Chicken a la King is a delicious combination of chicken, mushrooms, onions, peas, green peppers and pimentos in a rich creamy sauce. Serve it over rice, noodles, toast or puff pastry shells. This delectable recipe comes together quickly using baked rotisserie chicken.
This is one of my favorite comfort food meals. It reminds me of the wonderful creamy one pots meals that I enjoyed with my brothers and sisters. It is amazing how food can be so nostalgic. Chicken a la king is a super easy heartwarming satisfying meal. It is quick to come together making it a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe calls for already baked rotisserie chicken. You can pick one up any club warehouse and most grocery stores. Leftovers warm up easily right on the stovetop.
What is Chicken a la King?
It is a creamy one pot comfort food dish made with chicken, mushrooms, peas, onions, green bell peppers and pimentos. It is traditionally served over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or puff pastry shells. For an equally delicious change of pace substitute cooked tuna or salmon for the chicken.
How do you make Chicken a la King?
Melt several tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a heavy stockpot or dutch oven. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Then add the onion and green pepper cooking until they start to soften. Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Blend in the flour gently stirring for one to two minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Mix in the milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Simmer gently for about ten minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the peas, pimentos, chicken, and cream. Continue cooking until everything is hot. If too thick, add one-quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach the desired thickness. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or puff pastry shells.
What is the best chicken?
My personal favorite is baked rotisserie chicken which is available almost anywhere these days. You can pick them up at club warehouses, grocery stores, and almost every Walmart. However you can use any baked, poached or roasted chicken. In addition to that, you can also use cooked skinless thigh and wing meat.
Can you freeze this dish?
Chicken a la King is best fresh out of the pot but I know that sometimes there is just too much to eat especially if you are cooking for one. Once the dish is fully cooled pack in freezer bags removing as much air as possible. Lay flat on a baking sheet and freeze. Once fully frozen stack as desired and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat defrost in the refrigerator and then remove from the bag and place contents in a saucepan on low. Stir frequently until it reaches desired temperature. Likewise pour the contents in a microwaveable bowl and reheat in the microwave for 1 minute intervals at 50% power until desired temperature.
Helpful recipe hints and tips
- Take the time to brown the mushrooms. They taste better that way and the dish is more visually appealing.
- Don’t get too hung up in the blending of the flour with the mushrooms, onions and peppers. It will all work out when you add the broth and the milk.
- Drain the pimentos well because you don’t want the juice that they are packed in flavoring or coloring your dish.
- Frozen peas are best in this dish. They retain their color, shape and flavor during the simmering process much better than canned or fresh.
- For a lower fat version cut the butter and cream in half. It will still be delicious just not as rich.
- If the mixture gets too thick simply add one quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach desired thickness.
This truly delectable Chicken a la King is the ultimate in comfort food and a family favorite. So if you love delicious easy chicken recipes all made in the same pot than you must give this one a whirl. On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
This post was originally published August 1, 2015 and was republished January 19, 2021 with new content.
PrintChicken A La King
Chicken a la king is a hearty creamy dish with chicken, peas, peppers, mushrooms, and pimentos. Serve over a bed of rice or flaky biscuits for a rich and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main meal
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 3–4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 jar (8 ounce) pimentos well drained.
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium high heat in a heavy stockpot or dutch oven.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add green pepper and onion; cook for 5-7 minutes or until soft.
- Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Mix in the milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the chicken, cream, peas and pimentos. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or pastry puff shells.
Notes
- Take the time to brown the mushrooms. They taste better that way and the dish is more visually appealing.
- Don’t get too hung up in the blending of the flour with the mushrooms, onions and peppers. It will all work out when you add the broth and the milk.
- Drain the pimentos well because you don’t want the juice that they are packed in flavoring or coloring your dish.
- Frozen peas are best in this dish. They retain their color, shape and flavor during the simmering process much better than canned or fresh.
- For a lower fat version cut the butter and cream in half. It will still be delicious just not as rich.
- If the mixture gets too thick simply add one quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach desired thickness.
Keywords: what is chicken a la king, easy chicken a la king, how to make chicken a la king, old fashioned chicken a la king
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