chicken la king recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken la king recipe

I’ve been making Chicken à la King for years, and it’s still a family favorite. It’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I love how the creamy sauce and tender chicken come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

My kids have grown up on this recipe, and they still request it for special treats. I’ve served it at dinner parties, potlucks, and even just a regular weeknight dinner. It’s one of those recipes that’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

The best part about Chicken à la King is that it’s incredibly easy to make. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s a great way to get your family eating more vegetables. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over egg noodles to soak up all the sauce.

It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household too. The history of Chicken à la King is interesting – it originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and its name is French for ‘chicken in the style of the king.’ It was popularized by American chefs who adapted the recipe to suit local tastes and ingredients.

Today, you can find variations of this recipe all over the world, but the core ingredients remain the same: chicken, mushrooms, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream or milk. The key to making a great Chicken à la King is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the chicken or the sauce.

Chicken a la King

4.6 from 1901 votes

A classic creamy chicken dish with mushrooms, peas, and pimentos in a rich sauce. Serve over rice, pasta, or toast for a comforting meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
3Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
6Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are tender and the onion is translucent.
7Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
8Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
9Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, peas, pimentos, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika.
11Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
12Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
13Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
14Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or toast.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 16g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also add a splash of sherry or white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Watch Video Of How Chicken a la King Works

To store leftover chicken la king, place it in a sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to reheat, do so on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring often.

You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it out.

For serving ideas, try spooning chicken la king over crispy toast points or fluffy rice. It also makes a great filling for puff pastry shells or a topping for baked potatoes.

This recipe is always a good idea for family gatherings because it is easy to double and everyone loves the creamy, savory flavor. It works well for potlucks, holiday dinners, or just a cozy night in.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken a la King

1. Can I make chicken la king ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken la king a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

2. What can I serve with chicken la king?

Chicken la king is traditionally served over toast, but it also works well with rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. For a lighter option, try it over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce pairs nicely with anything that can soak it up.

3. Can I freeze chicken la king?

Yes, chicken la king freezes well for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together.

4. How can I make chicken la king dairy free?

To make this recipe dairy free, use a plant based butter or oil instead of regular butter. Replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk or a dairy free cream alternative. Use a dairy free milk like oat or almond milk for the broth mixture. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.

5. What vegetables can I add to chicken la king?

Classic chicken la king includes bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas. You can also add diced carrots, celery, or even corn. If you want more color, throw in some chopped pimentos or roasted red peppers. Just make sure to cook any hard vegetables like carrots until tender before adding the sauce.

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