Chicken a la King : This creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor recipe combines tender chicken, a rich velvety sauce, and vibrant vegetables, served over rice, pasta, or even flaky biscuits.
What is Chicken a la King?
Chicken a la King is a creamy, savory dish made with diced chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables like peas and bell peppers, all enveloped in a luscious sauce typically thickened with a roux. It’s served hot over starches like rice, noodles, or puff pastry. Originating in the late 19th or early 20th century, it has a reputation for being both elegant and comforting.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken a la King
- Choose the Right Chicken
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach fresh chicken breasts for maximum flavor. Shredded or cubed, the key is tender, juicy meat.
- The Secret to a Smooth Sauce
- Whisk constantly when preparing the roux to avoid lumps. Gradually add milk or cream, ensuring a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Add Layers of Flavor
- Use chicken broth as the base of your sauce and enhance it with a splash of sherry or white wine for a sophisticated depth.
- Don’t Skip the Mushrooms
- Sautéing mushrooms in butter until golden adds an earthy flavor that’s essential to the dish.
- Fresh is Best
- Opt for fresh vegetables like bell peppers and peas for a crisp texture, but frozen veggies can work in a pinch.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Seafood a la King: Swap chicken for shrimp or lobster for a luxurious version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the sauce for a hint of spice.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve the creamy chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour and pair with gluten-free noodles or rice.
How to Serve Chicken a la King
Chicken a la King is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Over Starches: Serve the creamy chicken sauce over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- With Biscuits or Puff Pastry: Spoon the mixture over warm, flaky biscuits or inside puff pastry shells for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- On Toast: For a quick and casual option, serve it over thick slices of toasted bread.
- As a Casserole: Layer the sauce with cooked pasta in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Chicken a la King
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing if made with heavy cream as it may separate. Consider using half-and-half or a roux-based sauce for better results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken a la King ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and chicken mixture in advance and store them separately. Combine and heat just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter version.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
While fresh mushrooms are ideal for flavor and texture, canned mushrooms can work as a substitute. Just drain and rinse them well.
Is Chicken a la King gluten-free?
Not traditionally, as it’s thickened with a flour-based roux. However, you can make it gluten-free by using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Chicken a la King
Chicken a la King : This creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor recipe combines tender chicken, a rich velvety sauce, and vibrant vegetables, served over rice, pasta, or even flaky biscuits.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 (4.5 oz) can mushrooms, drained (reserve liquid)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ¼ cups hot water
- 1 ½ tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 4 cooked, boneless chicken breasts, chopped
- 4 oz chopped pimento
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients so you're ready to cook seamlessly.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Return to low heat and cook while stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in milk, hot water, bouillon, and the reserved mushroom liquid. Increase heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring. Let it boil for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chopped chicken and pimento. Heat through until everything is warm and coated in the sauce.
- Ladle over rice, noodles, or biscuits, and savor every creamy bite!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 348Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 722mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 29g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken a la King is a classic dish for good reason—it’s rich, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time. Try it with your own twist, and don’t forget to share your creations!
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