Easy Chicken à la King Recipe

Chicken à la King brings together simple ingredients in a creamy, satisfying dish that’s stood the test of time. This classic comes together fast, with the comforting flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and tender vegetables bathed in a rich sauce. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe ensures you’ll have a hearty meal, ready for hungry hands.

What Is Chicken à la King?

Chicken à la King is an American comfort food staple that combines cooked chicken, mushrooms, and bell peppers in a velvety sauce, often with a touch of sweetness from pimentos or red peppers. Traditionally, it’s served over rice, pasta, toast, or even flaky biscuits. This dish first appeared in hotel kitchens in the early 20th century and remains a favorite for its versatility and cozy flavor profile.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken à la King shines with pantry-friendly ingredients and a customizable list of vegetables. Below is a closer look at each component:

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitutes/Notes
Unsalted Butter	Builds flavor, cooks veggies	Margarine or olive oil
Mushrooms	Earthy flavor, texture	Any variety—white, cremini, baby bella
Green Bell Pepper	Adds color, mild crunch	Red or yellow bell peppers, celery
All-Purpose Flour	Thickens the sauce	Cornstarch (use half as much)
Salt & Black Pepper	Simple seasoning	Adjust to taste
Chicken Stock	Depth and savory base	Vegetable or turkey stock
Milk	Creaminess	Dairy-free milk (unsweetened soy or oat)
Cooked Chicken Breast	Main protein	Leftover chicken or turkey
Pimentos	Sweet note, classic touch	Jarred roasted red peppers
Frozen Peas	Color, sweetness	Omit or use chopped carrots

Choosing the Right Chicken

Leftover chicken is ideal for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken works well, saving time and adding flavor. If you cook chicken breast from scratch, gently poaching or roasting preserves juiciness. Dark meat, like thighs, can be used—just shred finely for the best texture.

Step-by-Step Guide

Every step is important for the creamy, homestyle result. Here’s how to make Chicken à la King effortlessly:

1. Sauté Vegetables

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped bell pepper. Stir and cook until mushrooms release their liquid and peppers soften—about 5 minutes. The goal is tender veggies but not browned.

2. Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir well, forming a paste and soaking up the butter. Let it cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This step prevents the sauce from tasting like raw flour.

3. Build the Sauce

Slowly add chicken stock, stirring as you pour to prevent lumps. Follow with the milk. Continue stirring until you see a smooth, thickening sauce enveloping the vegetables. If you’re adding peas, toss them in now so they heat through.

4. Finish with Chicken and Pimentos

Add diced or shredded cooked chicken. If using pimentos, fold them in as well. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.

5. Serve Hot

Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over warm rice, toast, or egg noodles. For extra comfort, serve with soft dinner rolls or flaky biscuits.

Variations and Add-Ins

Chicken à la King adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Swap out green bell pepper for red or yellow peppers.
Add chopped carrots, celery, corn, or broccoli for more vegetables.
For a richer sauce, finish with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
Chopped ham or turkey makes an excellent addition, especially around the holidays.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature stock and milk for the creamiest sauce.
Stir the roux well to avoid lumps.
Don’t rush; keep heat at medium to prevent scorching the sauce.
If reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce—it may thicken as it sits.

Making Chicken à la King Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

For gluten-free needs, substitute flour with cornstarch (half the amount). For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk; coconut milk works but will give a subtle coconut flavor. Always check broth and mix-ins for hidden gluten or dairy.

What Are Pimentos?

Pimentos are small, sweet, red peppers often found jarred in stores. Their mild, slightly tangy flavor balances out the savoriness of the dish. You’ll often see pimentos in stuffed olives or as a garnish in salads. If pimentos aren’t available, roasted red peppers in a jar are an easy substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish works with various bases:

Fluffy white or brown rice
Egg noodles or other pasta shapes
Toasted sourdough or sandwich bread
Warm biscuits or puff pastry shells
Mashed potatoes

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color or a pinch of paprika for a touch of heat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store rice or pasta separately to preserve their texture.

Freezing Guidance

Creamy dishes often separate when frozen, so consider making the sauce without milk, freezing it, and finishing with milk after reheating. If you freeze with dairy, expect the sauce to look slightly grainy upon reheating; gentle stirring and a bit more milk can restore creaminess.

To freeze:
– Divide the cooled mixture into meal-sized freezer bags or containers.
– Label and date.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk as needed. Microwave reheating also works, but stir halfway through for even heating.

Nutrition Information

Chicken à la King is protein-rich and full of flavor. By adjusting the amount of butter or milk, you can lighten the dish if you’d like. Using extra veggies and lean chicken reduces calories further but keeps the meal filling.

Calories (per serving)	Protein	Fat	Carbs
~320	26g	13g	22g

Values are estimates for a basic recipe served over rice.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Turkey is a natural substitute and works perfectly, especially with holiday leftovers.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Most kids love the creamy sauce and mild flavor. To entice picky eaters, chop veggies small or omit mushrooms.

How do I make it thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simmer a little longer or add another teaspoon of flour mixed with a bit of cold stock. To thin, add extra milk or broth in small increments.

Chicken à la King is the answer whenever you need a creamy, cozy meal on short notice. With its roots in classic American cuisine, it offers both nostalgia and versatility. Experiment with vegetables, use up leftovers, and enjoy a meal that satisfies every time. It’s a dish that welcomes adaptation, so make it your own—and enjoy every bite.

Easy Chicken à la King Recipe
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