Easy Chicken Ala King Recipe That’s Creamy & Delicious

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy

There’s something magical about a warm, creamy chicken ala king on a busy weeknight. This classic comfort dish brings restaurant quality right to your kitchen. Let’s dive into making this delicious meal that your whole family will love.

What Is Chicken Ala King?

Chicken ala king is a timeless American dish that features tender chicken pieces in a rich, velvety cream sauce. The sauce is loaded with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas. It’s traditionally served over rice, pasta, or inside puff pastry shells.

This recipe became popular in the early 1900s and has remained a favorite comfort food ever since. The best part? You can make chicken ala king in under 45 minutes.

 

 

Ingredients for Chicken Ala King

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cream Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Cooked white rice, egg noodles, or puff pastry shells
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Ala King

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Slice your mushrooms and dice both bell peppers. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture and become golden.

Add the diced bell peppers to the mushrooms. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender but still have a slight crunch. Remove the vegetables and set them aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This removes the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add the paprika and garlic powder. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you’re using sherry, add it now for extra depth of flavor.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Add the frozen peas. Stir everything together gently.

Let the chicken ala king simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. The peas will heat through and the sauce will continue to thicken.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken ala king immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Spoon it over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or into flaky puff pastry shells.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

 

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories 386 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 580mg

 

 

Tips for the Best Chicken Ala King

Use Quality Ingredients

Fresh mushrooms and bell peppers make a huge difference. Choose firm, colorful peppers and mushrooms that aren’t slimy or wrinkled.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Nobody likes dry chicken. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F. It will continue cooking slightly when you add it back to the sauce.

Get Your Roux Right

The flour and butter mixture is key to a smooth, lump-free sauce. Whisk constantly and don’t rush this step.

Adjust the Thickness

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry.

Add Vegetables You Love

Feel free to customize your chicken ala king. Some people love adding diced carrots or celery for extra crunch and nutrition.

Variations to Try

Chicken Ala King with White Wine

Replace the sherry with ½ cup of dry white wine for a different flavor profile. Add it with the chicken broth.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor with less fat.

Spicy Chicken Ala King

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your dish a spicy kick.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare chicken ala king up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover chicken ala king in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.

Freezing Instructions

Chicken ala king freezes well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice

White rice is a classic choice that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Try jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.

With Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles are another traditional pairing. They’re hearty and complement the rich sauce beautifully.

In Pastry Shells

For a fancy presentation, serve chicken ala king in puff pastry shells or vol-au-vents. This makes it perfect for brunch or special occasions.

With Biscuits

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are wonderful for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Ala King Recipe

This chicken ala king recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce is absolutely irresistible, and you probably already have most ingredients in your pantry.

Kids love the mild, creamy flavor, while adults appreciate the sophisticated taste. It’s a one-pan meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of shredded or cubed chicken. Just add it to the sauce at the end to heat through.

Is chicken ala king gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the flour. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a tablespoon of butter, or even evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

This chicken ala king recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with tender chicken and colorful vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this classic dish never disappoints.

The best part? You can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in less than an hour. Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation. Your taste buds will thank you!