Description
Classic Chicken A la King is a creamy, comforting American main course featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a rich sauce of butter, bell peppers, mushrooms, cream, and a hint of sherry. This skillet-cooked dish is perfect served over puff pastry shells, biscuits, rice, or toast for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the green and red bell peppers along with the sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and release their moisture.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux and remove any raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, then add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry sherry if using. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Chicken A la King warm over puff pastry shells, biscuits, rice, or toast as desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, increase the amount of heavy cream.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds flavor.
- To lighten the dish, substitute milk for the cream or use all chicken broth instead of cream and milk combined.
