Chicken à la King is the perfect recipe for those nights when you crave comfort food that’s rich in flavor yet incredibly easy to make. Originating from a bygone era of luxurious dining, this dish remains a timeless classic for its creamy, savory goodness.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this dish, Chicken à la King is a delightful combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, and vibrant pimentos, all brought together with a luscious cream sauce. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, and it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or biscuits.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Got leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken in the fridge? Perfect! Need to swap in roasted red peppers for pimentos or skip the sherry? No problem. Chicken à la King adapts to your pantry while delivering exceptional flavor, making it a dish you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is luxurious without being overly heavy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up cooked chicken or turkey.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients like pimentos or add your favorite vegetables.
- Timeless Classic: A nostalgic recipe that stands the test of time.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples to create a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The butter, onions, and celery form a fragrant base, while the mushrooms and sherry add depth. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a creamy sauce, complemented by pops of sweetness from peas and pimentos.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Cook the Mushrooms
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Sherry
Add sherry or white wine, stirring until the liquid evaporates. If omitting alcohol, skip this step.
4. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the skillet and stir for 1 minute to cook the raw flour. Add chicken broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
5. Add Chicken and Vegetables
Stir in cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve
Serve hot over rice, egg noodles, or with biscuits.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Leftover Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for convenience.
- Thickening the Sauce: Adjust the consistency by simmering longer or adding a touch more cream.
- Substitutions: Replace pimentos with diced roasted red peppers if needed.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with silken tofu or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and carrots.
- Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or crab for a coastal-inspired dish.
- Spicy Flair: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken à la King up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild, creamy flavors make it a hit with kids. You can even omit the sherry or wine if preferred.
3. What are good substitutes for pimentos?
Diced roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute if you can’t find pimentos.
4. Can I make this recipe without cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.
5. What can I use instead of sherry?
Dry white wine or Madeira works well, or simply omit the alcohol and use chicken broth instead.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Conclusion
Chicken à la King is a comforting classic that brings together creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for cozy nights.
Why not try this dish today and bring a touch of nostalgia to your table? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that your family will love. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more comforting recipes like this one!
