Chicken a la King is a classic and creamy dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce. Serve it over rice, pasta, or toast for a comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken and can be customized with additional vegetables or different proteins like turkey or tofu. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently before serving.
Chicken a la King is a classic, creamy dish that’s perfect for any family meal. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s both comforting and delicious. Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to create this timeless recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup (one stick), for a rich base in the sauce.
- Green bell pepper: One medium, small diced, adding sweetness and color.
- Sweet onion: One small, small diced, for a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Two, minced, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Half a cup, to thicken the sauce.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, to season the dish.
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon, for a subtle kick.
- Chicken stock: Two and a half cups, as the base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: One cup, for a creamy texture.
- Diced cooked chicken: Three cups, providing the main protein.
- Frozen peas: One cup, for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Diced pimentos: One 4-ounce jar, drained, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Add 1 medium green bell pepper, small diced, and 1 small sweet onion, small diced. Stir occasionally until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3:
- Add ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine so the flour dissolves, and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4:
- Slowly stream in 2 ½ cups chicken stock while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Repeat with 1 cup heavy cream.
- Step 5:
- Bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6:
- Add 3 cups diced cooked chicken, 1 cup frozen peas, and a 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained. Stir to combine.
- Step 7:
- Simmer for an additional 3 minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately with toast or fluffy biscuits for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Chicken a la King over a bed of rice, pasta, egg noodles, or with toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells to soak up the rich and creamy sauce.
- For a comforting meal, pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Chicken a la King can also be frozen. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- Variations: You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, silken tofu, or even canned tuna for a different twist on the classic recipe.
- Add-ins: Incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Saute these vegetables with the bell pepper and onion for a well-rounded meal.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef's Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. This pre-cooked chicken is convenient and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Chef's Tip: For a slightly different flavor profile, add a splash of sherry or white wine to the sauce before adding the chicken and vegetables.
- Chef's Tip: To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, add small amounts of chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.