Creamy Chicken à la King for a Quick Dinner Delight

If you are craving a quick, delicious meal, try our Creamy Chicken à la King—it’s perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family! This comforting dish features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: This recipe can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
  • Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
  • Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients to use what you have on hand, making it adaptable for any situation.
  • Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and tender chicken offer a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug.
  • Easy Clean-Up: With just a few pots and pans required, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of a huge mess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Creamy Chicken à la King are simple yet essential to create that rich flavor and creamy texture that we all love. Each component plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life.

  • Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Butter: A must for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Bell Peppers: Bright and colorful, they contribute both texture and a hint of sweetness.
  • Mushrooms: These add an earthy depth to the dish, making every bite more satisfying.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory foundation for the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: The star ingredient that brings the creaminess to life!
  • Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect consistency.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for extra flavor.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Creamy Chicken à la King

This recipe is incredibly customizable, so feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s taste preferences. Here are some fun variations to consider:

  • Swap the Protein: Try using turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Add More Veggies: Broccoli, peas, or carrots can easily be added for extra nutrition and color.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick.
  • Use Different Sauces: Incorporate a splash of white wine or soy sauce for a unique twist.
  • Serve Over Different Bases: Try this dish over rice, pasta, or even a baked potato for a hearty meal.
Creamy Chicken à la King for a Quick Dinner Delight

How to Make Creamy Chicken à la King

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing everything together until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Once everything is well mixed and heated, your Creamy Chicken à la King is ready to be served! You can garnish it with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken à la King

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow enough time for the chicken to brown properly for better flavor.
  • Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
  • Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for an even more flavorful meal.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the dish to new heights.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken à la King

Garnishes

Garnishing your Creamy Chicken à la King can add a pop of color and freshness. Consider sprinkling some chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of paprika on top before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it over fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or even alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the Creamy Chicken à la King in puff pastry shells or over baked potatoes. This not only makes for a stunning presentation but also adds an exciting element to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken à la King can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

This dish can also be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Creamy Chicken à la King in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save time in preparation.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken à la King?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like broccoli or peas to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Adding herbs or spices can elevate the taste. Fresh thyme or garlic can add a lovely depth to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a delightful, creamy Chicken à la King that is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed hit at the dinner table! Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy flavors it brings to your home. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Chicken à la King

Creamy Chicken à la King

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Creamy Chicken à la King is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that appeals to the whole family.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Fats

  • 3 tablespoons butter

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Thickener

  • 3 tablespoons flour

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.

  3. Make the Sauce

    Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.

  4. Add Cream and Chicken

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing everything together until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

  5. Serve

    Once everything is well mixed and heated, your Creamy Chicken à la King is ready to be served! You can garnish it with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor.
  • Don’t rush the cooking process for better browning.
  • Adjust thickness of sauce as needed.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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