Cozy Chicken a la King Recipe: Home-Style Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken a la king recipe that promises a nostalgic twist on a classic dish.

Creamy sauce embraces tender chicken pieces with unexpected charm.

Generations have savored this beloved meal, making it a true culinary treasure.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Colorful bell peppers and mushrooms add delightful texture and depth to every bite.

Rich, velvety flavors will transport you to childhood memories of warm kitchen gatherings.

You won’t be able to resist this hearty, soul-satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Why Chicken a la King Is Always Comforting

• Customize with Ease: Adapt this chicken a la king recipe by swapping vegetables or using different protein options like turkey or shrimp to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and colorful vegetables, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: Combining protein-rich chicken with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, this recipe delivers a balanced and satisfying dinner that comes together in less than an hour.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this classic dish over rice, toast, or pasta, providing flexibility for different palates and meal styles while keeping the cooking process simple and straightforward.

What You’ll Need for Chicken a la King

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the core of this classic comfort dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: Flavorful vegetables that add depth, texture, and a delightful medley of tastes to the dish.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and creating a creamy sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
• Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Creamy liquid base that creates a luxurious and silky sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps enhance the overall richness of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add a bright, fresh note to the final presentation.

How to Cook Chicken a la King the Easy Way

Step 1: Roast Succulent Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake until the internal temperature hits 165°F, which takes about 20-25 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become tender and develop a light caramelization, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Roux Base

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Whisk constantly to develop a smooth, velvety sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Dish

Fold the diced chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated and heated thoroughly. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt or pepper as desired.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Transfer the chicken a la king to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot over rice, toast, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Handy Tips for Chicken a la King Perfection

• Perfect Chicken Tenderness: Ensure chicken is moist by not overcooking, using a meat thermometer to check 165°F internal temperature precisely.
• Sauce Smoothness Strategy: Whisk flour and liquid gradually to prevent lumps, creating a silky, restaurant-quality cream sauce every time.
• Vegetable Caramelization Technique: Sauté onions, mushrooms, and peppers on medium heat to develop deep, rich flavor profiles before adding cream.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional serving bases like rice or toast with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Add a splash of white wine or sherry during vegetable sautéing to enhance overall depth and complexity of the dish.

Chicken a la King Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over corn tortillas for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the sauce. Replace bell peppers with sun-dried tomatoes and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style variation.
• Mushroom Lovers Chicken: Double the mushroom quantity, using a mix of cremini, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for deeper flavor complexity.
• Lighter Cream Chicken: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use low-sodium chicken broth. Include spinach and use whole wheat pasta as a base for a healthier alternative.

What Goes Well with Chicken a la King

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the rich chicken flavors without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
• Serve Alongside Buttery Garlic Bread: Create a perfect textural contrast by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter, providing a crunchy element that soaks up the luxurious sauce and adds depth to each bite.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken a la king, balancing the meal's creamy texture with bright, crisp notes.

Best Ways to Store Chicken a la King

• Transfer leftover chicken a la king to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal quality.
• Thaw frozen chicken a la king in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore creamy consistency if the sauce appears too thick.
• Divide the recipe into smaller individual portions before storing.

Chicken a la King FAQs for New Cooks

• Is Chicken a la King an American dish?

The recipe originated in the United States during the late 19th century, likely created in high-end hotels or restaurants as a luxurious chicken dish.

• What's the key to creating a smooth sauce?

Whisking constantly while gradually adding liquids and using a roux technique prevents lumps and ensures a creamy, velvety texture.

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked seafood like shrimp for a similar creamy dish.

• Why is the roux important in this recipe?

The roux helps thicken the sauce, provides a rich flavor base, and creates a smooth, consistent texture without unwanted lumps.

Chicken a la King Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken a la king brings creamy nostalgia to classic American home cooking. Silky sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables create a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken stock

Vegetables:

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for chicken preparation.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized cubes.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Add sliced mushrooms and diced bell peppers, cooking until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux and prevent lumping.
7. Gradually pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
8. Incorporate whole milk and continue stirring until sauce thickens and reaches a velvety consistency, roughly 4-5 minutes.
9. Fold diced chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
10. Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding extra salt or pepper to preference.
12. Transfer chicken a la king to serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
13. Serve immediately over rice, toast, or pasta for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use high-quality, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender meat texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when baking.
• Experiment with different bell pepper colors for a vibrant and visually appealing dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg