Chef John’s Chicken à la King Recipe: A Classic Comfort Delight
Chicken à la King is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. This Chicken à la King Recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce, making it a satisfying option for dinner. It’s versatile and can be adapted according to your taste, serving preferences, and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to indulge or serve something special at a family gathering, this recipe is a must-try!
Yield and Cooking Process
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Ingredients for Chicken à la King Recipe
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ pound sliced mushrooms
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1 cup diced sweet bell peppers
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 3½ cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- ⅓ cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
- 4 cups cubed roasted chicken
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish
Instructions for Chicken à la King Recipe
- Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced shallots and diced sweet bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the shallots are translucent. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This forms a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the ¼ cup of dry sherry and mix well. Gradually whisk in the 3½ cups of chicken stock or broth, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Stir in the fresh thyme and parsley.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook a little longer; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more stock.
- Stir in the ⅓ cup of creme fraiche or heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture. Lastly, add the 4 cups of cubed roasted chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through the chicken. Serve over pasta, toast, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives.
Healthier Cooking Option (Optional)
For a healthier twist, consider using whole-grain pasta if serving over pasta, or brown rice as an alternative. Using air-fried chicken pieces instead of roasted can also decrease the amount of fat without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken à la King Recipe
Above all, this Chicken à la King Recipe is quick and easy, ready in just 45 minutes. Further, it offers a delicious balance of creamy and savory elements, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and indulgent. Moreover, its adaptability allows it to be served in various ways, ensuring it’s always a delightful experience!
In conclusion, try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
