– Chicken broth (2 to 2½ cups)
– Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup)
– Cooked chicken (3 to 4 cups, diced or shredded; rotisserie chicken works great)
– Frozen peas (1 cup)
– Diced pimentos or roasted red peppers (about 4 ounces, drained)
– Salt, black pepper, and optional seasonings like onion powder or dry mustard
These ingredients create the base for a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken ala King
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Then add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce nicely.
3. Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the cream or half-and-half and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Incorporate Chicken and Vegetables
Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and diced pimentos or roasted red peppers into the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Chicken ala King is traditionally served over toast points or flaky biscuits, but it’s also wonderful over rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce pairs well with all these options, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken ala King
– Use cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked or boiled chicken, or even turkey can be used, making this a great way to use leftovers.
– Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour with butter and vegetables ensures a smooth, thick sauce without lumps.
– Customize your veggies: Mushrooms, peas, and pimentos are classic, but you can add carrots, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
– Adjust creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
– Serve creatively: Try Chicken ala King in puff pastry shells for an elegant presentation or spoon it over rice for a hearty meal.
Variations to Try
– Filipino Chicken ala King: This version features a creamy sauce with similar ingredients but may include slight twists in seasoning and presentation, often served with rice.
– One-pot Chicken ala King: Simplify cleanup by cooking everything in one pot, sautéing mushrooms and onions first, then adding flour, broth, milk, and chicken sequentially.
– Healthier versions: Substitute butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken ala King is a timeless dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how simple it is to create a rich, comforting meal that everyone will love.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!