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Chicken à la King is a creamy, comforting chicken dish that once ruled the menus of elegant New York banquets in the early 1900s. It combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce. Traditionally served over toast or pastry, this dish brings nostalgia with every bite, and it’s easier to make than you think.
The Recipe: Chicken à la King
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk (or cream for a richer sauce)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp sherry or lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toast, puff pastry shells, or rice for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. - Make the sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to coat. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring, then pour in the milk. Stir until the sauce thickens. - Add the chicken
Stir in the diced cooked chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of sherry or lemon juice if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat. - Serve
Spoon the creamy mixture over toast, rice, or into puff pastry shells. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
Low-Carb Version
For a lighter, low-carb alternative, replace the flour with 1 tablespoon of almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce. Skip the toast or pastry and instead serve the creamy chicken over steamed vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach. The dish keeps its richness while being keto-friendly.
Kid-Friendly Version
To make the dish more appealing to children, remove mushrooms and peppers from the recipe. Stick to the creamy chicken and serve it over small pasta like macaroni or shells. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra comfort and a familiar texture. It’s a simple adaptation that keeps the flavor mild and kid-approved.
Spicy Version
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika when building the sauce. This brings gentle heat and depth to the dish. You can also top it with a few drops of hot sauce or crushed chili flakes to customize the spice level to your taste.
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Note: This dish is best fresh. Freezing is possible but may cause sauce separation.
Conclusion
Chicken à la King is more than a retro recipe, it’s a timeless comfort dish. Quick to prepare, full of creamy flavor, and easy to adapt, it deserves a spot on your weekly dinner rotation. Bring it back to your kitchen and enjoy a little elegance with your comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just remove the skin and bones, and dice the meat before adding it to the sauce.
Can I make Chicken à la King ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving, and add a little broth or milk if it thickens too much.
What can I serve with Chicken à la King besides toast?
It pairs well with puff pastry shells, rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even biscuits. Choose based on what you have or your texture preference.
Can I freeze Chicken à la King?
Freezing is possible but not ideal. Cream sauces may separate when thawed. If you freeze it, stir well while reheating and expect a slightly different texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but it can be adapted. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, and serve it over gluten-free bread or rice.