Classic Chicken Ala King is one of those timeless meals that brings comfort and elegance to your table. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Let's dive into this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
The backbone of this dish is, of course, the chicken — shredded to soak up all the flavors. The butter ensures a rich base for the sauce, while the all-purpose flour thickens it to the ideal consistency. Chicken broth and heavy cream create the luscious sauce, enhanced by a splash of dry white wine for depth. Our veggies — bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions — add texture and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper brings everything together, with a pop of color and freshness from parsley and frozen peas. Serve it all over cooked white rice or in puff pastry shells for that classic touch.
This dish shines when served with a side of steamed asparagus or a light, crisp salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and just starting to bubble, add the chopped onions and sliced bell peppers. Sauté them for about five minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for another three minutes. They should soften up nicely and add a delicious earthiness to the mix.
Now, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and starts building that creamy sauce base.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and white wine, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it bubble gently.
Once it’s simmering, stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking — it should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Add the shredded chicken, peas, and parsley to the skillet. Stir them through the sauce and let everything heat through. You want the chicken to be nice and warm, and the peas to pop with color.
Finally, serve your delicious Chicken Ala King hot over a bed of white rice or nestled in puff pastry shells for a more elegant presentation.