Chicken Ala King is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. Often served over rice or fluffy biscuits, it brings together a medley of flavors that are both satisfying and nostalgic. This dish appeals to those who enjoy hearty meals that evoke a sense of home – perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken Ala King recipe is loved for its creamy, savory flavor profile, making it irresistible to both kids and adults alike. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills while still delivering a gourmet taste. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish for a special occasion, this recipe fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps to accommodate various dietary preferences.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker meal, use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken. This reduces cooking time significantly.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain their crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra depth of flavor. A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce even further.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to achieve your desired consistency.
Make Ahead Tips
To streamline your cooking process, you can chop the vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made a few hours ahead and kept warm on the stove. When ready to serve, simply combine everything in one pot and heat through. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Chicken Ala King: Substitute half of the chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Chicken Ala King: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce, and serve over gluten-free rice or biscuits.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach.
How to Serve
Serve Chicken Ala King over a bed of fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or split biscuits. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. For an elegant touch, consider serving it in individual ramekins or bowls to elevate the presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce. A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a refreshing side. For dessert, a fruit tart or vanilla ice cream would round out the meal beautifully.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Equipment Needed
- Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing and simmering. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large skillet works just as well.
- Whisk: For smooth sauce preparation.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping your vegetables and chicken.
Alternatives: A regular pot can replace a Dutch oven, and a fork can substitute for a whisk in a pinch.
Dietary Adaptations
To make Chicken Ala King vegan, use plant-based chicken alternatives and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk. For a nut-free version, ensure that your milk substitute is nut-free. If gluten is an issue, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring and summer, consider adding fresh peas and asparagus for a seasonal twist. In the fall and winter, root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes can add heartiness to the dish. You can also use frozen vegetables year-round for convenience.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
- How long should I cook the chicken? Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes over medium heat, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
Chicken Ala King
Chicken Ala King is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and peas, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the Chicken à la King over rice, noodles, or biscuits, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 511Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 155mgSodium 469mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 22g
Dinnerfocus.com, 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 Ala King is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to the table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the process of making it, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
