How To Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Chicken à la King Recipe is a delightful blend of tender Chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Originating from classic French cuisine, this timeless favorite has graced tables for generations, offering a satisfying meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Whether served over fluffy rice, buttery toast, or nestled atop al dente pasta, each savory spoonful is a testament to culinary mastery.

What Is The Chicken à la King Recipe?

Chicken à la King is a classic dish featuring tender pieces of Chicken in a creamy sauce with vegetables, typically served over rice, pasta, or toast.

Originating from classic French cuisine, this timeless favorite has graced tables for generations, offering a satisfying meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

How Long Will It Take To Prepare?

• Preparation of Ingredients: This includes chopping vegetables, dicing Chicken, and gathering all the necessary ingredients. This step might take about 10-15 minutes.
• Cooking Process: Cooking the vegetables, making the roux, and preparing the sauce usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
• Simmering and Combining: After adding the Chicken to the sauce, simmering and allowing the flavors to meld together takes another 5-7 minutes.
• Serving: This recipe typically yields about four servings.

So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and actual times may vary based on factors like your experience in the kitchen and the specific equipment you’re using.

How Do You Make Chicken à la King Recipe?

Chicken à la King is a classic dish that’s both delicious and relatively simple to prepare. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Essential Ingredients For Chicken à la King Recipe:

• Two tablespoons butter
• One small onion, finely chopped
• One small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• One small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cups cooked Chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Cooked rice, pasta, or toast for serving

Essential Instructions For Chicken à la King Recipe:

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked Chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Simmer the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8

Serve the Chicken à la King hot over cooked rice, pasta, or toast. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Additional Tips For Chicken à la King Recipe:

1. Use Cooked Chicken: Precook the Chicken before adding it to the recipe. You can use leftover roasted or grilled Chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through.
2. Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
3. Add Variety: Chicken à la King is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
4. Fresh Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, you can also use other fresh herbs like chives or thyme to add freshness to the dish.
5. Serve Hot: Chicken à la King is best served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its best.

Precautions For Chicken à la King Recipe:

1. Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables: Be mindful not to overcook the vegetables when sautéing them at the beginning. They should be soft but still have a bit of crunch for texture.
2. Properly Cook the Chicken: Ensure that the Chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Check for Allergies: If you or your guests have food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients in the chicken broth and other components of the recipe to avoid any allergic reactions. You can also make substitutions as needed.
4. Reheating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Facts of Chicken à la King Recipe:

These values can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, serving size, and any additional toppings or sides served with the dish.

5 Best Variations of Chicken à la King Recipe:

1. Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the Chicken for diced firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and peas.
2. Seafood Twist: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or chunks of white fish like cod or tilapia to the sauce for a seafood version of Chicken à la King.
3. Spicy Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the dish for a spicy kick.
4. Creamy Mushroom Variation: For extra flavor and texture, double up on the mushrooms by using a variety of types, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
5. Cheese Lover’s Option: Stir in a handful of grated cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère, at the end of cooking for a decadent, cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Chicken à la King is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

With its creamy sauce, tender Chicken, and flavorful vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Plus, with various variations available, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you stick to the classic version or try out one of the creative variations, Chicken à la King is a timeless favorite that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and bon appétit!