Classic Chicken A La King Recipe

I enjoy cooking my version of Chicken A La King with tender diced chicken breast, vibrant green and red bell peppers, and fresh mushrooms, accented by peas if desired. A creamy fusion of butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk with a dash of paprika creates a delightful twist on this timeless classic.

I love a good twist on a classic, and my Classic Chicken A La King is just that. I cook up tender 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast and stir it in a pan with 1/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup all purpose flour until things get a little golden.

Then, I add 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk to make a smooth, creamy sauce. I toss in some 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and even 1/2 cup frozen peas if im feeling it.

A dash of salt and pepper along with 1/4 teaspoon paprika ties it all together. This recipe reminds me a bit of recipes like those chicken and peas casseroles and even a creamy chicken and dumplings dish that i used to try as a kid.

Its a cool, home made take on a chicken dish you wont soon forget. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love this recipe because the creamy sauce is so comforting and reminds me of home cooked meals even when im tired after a long day.
2. I like how the mix of chicken, bell peppers, and mushrooms brings in a bunch of textures and flavors that make every bite interesting.
3. I really appreciate how easy it is to tweak the recipe, like leaving out the peas if im not in the mood for them or adding a bit more seasoning if i feel like it.
4. I enjoy cooking it because it always turns out hearty and delicious, making me feel like i achieved something even if it wasn’t a perfect day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Diced cooked chicken breast offers lean protein and hearty texture with great flavor.
• Butter: Creamy butter adds rich taste and smooth mouthfeel though its not the healthiest.
• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce and contributes mild carbohydrate energy.
• Chicken broth: Savory broth gives depth and natural saltiness to balance the dish.
• Milk: Milk creates a velvety sauce with a subtle hint of natural sweetness.
• Bell peppers: Red and green peppers add crunch, vitamins and a delicate, sweet zing.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms supply an earthy flavor and satisfying, low-calorie texture.
• Frozen peas: Peas bring a pop of color, fiber, and gentle natural sweetness if used.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (you can leave it out if you dont like peas)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

How to Make this

1. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts foaming, but be careful not to let it burn.

2. Stir in the diced green and red bell peppers and sliced mushrooms and let them cook for about 4 minutes so they get a bit soft.

3. Sprinkle the all purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly; this helps to create a thick roux.

4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then add the milk too; keep stirring until the mixture gets smooth.

5. Add the diced cooked chicken breast into the sauce along with the frozen peas if you like them; make sure they are evenly distributed.

6. Season the mixture with salt, pepper and a dash of paprika; adjust the seasoning to your taste.

7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for around 8 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.

8. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.

9. Taste the sauce and if needed add a bit more salt or pepper; sometimes the flavors need a little boost.

10. Once the sauce is thick and all the flavors meld together, remove from heat and serve hot over toast, rice, or pasta as you prefer. Enjoy your Classic Chicken A La King!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Stove
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife and cutting board
5. Wooden spoon for stirring
6. Whisk (optional but helps avoid lumps)
7. Serving dish or plates for the finished dish

FAQ

Classic Chicken A La King Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of diced cooked chicken breast, you could use diced turkey breast or even ham if you want to mix it up a little.
• If you’re low on butter, try substituting with olive oil or vegan margarine for a slightly different, but still tasty, flavor.
• For all purpose flour, try using a little cornstarch mixed with water if you need a gluten free option that still thickens the sauce.
• Chicken broth can be swapped out with beef broth or vegetable broth if you are looking for a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.
• If you dont have milk on hand, half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk works pretty well in a pinch.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you stir constantly when adding the liquids. It helps a lot in keeping the sauce smooth and avoiding those annoying lumps that can ruin the whole dish.
2. Try cooking the vegetables on a medium heat so they still have a bit of crunch. Overcooking them can make the colors look dull and the flavors less bright.
3. Once your sauce is done, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. This gives it time to thicken a bit more and lets the flavors mellow together.
4. Don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings. Taste as you go and add a little extra salt, pepper or even a splash of lemon juice to bring out a fresher flavor even if the recipe says just the basics.