How to Make Chicken à la King: Easy and Creamy Recipe

Chicken à la King is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender chicken cubes, colorful
vegetables, and a rich white sauce (béchamel). This classic recipe is perfect for cozy dinners
or special occasions, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a simple,
easy-to-follow guide on how to prepare this timeless dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• Butter and Oil (½ Cup & 1 tablespoon): For a rich sautéing base that keeps the butter from
  burning.
• Chopped Garlic (2 teaspoons): To add a delicious aroma and flavor.
• Chicken Cubes (600 gm): A key protein ingredient for heartiness.
• Vegetables (250gm): A mix of capsicums in three colors 150 gm, onions 50 gm, and
  mushrooms 50 gm (mushrooms are a must in European-style recipes).
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings to enhance flavors.
• White Sauce (1½ cups or 360ml Béchamel Sauce): The creamy, flavorful base of the dish.
• Milk (¾ cup or 180ml): For thinning the sauce while keeping it rich.
• Cream and White Pepper (⅓ cup or 80ml: ½ teaspoon): For added richness and flavor
  balance.
• Spring Onions (2/3 stalks): Used as a garnish to add a fresh, colorful finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Melt Butter and Oil
   Begin by heating butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. The oil prevents the butter
   from burning and adds richness to the dish.
2. Sauté Garlic
   Add the chopped garlic and cook until it’s soft and fragrant. This forms the base of the
   flavor.
3. Cook Chicken Cubes
   Add the chicken cubes and cook until they are browned evenly on all sides, which seals in
   their juices and keeps them tender.
4. Add Vegetables
   Toss in the three-colored capsicum, onions, and mushrooms. Mushrooms are essential for
   the European touch. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft but still have a slight crunch.
5. Season
   Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure the seasoning is well-distributed throughout the
   chicken and vegetables.
6. Add White Sauce (Béchamel)
   Pour the white sauce (béchamel) into the pan. Once the sauce starts to thicken, slowly add
   milk while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency. The sauce should be
   creamy but not too thick. Click here to view the complete recipe for Béchamel Sauce.
7. Add Cream and Final Seasoning
   Stir in the cream for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and white
   pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with Spring Onions
   Once the dish is ready, sprinkle chopped spring onions on top to add a pop of freshness
   and color.

Nutrition Facts

Chicken à la King is a relatively indulgent dish due to its creamy white sauce, but it provides
a good balance of protein and vegetables. Below is an estimated nutrition breakdown per

serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal
• Protein: ~25g (from the chicken and milk)
• Fat: ~25g (from butter, oil, and cream)
• Carbohydrates: ~20g (from vegetables and the sauce)
• Fiber: ~2-3g (from vegetables)
• Sodium: ~500-600mg (depending on added salt)
• Calcium: ~10-15% of daily recommended intake (from milk and cream)

This dish provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients from the vegetables but
should be enjoyed in moderation due to its rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, consider
using low-fat milk and cream.

The Richness of Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is a dish that originated in the late 19th century and has since become a
beloved comfort food. It is traditionally served over rice, toast, or puff pastry shells, allowing
the creamy sauce to soak into the base and enhance its flavors. What makes this dish stand
out is its rich béchamel sauce, combined with the hearty chicken and sautéed vegetables.
The use of mushrooms is particularly key in European variations of this recipe. Mushrooms
bring an umami depth, complementing the mild sweetness of the capsicum and the savory
bite of the onions. The cream further enhances the sauce, making it smooth and luxurious,
while the spring onions as garnish lend freshness and texture contrast.

Tips for Perfecting Chicken à la King

 Control the heat: Ensure that you sauté the garlic on low heat to avoid burning it,
which can give the dish a bitter flavor.
 Béchamel consistency: When making the béchamel sauce, whisk continuously to
prevent lumps. The goal is to achieve a smooth and velvety texture.
 Customize the vegetables: Although mushrooms are a must for a European version,
feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even corn for additional
texture and flavor.
 Serving options: Chicken à la King is traditionally served over rice or toast, but serve it in puff pastry shells or vol-au-vents for an elegant presentation.

Why Chicken à la King is the Ideal Comfort Food

Chicken à la King blends savory, creamy, and rich elements that define it as a perfect
comfort dish. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and the decadent
white sauce makes it ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion. The flexibility of the
recipe allows you to tweak it based on available ingredients or personal preferences, making
it a versatile addition to any chef’s repertoire.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an aspiring home cook, mastering Chicken à la King
offers a glimpse into classic European culinary techniques like sauce-making and the art of
balancing flavors. With every bite, you experience the harmony of soft, sautéed vegetables
with creamy, savory sauce, all brought together with perfectly cooked chicken.
By following this recipe and incorporating your flair, you’ll soon realize why Chicken à la
King remains a staple in kitchens across the world. It’s not just food—it’s an experience that
combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with the sophistication of European cuisine.

check more chicken recipes here

Final Thought

Chicken à la King is a dish that allows room for creativity and personal
touches. Garnishing with fresh spring onions brings color and freshness, but don’t be afraid
to experiment with other herbs or garnishes to make this dish truly your own. The key lies in
mastering the sauce and balancing the flavors, making sure that each bite is rich, creamy,
and utterly satisfying.
This dish is a timeless classic, perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner party. Now, it’s
your turn to bring this delicious comfort dish to life and share it with those around you.
Enjoy cooking, and most importantly, enjoy eating!