There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken ala king wafting through the kitchen, right? You can almost hear the angels sing as the savory blend of chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies comes together in a symphony of flavor. Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken mingling with sweet peppers and peas, all snuggled up in a luxurious sauce that begs to be poured over fluffy rice or buttery biscuits. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that wraps you in a warm hug.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you have fond memories tied to this timeless classic. I remember the first time I tried making chicken ala king—it was a dinner party gone slightly awry. My friends weren’t quite sure what to expect from my culinary experiment, and let’s just say their eyes lit up when they took their first bites. We laughed, we swooned, and for that night, I was crowned the queen of comfort food. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken ala king is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep time
- The creamy texture paired with colorful veggies creates an enticing visual feast
- It’s perfect for serving over rice or pasta, making it wonderfully versatile for any meal
- Plus, it’s a delightful way to use up leftover chicken!
I once made this dish for an impromptu family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your guest list.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor impact—trust me on this one!
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green for color; they add sweetness and crunch.
Frozen Peas: Convenient and sweet; no need to thaw before cooking.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best; it allows you to control saltiness while adding depth.
Cream Cheese: For that luscious creaminess; don’t skimp on quality here!
Milk: Whole milk works best for richness but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Butter: A must for sautéing your veggies; it brings out their natural flavors.
Flour: Essential for thickening your sauce into velvety perfection.
Pasta or Rice: Your choice! This dish shines over either option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken ala king
First things first: Gather your ingredients and channel your inner chef as we embark on this culinary adventure!
Cook the Chicken: Begin by heating some butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbly. Add diced boneless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Veggies: Remove the chicken from the skillet (don’t worry; it will come back!). In that same skillet, toss in chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté until the peppers are tender—around 3-4 minutes—while inhaling those heavenly aromas.
Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth followed by milk until smooth; bring to a gentle simmer to thicken—approximately 5 minutes.
Add Cream Cheese: Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted into the sauce; this adds rich creaminess that’ll make everyone swoon.
Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken into the skillet along with frozen peas. Stir gently until everything is heated through—just 2-3 minutes more—and watch as those colors come alive!
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle generous portions over bedazzling rice or pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—and dig in!
Now that you’ve conquered this tasty dish, get ready for compliments galore!
You Must Know
- Chicken ala king is comfort food at its finest
- This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and colorful veggies, creating a visual and flavor masterpiece
- It’s a versatile recipe that can be served over rice, pasta, or even in puff pastry shells
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then sauté the vegetables while preparing your creamy sauce for an efficient cooking process.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken ala king in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to maintain creaminess without separation.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results with chicken ala king, ensure you properly season each layer of ingredients for maximum flavor
- Use fresh herbs for added aroma and brightness
- Always let your sauce simmer gently to thicken without burning
Creating chicken ala king reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over this delightful dish.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook chicken for chicken ala king?
Sear the chicken until golden brown before adding it to the creamy sauce for better flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables in chicken ala king?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed veggies are a convenient option that works well in this dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or cashew cream as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
Chicken Ala King
Chicken ala King is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. This delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Served over fluffy rice or pasta, every bite envelops you in warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of family gatherings and shared meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and bell peppers until tender (3-4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir to coat. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk; simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Return chicken and add frozen peas; heat through (2-3 minutes).
- Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: To elevate your dish, try adding mushrooms or substituting turkey for chicken. For an extra kick of flavor, use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.







