A delicious Chicken a la King recipe brings together tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special events.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish on the table in under an hour.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The rich cream sauce enhances the flavors of the chicken and veggies, creating a truly satisfying meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Chicken a la King over rice, pasta, or even toasted bread—perfect for your preference!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Comfort Food Classic: With its warm and hearty ingredients, Chicken a la King is perfect for cozy nights in.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken a la King successfully, having the right tools is essential. These will help streamline your cooking process while ensuring everything turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows you to sauté vegetables evenly without overcrowding them.
- Whisk: This tool is crucial for preventing lumps when mixing in the flour and liquids, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Ingredients
A delicious Chicken a la King recipe with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or toast.
For the Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium green bell pepper, small diced
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Chicken Filling
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
How to Make Chicken a la King
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Add 1 medium green bell pepper (small diced) and 1 small sweet onion (small diced). Stir occasionally until softened, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add 2 cloves garlic (minced) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Flour and Seasonings
Add ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine so the flour dissolves and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Slowly stream in 2 ½ cups chicken stock while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Repeat with 1 cup heavy cream.
Step 5: Simmer Sauce
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Peas
Add 3 cups diced cooked chicken, 1 cup frozen peas, and a drained jar of pimentos. Stir to combine well.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Simmer for an additional 3 minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately with toast or fluffy biscuits for a complete meal experience.
How to Serve Chicken a la King
Chicken a la King is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Over Rice
- A classic pairing, serving Chicken a la King over fluffy white rice absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
With Pasta
- For a heartier option, serve it over your favorite pasta like egg noodles or fettuccine. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
On Toast
- A quick and easy option is to spoon Chicken a la King onto toasted bread or biscuits. This makes for a delightful open-faced sandwich.
In Puff Pastry Cups
- For an elegant touch, fill baked puff pastry cups with Chicken a la King. This is perfect for appetizers at gatherings.
With Biscuits
- Fluffy biscuits served alongside or underneath Chicken a la King create a comforting meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
How to Perfect Chicken a la King
To make the best Chicken a la King, consider these helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use quality chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preferences.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in more flour while cooking until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot: Ensure you serve Chicken a la King hot for the best flavor experience.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken a la King
Pairing side dishes with Chicken a la King can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully while providing an irresistible crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of Chicken a la King.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch to balance the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob makes for a fun and tasty side that pairs well with this comfort food classic.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf adds depth without overpowering the main dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein and fiber, making it an excellent healthy choice alongside this creamy recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Chicken a la King taste even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté: Failing to sauté the vegetables properly can leave them crunchy. Cook them until they’re soft for the best flavor.
- Using low-quality chicken: Low-quality or undercooked chicken can ruin your dish. Always use cooked, high-quality chicken for optimal taste.
- Not whisking enough: If you don’t whisk the flour and liquids well, lumps can form in your sauce. Whisk constantly when adding stock and cream to ensure a smooth texture.
- Overcooking the peas: Adding peas too early can lead to mushy textures. Stir them in towards the end of cooking for the best results.
- Neglecting seasoning: A bland dish is unappealing. Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken a la King in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken a la King
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chicken a la King
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people often ask about Chicken a la King:
What is Chicken a la King?
Chicken a la King is a creamy dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a rich sauce, typically served over rice, pasta, or toast.
Can I make Chicken a la King ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I serve with Chicken a la King?
It pairs well with rice, toast, biscuits, or pasta as a comforting side.
How do I customize my Chicken a la King?
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots and experiment with different spices for added flavor.
Is Chicken a la King healthy?
While it’s creamy and rich, you can make it healthier by using low-fat cream or adding more veggies.
Final Thoughts
Chicken a la King is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it over rice or with flaky biscuits, this recipe caters to various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for an even more delightful meal!
Chicken a la King
Indulge in the creamy and comforting Chicken a la King, a classic dish that pairs tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a rich sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, or toast. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delightful meal ready in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the warm flavors that will please both kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 oz jar diced pimentos
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the bell pepper and onion; sauté until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic; cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper; mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock followed by heavy cream to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in chicken, peas, and pimentos; simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
