When you think of comfort food, Chicken à la King instantly comes to mind. Imagine tender chicken in a creamy sauce that dances with vibrant veggies and spices, all served over fluffy rice or buttery toast. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
This delicious Chicken à la King recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. The rich flavors will make your taste buds sing, while the ease of preparation means you can whip it up even on the busiest of days. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken à la King recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The flavor profile combines savory chicken with a creamy sauce and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful harmony.
- Its visual appeal makes it an exquisite dish for entertaining guests.
- Versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, or even alone; it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
I still remember the first time I made Chicken à la King for my friends. Their eyes lit up as they dug into their bowls, and the compliments flowed like the sauce itself. It was a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but feel free to adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves; they pack a punch and give your dish that aromatic depth.
Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and bell peppers adds both nutrition and visual appeal.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it creates a rich base for your sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your creamy sauce; sift it for smoothness if you want to impress!
Chicken Broth: A good quality broth brings out the best flavors in your dish; homemade is ideal if available.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; swap with half-and-half if you’re watching those calories.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is preferable to keep things balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off your beautiful creation!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken à la King Recipe
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice your vegetables so everything is ready when you need it.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it releases its fragrant aroma without burning—nobody likes bitter garlic!
Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over cooked chicken, stirring well to coat. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency—this will be your heavenly base.
Add Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and soy sauce; let simmer gently for 5 minutes until thickened and creamy goodness envelops every morsel.
Mix in Veggies: Add your mixed vegetables (frozen works great too) into the skillet and cook until heated through—about 3-5 minutes will do!
Serve hot over rice or toasted bread; garnish with fresh parsley for that final touch of finesse!
Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible Chicken à la King that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Enjoy cooking this delightful dish!
Content
Use fresh herbs for flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme elevate the dish’s taste and aroma. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a culinary paradise.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can turn dry and rubbery. Aim for juicy, tender bites that impress everyone at the table.
Add a splash of cream: A touch of heavy cream gives your sauce a decadent richness that makes it irresistible. Seriously, who can resist creamy goodness?
You Must Know
- This Chicken à la King recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
- The comforting flavors and creamy sauce make it a household favorite, delighting friends and family with every bite.
- Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then sauté your veggies while the chicken cooks. This method ensures everything melds beautifully without losing flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season, or add some mushrooms for an earthy twist. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly seasoned chicken, marinate it briefly before cooking.
- Skipping this step may result in bland flavors that don’t pop.
- Always taste as you go—you’ll catch any off notes early!
- Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process; let everything meld for maximum flavor impact!
I remember one time I made Chicken à la King for my friends during a snowstorm. We were snowed in, laughing and feasting as the wind howled outside. That cozy evening turned into a cherished memory.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this Chicken à la King recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken à la King?
Serve it with fluffy rice or buttery noodles for a delightful combination.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
Chicken à la King
Indulge in the warmth of Chicken à la King, a delightful dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant vegetables enveloped in a creamy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice or buttery toast for a satisfying meal that brings back fond memories. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, you’ll find yourself making this comforting classic again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping chicken and dicing vegetables.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken and mix well. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
- Add heavy cream and soy sauce; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Mix in vegetables and cook until heated through (3-5 minutes).
- Serve hot over rice or toast, garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Substitute different vegetables based on seasonality. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut cream for dairy-free options.
