Name: Chicken A La King | Creamy Chicken And Vegetables
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (or chicken breasts); 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup onion; 1 cup Red Bell Pepper; 1 cup diced mixed bell peppers; 1 cup Mushrooms; 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

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Chicken à la King is a timeless comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by generations. This creamy and flavorful concoction is made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce. Served over rice, pasta, or even buttery toast, Chicken à la King is a versatile and satisfying meal that is sure to please.

Overhead image of chicken a la king on a white plate with rice

Why Your Family Will Love It

Quick. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Easy. Cook the chicken, saute the veggies, and create a delicious cream sauce to coat it all in.
Delicious. Flavorful and creamy with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is a meal your family will ask for over and over again.
Versatile. Switch up the flavors with some of my suggestions below to make this the perfect meal for your family.

Why Is It Called Chicken A La King?

While the exact origins are unclear, here are a few theories that might explain the name:

Delmonico's Restaurant- Another theory connects the name to the famous Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City. It is believed that the chef at Delmonico's, Charles Ranhofer, created the dish in the late 19th century and named it after a patron or a prominent customer with the last name "King."
Elegance and Sophistication- The term "à la King" in French cuisine is associated with dishes prepared in a rich, creamy sauce, often with mushrooms and other ingredients. The name "Chicken à la King" might have been chosen to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, as the dish is traditionally made with a luxurious cream-based sauce.

Regardless of the origins of its name, Chicken à la King has become a popular and beloved dish in American cuisine. Its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and versatility have contributed to its enduring popularity.

What Is Chicken A La King Made Of?

Chicken breasts
Butter
Onion
Peas
Green bell pepper
Red bell pepper
Mushrooms
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Thyme
Salt and pepper

How To Make Chicken A La King

Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Prepare the Sauce. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Chicken and Sauce. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until it is well coated. Allow the chicken and sauce mixture to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Serve. Transfer the Chicken à la King to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish hot over rice, pasta, or toast points, and enjoy!

close up of chicken a la king on a white plate

Tips And Tricks

Cook the chicken properly- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience and quick cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it to enhance the flavor. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
Sauté vegetables for added flavor- Sautéing the diced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms before adding them to the sauce will help enhance their natural flavors and add depth to the dish. Cook them until they are tender but still retain some texture.
Simmer for flavor development- Let the chicken and sauce mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps to infuse the chicken with the flavors of the sauce and ensures a harmonious taste throughout the dish.

Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste.

Variations

Add vegetables- Customize your Chicken à la King by including additional vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or corn. Simply stir them into the sauce along with the chicken.
Spice it up- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamy twist- For an extra creamy texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Herbaceous flavors- Experiment with different herbs to elevate the taste of your Chicken à la King. Fresh herbs like tarragon or dill can add a delightful and aromatic touch.

What To Serve With It

Chicken à la King is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider:

Rice- Serve it over steamed white rice or fluffy basmati rice. The creamy sauce of the dish pairs beautifully with the neutral flavor and soft texture of the rice.
Pasta- Accompany the dish with your favorite pasta, such as egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne. The pasta provides a hearty base and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and flavorful side dish for Chicken à la King. The combination of the creamy sauce and the buttery potatoes is a match made in heaven.
Biscuits- Serve the creamy chicken and vegetables with warm, flaky biscuits. The buttery and slightly crispy exterior of the biscuits complements the rich and creamy sauce.
Toasted Bread- Serve slices of toasted crusty bread or garlic bread alongside the Chicken à la King. The bread provides a crispy element and is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.

How Long Does It Last?

Allow the Chicken à la King to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the creamy chicken and vegetables in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Can You Freeze It?

If you don't plan to consume the Chicken à la King within 3-4 days, you can also freeze it for longer storage. When properly frozen, it can last for 2-3 months. Simply transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing any excess air, and label them with the date.

Thaw the frozen Chicken à la King in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.

Chicken A La King | Creamy Chicken And Vegetables