Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. The kind that just wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out. Forget those fancy sauces and complicated techniques – we’re diving headfirst into a classic: Chicken à la King. It’s right up there with mac and cheese in my book, but honestly, sometimes I crave the creamy, savory deliciousness of this dish even more! And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started with this amazing Chicken à la King Recipe!
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What is chicken à la king?
What is the meaning of “alright”?is Chicken à la King? Think of it as the ultimate creamy chicken comfort dish. It’s essentially a creamy sauce (usually made with mushrooms, peppers, and peas) served over a bed of cooked chicken, often served in puff pastry shells, over rice, or toast points. The “à la King” part of the name? There are a few theories floating around, but most people think it was created in honor of a prominent figure, possibly a king or a wealthy hotel patron. Regardless of its origin, it’s a dish fit for royalty (or just a hungry weeknight crowd!). It’s a beautiful, flavorful blend that’s been around for a while, and it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s essentially a chicken stew but fancier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, so why am I so obsessed with this Chicken à la King Recipe? Let me tell you! First off, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the savory chicken, the earthy mushrooms, the slight sweetness of the peas, and the richness of the cream sauce – it’s a symphony of flavors that just works. Then, there’s the simplicity. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually super easy to make. I’ve made it on nights when I’m exhausted after work, and it always comes together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken thighs are budget-friendly, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Finally, it’s so versatile! You can serve it over rice, toast, noodles, or even in a vol-au-vent. It’s one of those dishes I’ve made for potlucks, casual dinners, and even special occasions. This Chicken à la King Recipe really is a wonderful choice!
How to Make Chicken à la King
Quick Overview
How do you make chicken à la king? First, you’ll cook your chicken (I prefer poaching for extra tenderness, but you can use leftovers to make a delicious dinner). Is roasted chicken good for you What’s the best way to make a creamy sauce with mushrooms, peppers, peas and cream? In a bowl, combine the chicken and sauce, and serve it over your favorite base. How do you cook a sauce? Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own! I sometimes add a dash of sherry for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken: How do you make
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth. 3 cups mashed potatoes.
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped. 1 t
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped. 1 tsp. of
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. 1 ts
- 2 cups chicken broth. 2 servings.
- 1 cup heavy cream. 1 tsp.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: 2 tbsp dry sherry.
What are the Step-
Step 1: Poach the Chicken
Place the chicken, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and poach for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Reserve 2 cups of the poaching liquid.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes more. I always make sure to use a big enough pan for everything to cook properly. Why do mushrooms steam instead of browning?
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated. When flour is browned, it’s easier to This step is crucial for thickening the sauce! You don’t want any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Gradually whisk in the reserved poaching liquid until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. I like to use a whisk here to avoid lumps from forming.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Peas
Stir in the heavy cream, peas, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the sherry. Heat through, but do not boil. What causes a cream to curdle?
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Heat through.
Step 7: Serve!
Serve hot over rice, toast, noodles, or in puff pastry shells. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. I personally love serving this with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve chicken à la king? What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy life?
Over Rice:What is the best white rice to use? I love a good jasmine rice to complement the richness of the sauce.
On Toast Points: A simple and elegant option. Use sturdy bread that can hold up to the sauce, like sourdough or baguette.
With Noodles:What are some good egg noodles to serve with this creamy sauce? Make sure to cook the noodles al dente.
In Puff Pastry Shells: A Recipe forFor a special occasion, bake individual puff pastry shells and fill them with the Chicken à la King. Is it delicious?
With Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve the Chicken à la King alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted vegetables provide a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. I always like to have a side of veggies, regardless of what I serve this with.
What are some tips for perfecting chicken à la king?
How can I take my chicken à la king from good to amazing?
Don’t overcook a chicken. Don Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Poach it gently until just cooked through.
Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms have a better flavor and texture than canned mushrooms. I prefer cremini or button mushrooms.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it until lightly browned to avoid a raw flour taste.
Use High-Quality Cream: Heavy cream will give you the richest and creamiest sauce. Don’t skimp on the fat!
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. A little bit of nutmeg can also add a nice warmth.
Add a Splash of Sherry: A tablespoon or two of dry sherry can add a depth of flavor to the sauce. But it’s also fine to skip if you don’t have any on hand!
Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, spices, or herbs. That’s what cooking is all about!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken à la King:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken à la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store it separately from the rice or toast, if possible.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken à la King. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, gently warm the Chicken à la King in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I avoid nuking if I can, but sometimes it’s the only option!
Serving Suggestions: If serving over rice or toast, prepare the rice or toast fresh before serving. This will prevent it from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to Chicken à la King Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make – the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. If you loved this Chicken à la King Recipe, be sure to check out my other creamy chicken recipes, like Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake and Chicken Pot Pie. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
How to Whip Up the Perfect Chicken à la King in 7 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers red and yellow mixed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 stick butter 1/2 cup
- 1 lb button mushrooms sliced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups milk whole milk preferred
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
- 1 cup cooked rice for serving
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken and add bell peppers, peas, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until they start to soften.
- Melt butter in the skillet, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken stock until smooth.
- Stir in soy sauce and spices, then return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then serve over cooked rice.
