Chicken a la King Recipe

“Chicken a la King” is a creamy, comforting classic dish made with tender chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a rich sauce. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or biscuits for a meal the whole family will love. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for endless variations. Learn how to make the best homemade Chicken a la King with step-by-step instructions, tips, and FAQs. Perfectly delicious comfort food awaits!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ¼ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see notes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms (or substitute with white button mushrooms)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• ¾ cup peas (frozen preferred)
• 4 oz. drained pimentos

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon each: dried basil, parsley, thyme, onion powder, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• 1/8 teaspoon each: pepper, paprika

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Instructions

Prep Work:

1. In a large measuring cup, combine the half-and-half, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and all seasonings. Set aside.
2. Measure out the remaining ingredients before starting.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a 4 ½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove from heat. The chicken will be partially cooked.
3. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. (It will finish cooking in the sauce, adding more flavor.)

Make the Sauce:

1. Add the wine to the pot and set heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the bottom and sides of the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
2. Add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the half-and-half mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly. Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any stuck-on bits. Add the chicken bouillon cube.
5. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, add the chicken back to the pot, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the peas and pimentos. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will get.

Serve:

1. Remove from heat and serve hot over egg noodles, pasta, rice, biscuits, or pastry.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: Creamy sauce with tender chicken and savory vegetables.
• Customizable: Works with various proteins, vegetables, and bases.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips

• Deglaze Properly: Use wine to scrape up the browned bits for extra flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add more broth.
• Prep Ingredients: Measure everything beforehand for smooth cooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and quality chicken for the best results.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
• Vegetable Options: Add carrots, bell peppers, or green beans.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice instead of wine.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce and chicken separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve this with?
Egg noodles, rice, or biscuits work wonderfully. It’s also delicious with puff pastry shells.

How do I store leftovers?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Garnish Ideas: Add fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
• Leftover Use: Use as a filling for pot pies or crepes for a creative twist.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

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