If you have been searching for a comforting and elegant meal to brighten up your weeknight dinners, the Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic dish marries tender diced chicken with a rich, velvety cream sauce, earthy mushrooms, and colorful vegetables, delivering incredible flavor and a cozy texture in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and vibrant, making it a timeless favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the luscious layers of flavor and texture that define this dish. From the tender chicken breast to the medley of vegetables, everything combines beautifully to create a harmonious classic.
- Olive oil: Provides a light, fruity base for sautéing the chicken and veggies without overpowering the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Diced for quick cooking and a tender, juicy bite in every spoonful.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth while helping to soften the onions and mushrooms.
- Yellow onion: Diced to bring sweetness and aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor perfectly complements the cream sauce and chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to inject a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Double down on savory notes for richness and complexity.
- Flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce that perfect creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, creating the silky texture and luscious mouthfeel.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Provide pops of sweetness and bright color.
- Sliced pimentos: Bring a mild tangy sweetness and a dash of vibrant red.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing each component.
How to Make Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken pieces generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms and the meat is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm. This step locks in juices and gives the chicken a flavorful exterior that stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Without cleaning the pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sliced cremini mushrooms, cooking gently for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally as the onions soften and mushrooms release their earthy aroma. This melding of flavors creates a rich foundation for your sauce while adding delightful texture and depth.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the softened vegetables, stirring them in for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This combination will thicken the sauce while enhancing its richness and complexity.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids
Pour a few splashes of chicken broth into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom—those are flavor gold mines. Then add the remaining broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season with a few big pinches of salt and pepper, balancing the savory and creamy elements perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with frozen peas, carrots, and drained sliced pimentos. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and the vegetables warm through. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed for that perfect creamy harmony.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh note that complements the creamy richness wonderfully. For an extra touch of texture, toasted slivered almonds can sprinkle delightful crunch atop the warm sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish sings when served over soft egg noodles or fluffy white rice, soaking up the luscious sauce. But do not overlook flaky biscuits or a crusty baguette, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that heavenly cream and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, try serving your Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe inside warm puff pastry shells or atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. This elevates the classic comfort food into an impressive entrée that’s perfect for guests or special family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, so feel free to portion and freeze it in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce gets too thick, restoring its silky smoothness without compromising taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms add great earthiness, you can substitute with button, shiitake, or a wild mushroom mix to change the flavor profile creatively.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for olive oil and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe with turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely. Diced turkey breast works just as well and lends a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Cooking times remain roughly the same.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce if it turns out too thin?
Stir in a small slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from breaking.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy?
Add frozen peas and carrots toward the end of cooking and only heat them through during the simmer step, preserving their color, texture, and fresh taste.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough to serve for special occasions, and every bite delivers hearty satisfaction wrapped in a creamy, dreamy sauce. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this comforting classic with your loved ones!
Print
Creamy Chicken à la King with Mushrooms and Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Chicken à la King is a classic comfort food featuring tender diced chicken breast in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms, peas, carrots, and pimentos. This hearty and flavorful dish is simmered to perfection and can be served over egg noodles, rice, or biscuits for a satisfying meal that takes just 35 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1″ pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 ounces sliced pimentos, drained
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the diced chicken breast with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper on all sides. Place the chicken in the heated pan and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a dark golden brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Without cleaning the pan, add 4 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and flour. Cook for about one minute, stirring frequently to form a roux and release the flavors.
- Deglaze and Make Sauce: Pour a few splashes of chicken broth into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer with Chicken and Veggies: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the frozen peas and carrots and the drained sliced pimentos. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve your classic Chicken à la King over egg noodles, rice, or with warm biscuits for a complete and comforting meal.
- Enjoy and Review: Enjoy your meal and if you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review for others to enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, do not wipe the pan between cooking chicken and vegetables to retain the flavorful browned bits.
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with white button mushrooms if preferred.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, but rice or biscuits work equally well.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
