Chicken à la King is a classic comfort food that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy, velvety sauce. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia for many, reminding us of warm family dinners and hearty meals shared at the table. Whether you make it with leftovers from a roasted chicken or cook it fresh, the result is a rich, decadent meal that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach. This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, and you can serve it in a variety of ways — over pasta, rice, toast, or mashed potatoes.
The beauty of Chicken à la King lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the thickness of the sauce, making it as creamy or as light as you prefer. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and shallots adds layers of texture and flavor, while the nutmeg and cayenne pepper provide subtle hints of warmth and spice. With a touch of dry sherry and fresh herbs, this dish becomes a standout centerpiece on your dining table. It’s not just about taste; it’s about bringing together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels comforting and special.
This Chicken à la King recipe follows a traditional approach while giving you the flexibility to make it your own. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or cooking a fresh meal from scratch, you’ll get a dish that is creamy, savory, and full of heart. Let’s dive into the wladnas format, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite of this comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken à la King offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining tender chicken with sautéed mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it a staple comfort food that can be adapted to suit any preference. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
The combination of dry sherry, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper gives this dish a subtle but sophisticated depth of flavor. It’s a meal that’s as adaptable as your creativity allows — serve it over your favorite starchy base like pasta, rice, toast, or mashed potatoes. Not only does this dish offer incredible taste and texture, but it also brings back fond memories of family dinners and cozy evenings.
Most importantly, this recipe is approachable and customizable. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can make Chicken à la King with pantry staples. It’s a dependable choice for quick dinners, weekend feasts, or special occasions when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients Overview
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ pound sliced mushrooms
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1 cup diced sweet bell peppers
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 3 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- ⅓ cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
- 4 cups cubed roasted chicken
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Start by melting 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ pound of sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture, then continue cooking until the moisture evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add 2 large minced shallots to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the shallots soften and become translucent. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour to coat the mushrooms. Let the flour cook until it turns golden, about 5 minutes, forming a roux.
Step 3: Add 1 cup of diced sweet bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in ¼ cup of dry sherry and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Then, stir in 3 ½ cups of chicken stock or broth, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 4: Once the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook until it slightly thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated. Add 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped Italian parsley, ⅓ cup of creme fraiche or heavy cream, and 4 cups of cubed roasted chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently until the chicken is warmed through, about 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish each serving with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy Chicken à la King over pasta, toast, rice, or mashed potatoes — whatever base you prefer.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh mushrooms, good-quality butter, and well-cooked roasted chicken for the best flavors.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add a little extra chicken stock if you prefer a thinner sauce or more flour if you want it thicker.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
- Customizable Base: Try different serving options like pasta, rice, toast, or mashed potatoes to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even stuffed crepes — it’s a versatile meal!
Variations to Try
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and add more mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen chicken instead of roasted chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen or leftover chicken. Make sure it is properly thawed before adding it to the sauce. - What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
You can add a bit more flour or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce it. - Can I substitute dry sherry with something else?
Yes, you can use white wine or Madeira as an alternative. For a non-alcoholic version, omit it entirely. - How do I store leftovers of Chicken à la King?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. - Can I make Chicken à la King without dairy?
Yes, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of creme fraiche or heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
How to Serve
Serve your Chicken à la King with your choice of sides — pasta, rice, toast, or mashed potatoes. Top it with fresh chives for a bit of color and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover Chicken à la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave gently to maintain its creamy consistency
Conclusion
Chicken à la King is a comforting and adaptable classic that offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that provides warmth, satisfaction, and endless variations depending on your mood and pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re using leftover roasted chicken or making it fresh, this creamy delight delivers a meal that feels special but is simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a classic comfort food that brings people together at the table, celebrating great taste, nostalgia, and hearty satisfaction.
