Super Fast & Easy Chicken a la King: Ready in Under 30 Minutes!
Chicken a la King is a classic comfort food dish, traditionally known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and medley of vegetables. However, many recipes require a significant amount of time and effort. This recipe aims to deliver all the deliciousness of Chicken a la King in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this super fast and easy version comes together in under 30 minutes!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Speedy:** From prep to plate, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
* **Easy:** Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Delicious:** Captures the classic Chicken a la King flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
* **Comforting:** A warm and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!). Using pre-cooked chicken is the key to the speed of this recipe. You can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Ensure the chicken is not too dry; adding a little chicken broth to it can help keep it moist.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with olive oil if you prefer, but butter provides a more authentic taste.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Onion provides a savory base for the sauce. Yellow or white onions work well.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 oz sliced mushrooms. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish. Cremini or button mushrooms are good choices. You can also use a combination of different types of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (green or red). Bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. You can use any color bell pepper you like.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup frozen peas. Peas add sweetness and a pop of color. You can substitute with other vegetables like corn or green beans if you prefer.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Flour is used to thicken the sauce. You can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option (use 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
* **Dry Sherry (optional):** 2 tablespoons dry sherry. Sherry adds a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have sherry, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of white wine.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the dish with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Paprika adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
* **Hot Sauce (optional):** A dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Fresh Parsley (for garnish):** Chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Parsley adds freshness and color to the dish.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Slice the mushrooms. Have the frozen peas, chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, and other ingredients ready to go.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. **Make the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux that will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Add the Cream and Sherry:** Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and dry sherry (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add the Chicken and Peas:** Stir in the diced chicken and frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will become dry.
6. **Season and Serve:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a dash of hot sauce if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over toast, rice, pasta, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Pre-Cooked Chicken:** The key to making this recipe super fast is to use pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great option, or you can use leftover roasted chicken or grilled chicken. Canned chicken can also be used in a pinch.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** When adding the chicken to the sauce, be careful not to overcook it, as it will become dry. Just heat it through until it’s warmed. Since it’s already cooked, it won’t take long.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as corn, green beans, carrots, or celery. Just be sure to cook them until they’re tender before adding the chicken.
* **Add Flavor with Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish. Thyme, oregano, or garlic powder can add a delicious depth of flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in step 3, and simmer until thickened.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter substitute. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Be aware that these substitutions will alter the flavor of the dish.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the finished dish. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken broth, and good-quality butter or olive oil.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken a la King is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Over Toast:** This is the classic way to serve Chicken a la King. Toast slices of bread and spoon the mixture over the top.
* **Over Rice:** Serve Chicken a la King over cooked rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
* **Over Pasta:** Serve Chicken a la King over cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish. Egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne are good choices.
* **In Biscuits:** Split open biscuits and fill them with Chicken a la King for a delicious and easy meal.
* **In Puff Pastry Shells:** Fill puff pastry shells with Chicken a la King for an elegant and impressive presentation.
* **In Vol-au-vents:** Similar to puff pastry shells, vol-au-vents are small, hollow pastry cases that can be filled with Chicken a la King for a fancy appetizer or light meal.
## Variations
* **Spicy Chicken a la King:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Chicken a la King with Cheese:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy and creamy flavor.
* **Chicken a la King with Asparagus:** Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus to the dish for a fresh and flavorful twist.
* **Chicken a la King with Artichoke Hearts:** Add 1 cup of quartered artichoke hearts to the dish for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
* **Vegetarian “Chicken” a la King:** Substitute the chicken with sautéed tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the dish. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
Chicken a la King can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or cream to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
## Freezing Instructions
Chicken a la King can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or cream to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much during freezing and thawing. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the sauce and vegetables.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450
* Fat: 30g
* Saturated Fat: 18g
* Cholesterol: 150mg
* Sodium: 500mg
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 5g
* Protein: 30g
(Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
This super fast and easy Chicken a la King recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and versatile, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a classic comfort food dish in under 30 minutes. So, ditch the takeout and whip up a batch of this amazing Chicken a la King tonight! Enjoy!
## Related Recipes
Here are some related recipes you might enjoy:
* Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
* Quick Chicken Pot Pie
* Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
* One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
* Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
These recipes offer other quick and easy meal options perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.