Chicken a la King
A timeless American classic featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and peppers in a rich, savory cream sauce. This comforting dish is traditionally served over toast points, biscuits, or puff pastry for a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Vegetables
- b.Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- d.Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for 6-8 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Roux
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables.
- c.Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will form a thick paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Cream Sauce
- b.While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the chicken broth. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- c.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Stir in the cooked chicken, diced pimientos, and dry sherry (if using).
- c.Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
- d.Allow the mixture to heat through for another 2-3 minutes over low heat. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream sauce to separate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- c.Serve immediately over hot toast points, fluffy biscuits, puff pastry shells, egg noodles, or rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a quick weeknight version, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- 2To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce, add the broth very gradually while whisking vigorously.
- 3Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream or chicken, as high heat can cause it to curdle or separate.
- 4Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The saltiness of chicken broth can vary, so you may need more or less salt.
- 5For a richer flavor, use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Medley
Add 1 cup of frozen peas and diced carrots along with the chicken for extra nutrients and color.
Turkey a la KingTurkey a la King
A perfect way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simply substitute the cooked chicken with an equal amount of cooked turkey.
Seafood a la KingSeafood a la King
For a luxurious twist, use a combination of cooked shrimp, scallops, and chunks of a firm white fish. Add the seafood at the very end and heat just until warmed through to prevent overcooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken and mushrooms are good sources of B vitamins like niacin (B3) and pantothenic acid (B5), which help your body convert food into energy and support a healthy nervous system.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish offers important minerals such as selenium from mushrooms, which acts as an antioxidant, and phosphorus from chicken, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken a la King is a rich, classic comfort food. While it's high in protein from the chicken, it is also high in fat and calories due to the butter and heavy cream. It can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a lighter version, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the amount of butter.