Easy Chicken a la King: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

Chicken a la King is a classic dish that’s been enjoyed for generations. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. While some recipes can be complicated and time-consuming, this version is designed to be easy and accessible for even the busiest home cook. Get ready to savor a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen!

## What is Chicken a la King?

Chicken a la King is a dish consisting of diced chicken in a creamy sauce, often containing mushrooms, peppers, and peas, served over toast, rice, noodles, or puff pastry. Its origins are somewhat debated, but it’s generally believed to have originated in the late 19th century in either New York City or Philadelphia. Regardless of its exact birthplace, Chicken a la King quickly became a popular dish in hotels and restaurants, and it remains a beloved comfort food to this day.

## Why This Recipe is Easy

This recipe simplifies the traditional Chicken a la King in several ways:

* **Simplified Sauce:** We use a roux-based sauce, which is easy to make and provides a rich, creamy base.
* **Pre-Cooked Chicken:** Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken cuts down on cooking time significantly.
* **Frozen Vegetables:** Frozen vegetables are a convenient and affordable option, and they work perfectly in this dish.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** We focus on the essential ingredients to create a flavorful dish without requiring a long list of hard-to-find items.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie, grilled, or baked chicken works great)
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Dry Sherry (optional):** 2 tablespoons (adds depth of flavor)
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces, sliced
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 cup, diced (any color)
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, diced
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for color and flavor)
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
* **Serving Options:** Toast, rice, noodles, or puff pastry shells

## Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make delicious Chicken a la King:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Slice the mushrooms (if using fresh).

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the sliced mushrooms (if using fresh) and diced bell pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the bell pepper is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.

**Step 3: Make the Roux**

* Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
* Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. This is your roux. It should be pale golden in color.

**Step 4: Create the Sauce**

* Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
* Stir in the heavy cream and dry sherry (if using).
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

**Step 5: Add the Chicken and Peas**

* Add the diced cooked chicken and frozen peas to the sauce.
* Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to boil the sauce.

**Step 6: Season and Simmer**

* Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to taste.
* Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Chicken a la King hot over toast, rice, noodles, or puff pastry shells.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

## Tips for Success

* **Use good quality chicken broth:** The flavor of the chicken broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
* **Don’t skip the roux:** The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it properly to avoid a floury taste.
* **Whisk constantly:** When adding the chicken broth to the roux, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If lumps do form, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through in the sauce. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, or green beans.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Chicken a la King can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
* **Freeze it for later:** Chicken a la King freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

## Variations and Additions

Chicken a la King is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Spicy Chicken a la King:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Sherry Chicken a la King:** Increase the amount of dry sherry to 1/4 cup for a richer, more pronounced sherry flavor.
* **Mushroom Lover’s Chicken a la King:** Use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, for a more complex flavor.
* **Vegetarian a la King:** Substitute the chicken with cooked white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
* **Seafood a la King:** Replace the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat for a seafood twist.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or Gruyere cheese for an extra creamy and flavorful sauce.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to enhance the flavor of the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken a la King is traditionally served over toast, but it’s also delicious with:

* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles, fettuccine, or linguine.
* **Puff Pastry:** Fill puff pastry shells or vol-au-vents with the Chicken a la King.
* **Biscuits:** Split open warm biscuits and spoon the Chicken a la King over them.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For a truly comforting meal, serve Chicken a la King over creamy mashed potatoes.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta provides a delicious and gluten-free alternative.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?**
A: Yes, canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch. Drain them well before adding them to the skillet.

**Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**
A: Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Serve over rice or gluten-free noodles.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Absolutely! Carrots, celery, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy can be added to the dish.

**Q: How long does Chicken a la King last in the refrigerator?**
A: Chicken a la King will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze Chicken a la King?**
A: Yes, Chicken a la King freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Conclusion

This easy Chicken a la King recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under an hour. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a classic meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Enjoy your Easy Chicken a la King!