There’s something about the creamy, dreamy Chicken à la King that just makes my heart sing. Picture tender pieces of chicken swimming in a velvety sauce, bursting with colorful veggies and topped with fluffy rice or buttery biscuits. This dish doesn’t just feed your stomach; it hugs your soul like a warm blanket on a chilly night. You can almost hear the angels singing every time you take a bite of this comforting classic.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Chicken à la King Recipe</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Chicken à la King?
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
- How do I make Chicken à la King gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, Chicken à la King was the star of many family dinners, as my mom would whip it up with a flair that turned our kitchen into an aromatic wonderland. It was always a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds—and sometimes thirds! Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just treating yourself on a Wednesday, this is the kind of dish that makes any day feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken à la King recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- The creamy texture and vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- You can easily customize it to suit your taste by adding different vegetables or spices
- It’s versatile enough to be served over rice, pasta, or even in puff pastry cups for an elegant touch
I remember the first time I made Chicken à la King for my friends. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and I basked in the glory of my culinary skills—until someone pointed out I had forgotten to season the chicken! Lesson learned: seasoning is key!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do nicely; feel free to adjust based on your crew’s appetite.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; minced garlic adds an irresistible aroma.
Onion: A medium onion works wonders; sauté until translucent for sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only enhance visual appeal but also add crunch and sweetness.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms bring earthiness; choose button or cremini for best results.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Cream: Heavy cream provides that luscious texture; half-and-half can work too if you’re feeling daring.
Frozen Peas: A handful adds vibrant color and sweetness; no one can resist peas!
Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better in this rich dish.
Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Essential for elevating flavors—don’t hold back!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken à la King Recipe
Start by prepping your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside; the smaller sizes ensure they cook evenly.
Sautéing the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt about two tablespoons of butter. Add your chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms once the chicken is done. Sauté until the veggies are soft and fragrant—around 5 minutes should do it!
Create the Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes before adding heavy cream to create that luscious sauce.
Add Peas and Thicken Sauce: Stir in frozen peas and allow them to heat through for another minute. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in slowly until desired consistency is reached.
Serve It Up!: Spoon over fluffy rice or pasta for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—because who doesn’t love some green on their plate?
Now sit down with your masterpiece of Chicken à la King and enjoy every comforting bite! Each spoonful will remind you why this dish has timeless appeal—it’s simple yet so satisfying.
In short, making Chicken à la King is like wrapping yourself in comfort food heaven without breaking a sweat! So roll up those sleeves—it’s time to get cooking!
You Must Know
- The Chicken à la King recipe is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate
- Perfect for using leftover chicken, it can elevate your weeknight dinners into something truly special
- The aroma of sautéed vegetables and creamy sauce will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the vegetables until they’re tender, then add cooked chicken and your creamy sauce. This order ensures everything melds beautifully for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the veggies or use different proteins like turkey or mushrooms. Experimenting allows you to personalize this dish based on what you enjoy.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme; they brighten up the dish wonderfully
- Don’t skip on simmering time; let the flavors meld together for a richer sauce
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings for perfection
Sharing my first attempt at Chicken à la King still makes me laugh—the kitchen looked like a crime scene, but my family devoured it!
FAQ
What is Chicken à la King?
Chicken à la King is a creamy dish made with chicken and vegetables, typically served over rice or pasta.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well; just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
How do I make Chicken à la King gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener in the sauce for a gluten-free version.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken à la King
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Chicken à la King, a nostalgic dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this quick recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or pasta for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper; cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms; sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3 minutes before adding heavy cream to create a rich sauce.
- Stir in frozen peas and heat through for an additional minute. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir in gradually.
- Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
