5 Easy Chicken Ala King Recipes You'll Love

Chicken Ala King is a beloved dish known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and an array of vegetables that make it both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even when you want to impress with your culinary skills, Chicken Ala King can be a versatile and straightforward dish to master. Below are five easy recipes that you can try at home, each with a unique twist to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.

1. Classic Chicken Ala King

Start with the basics. This traditional version is simple yet flavorful:

• 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and diced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• ¹⁄₄ cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup of peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of paprika for color and flavor

Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, sautéing until onions are translucent.
2. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
4. Add diced chicken and peas, cooking until everything is heated through.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
6. Serve hot over rice, puff pastry shells, or toast points.

2. Dairy-Free Chicken Ala King

For those avoiding dairy, here’s a delicious alternative:

• Ingredients similar to the classic version, but substitute cream with coconut milk.
• Instead of butter, use olive oil or a dairy-free spread.

Steps:

1. Use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter to start your base.
2. Follow the same steps for the sauce, substituting heavy cream with coconut milk.
3. The rest of the process remains identical.

This variation keeps the creamy consistency while adding a subtle hint of coconut, making it a delightful choice for a different palate experience.

3. Low-Carb Keto Chicken Ala King

Enjoy this comfort food on a keto diet:

• 1 pound of chicken
• Butter or ghee
• Mushrooms and onions
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of xanthan gum or another keto-friendly thickener
• Seasonings like garlic powder, thyme, and parsley for flavor

Steps:

1. Sauté your onions and mushrooms in butter or ghee, keeping an eye on carb intake.
2. Instead of flour, use xanthan gum to thicken your sauce, ensuring it’s well mixed to avoid lumps.
3. Finish with heavy cream, ensuring you don’t over-thicken the sauce.
4. Serve over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own.

4. Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Ala King

Add some heat to your dish:

• Regular ingredients with the addition of:
• 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• Cayenne pepper or chili flakes
• Optional: sliced red bell pepper for color

Steps:

1. Begin by sautéing jalapeños with the onions and mushrooms to soften and release their flavor.
2. Follow the regular recipe but incorporate the jalapeños into the sauce.
3. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Notes:

🌶 Note: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Jalapeños can vary in heat, so taste as you go!

5. Chicken Ala King with Sherry

Elevate your dish with a touch of sherry:

• All the ingredients from the classic recipe plus:
• ¹⁄₄ cup of dry sherry
• A splash of sherry vinegar if desired for an extra zing

Steps:

1. After thickening the sauce, deglaze the pan with sherry, cooking off the alcohol.
2. Proceed with the rest of the recipe, letting the flavors meld together.

Each of these Chicken Ala King recipes provides a unique twist to this traditional dish, offering something for everyone, from the classic comfort food lover to the modern health-conscious individual. Whether you're looking for a keto-friendly version, a dairy-free alternative, or just want to add a bit of zest with sherry or spice, these recipes are easy to follow and promise delightful results. With the versatility in serving options, from rice to puff pastry, Chicken Ala King is not just a dish but a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Ala King?

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Absolutely! Leftover roasted, grilled, or poached chicken works wonderfully in Chicken Ala King recipes. Just ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce.

What vegetables can I add or substitute in Chicken Ala King?

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You can include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach. For a twist, try using asparagus or artichoke hearts.

How can I make Chicken Ala King ahead of time?

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You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, but keep the vegetables separate. Reheat the sauce, add in the veggies towards the end, and serve immediately to maintain the freshness and texture.

Is there a way to thicken the sauce without flour for gluten-free diets?

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Yes, you can use alternatives like cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder. Mix with a small amount of cold liquid before adding to the sauce to avoid lumps.