Chicken à la King
Chicken à la King is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a medley of vegetables. This retro classic is perfect for cozy family dinners or a nostalgic twist on modern meals.
The creamy base is made with butter, sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms, balanced with a splash of sherry or wine. The chicken and vegetables add texture and flavor, creating a well-rounded, hearty dish.
Serve over rice for an extra layer of satisfaction, making this dish both comforting and filling. Whether you’re a fan of old-school classics or new to the recipe, Chicken à la King is sure to please.
Chicken à la King Ingredients
The buttery richness of unsalted butter creates the perfect base for this dish, adding depth and smoothness to the sauce. Onion and celery provide the aromatic foundation, infusing the dish with savory, slightly sweet flavors. Mushrooms bring an earthy, umami quality that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Sherry or white wine enhances the sauce with a touch of acidity, brightening the overall flavor. The chicken broth and heavy cream form the creamy, comforting backbone of this dish, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce. Finally, cooked chicken, pimentos, and peas add texture, color, and a burst of flavor, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Chicken à la King: A Creamy, Comforting Classic
Chicken à la King is a retro American dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made from a variety of fresh vegetables, sherry, and a velvety blend of chicken broth and heavy cream. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or a nostalgic meal that brings together savory flavors and hearty textures. This version captures the essence of the dish while adding a personal touch from a professional chef’s daughter.
Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Quick Prep: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. It’s a great way to add flavor and make this dish even faster. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce. You can also substitute with leftover chicken, making this recipe an excellent way to repurpose your weekly leftovers.
- Don’t Skip the Sherry (or Wine): While it’s optional, the addition of sherry or dry white wine adds depth and a subtle acidity that balances the rich creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, feel free to substitute with a little extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
- Thicken the Sauce Gradually: When adding the flour to the skillet, make sure to cook it for about a minute before adding the liquid. This step helps the flour blend smoothly, preventing any lumps in the sauce. As the sauce simmers, keep stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken gradually to a luscious, creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Chicken à la King
- Steamed Rice: A classic and comforting choice, white rice is the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce. The mild flavor of the rice complements the richness of the Chicken à la King, making every bite satisfying. You can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, healthier option.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. The bread’s crunchy exterior and soft interior make it ideal for dipping into the rich, creamy sauce, creating a hearty meal that’s both filling and delicious.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair your Chicken à la King with lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. The slight crunch and freshness of the vegetables offer a lovely contrast to the richness of the dish, adding both texture and nutrition to your meal.
FAQ
1. Can I make Chicken à la King ahead of time? Yes, Chicken à la King can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat on the stove with a splash of water to restore its creamy consistency.
2. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free? To make Chicken à la King gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content, particularly the chicken broth and sherry.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will need to be thawed and cooked before adding it to the dish. You can either cook the chicken ahead of time or cook it in the same pan while preparing the aromatics and vegetables.
4. How can I make Chicken à la King spicier? For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of pimentos or add a bit of hot sauce to taste.
Chicken à la King is a comforting and versatile dish that adapts to different preferences, whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a way to elevate your weeknight dinners. With these tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs, you’re well on your way to making this creamy classic a family favorite!
Chicken à la King
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion diced
- Celery diced
- Kosher salt divided, for seasoning
- White button mushrooms sliced
- Black pepper freshly ground, for seasoning
- Sherry or dry white wine
- All-purpose flour
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cooked chicken diced or shredded
- Pimentos drained, patted dry, and diced
- Frozen peas
- Cooked white rice optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics:
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and celery, and sprinkle with half of the kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cook the mushrooms:
- Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, stirring to ensure they are well-coated in the butter. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring intermittently, until the mushrooms have softened and reduced in size by about half, around 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan:
- Pour in the sherry or dry white wine, stirring constantly, and allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take about 2 minutes. If you prefer to omit the alcohol, simply skip this step.
- Create the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the ingredients in the skillet, stirring until there are no lumps and the flour has cooked slightly, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce slightly.
- Finish the dish:
- Add the cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and frozen peas to the skillet, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and the peas are hot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as desired. Serve the Chicken à la King over cooked rice, if preferred.
- This comforting dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply return it to a skillet, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and warm it over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes.
