Chicken à la King Recipe

This creamy Chicken à la King recipe combines tender chicken, mushrooms, peas, and a rich, homemade sauce. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with egg noodles, rice, or biscuits, offering a comforting meal that’s ideal for weeknights or special occasions. With step-by-step instructions and customizable ingredients, this dish fits seamlessly into various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see notes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms (or substitute white button mushrooms)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups half and half
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s hot sauce)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 3/4 cup peas (frozen works well)
• 4 oz. pimentos, drained

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon each: dried basil, parsley, thyme, onion powder, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/8 teaspoon each: black pepper, paprika

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Instructions

Prep Work

1. In a large measuring cup with a spout, whisk together half and half, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Set aside.
2. Measure and prepare all remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Cook the Chicken

3. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 minutes per side, creating a golden crust. Remove from the pot and set aside. (The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.)
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Sauce

6. Deglaze the pot by adding the white wine and setting the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Add mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
8. Stir in the butter until melted, then add the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to form a roux.
9. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the half and half mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Scrape the pot’s bottom to incorporate all flavors.
10. Add the chicken bouillon cube and stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer.
11. Add the chicken back to the pot and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
12. Stir in peas and pimentos. Continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Serve

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

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: A creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family meals.
• Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like noodles, rice, or biscuits.
• Homemade Flavor: Searing the chicken and creating a roux from scratch add a rich depth of flavor.

Tips

• Wine Substitute: Replace white wine with chicken broth if desired.
• Veggie Options: Add diced carrots or celery for more texture and flavor.
• Consistency Control: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it becomes too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Swap flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Low-Fat: Use milk or a light cream instead of half and half.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken à la King ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What can I use instead of pimentos?
Roasted red peppers are a great substitute for pimentos.

Can I freeze leftovers?
The sauce may separate slightly when frozen and reheated, but it’s still delicious. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair With: Serve over egg noodles, rice, or fluffy biscuits for a hearty meal.
• Side Dishes: Complement with a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus.
• Leftovers: Use as a filling for pot pies or savory crepes.