Love creamy chicken comfort? This Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King Recipe is cozy perfection. Learn How to Make Chicken a la King with simple steps at home.
Tender chicken in rich sauce over biscuits or rice. It’s family favorite magic. Try this Chicken a la King Recipe today!
My Story With This Comforting Chicken a la King
I discovered Chicken a la King during a snowy Oklahoma weekend. Ree Drummond’s show was on. Her creamy version looked so inviting. I whipped it up for dinner.
Kids devoured it over fluffy biscuits. Now it’s our rainy day go-to. Warm hugs in every bite. This Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King Recipe brings joy every time!
Equipment List
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Colander for veggies
- Baking sheet (if making biscuits)
- Small bowl for slurry
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American Comfort
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp pimentos, drained (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve:
- Buttery biscuits or cooked rice
- Extra parsley for garnish
These Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King are pantry staples. Easy shopping!
Instructions for Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King
1. Prep the Veggies
Slice mushrooms thin. Dice both bell peppers small. Chop onion fine. Pat chicken dry and shred. This chop makes even cooking. Sets up creamy How to Make Chicken a la King base.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, peppers and mushrooms. Cook 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Stir often. Veggies release juices for flavor foundation.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over veggies. Stir 2 minutes till bubbly. No lumps! This thickens sauce later. Cook out raw flour taste. Key step in our Chicken a la King Recipe.
4. Add Liquids Slowly
Pour in milk and broth gradually. Whisk smooth. Bring to gentle simmer. Sauce thickens in 4-5 minutes. Creamy dream starts forming. Patience here avoids lumps every time.
5. Stir in Cream and Seasonings
Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Simmer 3 minutes more. Taste and adjust. Sauce coats spoon nicely now. Rich velvet texture perfect for chicken.
6. Add Chicken and Pimentos
Fold in shredded chicken and pimentos. Heat through 2-3 minutes. Don’t boil. Chicken absorbs flavors. Warm and cozy filling ready for serving soon.
7. Finish with Parsley
Stir in fresh parsley last minute. Bright green flecks add pop. Turn off heat. Let sit 2 minutes. Flavors meld beautifully. Plating time arrives!
8. Serve Hot
Spoon over split biscuits or rice. Garnish parsley. Steam rises invitingly. Family gathers quick. Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King magic on table. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for speed; shred warm.
- Fresh mushrooms beat canned for texture.
- No cream? Half-and-half works fine.
- Spice up: Add dash cayenne for kick.
- Turkey swap: Use Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Gluten-free: Cornstarch slurry instead flour.
- Veggie version: Mushrooms, peas, carrots only.
- Thicker sauce? Extra tbsp flour in roux.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Chicken a la King born in late 1800s hotels. Chefs created for fancy guests. “A la King” means “in king style.” Creamy sauce over chicken wowed elites. Ree Drummond made it ranch-simple. Now home cooks love it worldwide. Timeless cozy classic!
What to Serve With This Dish
Fluffy biscuits soak sauce best. Mashed potatoes work great too. Egg noodles or rice simple sides. Green beans or peas add color. Dinner rolls for sopping. Iced tea refreshes creamy richness.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Weeknight dinners shine bright. Potlucks steal the show. Sick day comfort food. Brunch twist with biscuits. Family reunions warm hearts. Game night fuel. Holiday leftover hero too.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Airtight 3-4 days.
- Freezer: 2 months in portions.
- Thaw overnight before reheat.
- Microwave: Covered, stir halfway, 2 mins.
- Stovetop: Low simmer with splash milk.
- Don’t boil; sauce separates easy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Total Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Carbs | 18g | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sodium | 780mg | 34% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
*Based on 2,000 calorie diet.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Chicken a la King comforts smartly. Lean chicken packs protein for fullness. Veggies like peppers boost vitamins A and C. Mushrooms add umami low-cal. Use low-fat milk to lighten. Balanced plate with sides fuels energy. Moderation keeps it wholesome treat.
Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie works)
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp pimentos drained (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley choppedButtery biscuits or cooked rice
- Extra parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Veggies
- Slice mushrooms thin. Dice both bell peppers small. Chop onion fine. Pat chicken dry and shred. This chop makes even cooking. Sets up creamy How to Make Chicken a la King base.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, mushrooms. Cook 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Stir often. Veggies release juices for flavor foundation.
Make the Roux
- Sprinkle flour over veggies. Stir 2 minutes till bubbly. No lumps! This thickens sauce later. Cook out raw flour taste. Key step in our Chicken a la King Recipe.
Add Liquids Slowly
- Pour in milk and broth gradually. Whisk smooth. Bring to gentle simmer. Sauce thickens in 4-5 minutes. Creamy dream starts forming. Patience here avoids lumps every time.
Stir in Cream and Seasonings
- Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Simmer 3 minutes more. Taste and adjust. Sauce coats spoon nicely now. Rich velvet texture perfect for chicken.
Add Chicken and Pimentos
- Fold in shredded chicken and pimentos. Heat through 2-3 minutes. Don’t boil. Chicken absorbs flavors. Warm and cozy filling ready for serving soon.
Finish with Parsley
- Stir in fresh parsley last minute. Bright green flecks add pop. Turn off heat. Let sit 2 minutes. Flavors meld beautifully. Plating time arrives!
Serve Hot
- Spoon over split biscuits or rice. Garnish parsley. Steam rises invitingly. Family gathers quick. Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King magic on table. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for speed; shred warm.
- Fresh mushrooms beat canned for texture.
- No cream? Half-and-half works fine.
- Spice up: Add dash cayenne for kick.
- Turkey swap: Use Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Gluten-free: Cornstarch slurry instead flour.
- Veggie version: Mushrooms, peas, carrots only.
- Thicker sauce? Extra tbsp flour in roux.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King
Why is the sauce key in this Chicken a la King Recipe?
Velvety sauce binds everything. Roux method prevents lumps. Slow whisk makes smooth. Ree’s style cozy-rich. How to Make Chicken a la King shines here.
Can I use raw chicken in Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King?
Yes! Cube breasts, cook with veggies first 8 minutes. Till no pink. Then add sauce. Fresh taste great. Rotisserie saves time though.
What if my sauce too thin for Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King?
Make slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch plus water. Stir in simmer. Thickens quick. Or cook longer uncovered. Perfect creamy every time.
Freezer-friendly this Chicken a la King Recipe?
Totally! Portion in bags. Freeze 2 months. Thaw fridge overnight. Reheat gentle low heat. Sauce stays smooth. Weeknight savior!
Best sub for pimentos in Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King?
Roasted red peppers diced fine. Same sweet smokiness. Or skip for pure creaminess. Fresh parsley boosts color instead.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Chicken a la King Recipe warms from inside out. Creamy, easy, total crowd-pleaser. Last week, I doubled batch for neighbors. They raved! Your turn to spread joy.
Fire up skillet, hug family tight. How to Make Chicken a la King this simple? Pure kitchen magic. Share your tweaks below. Cook cozy, friends!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!