Dinner

Chicken À la King Over Noodles

Recipe Image 5

This creamy, dreamy chicken à la king is basically comfort food’s greatest hits album rolled into one skillet.

Picture tender chunks of chicken swimming in the silkiest, most luxurious sauce you’ve ever seen, studded with colorful peas and pimentos like little jewels.

The aroma alone will have your family circling the kitchen like hungry sharks, and honestly, you can’t blame them.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius even though it comes together in just 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.

Every forkful delivers that perfect balance of rich, creamy sauce coating tender vegetables and succulent chicken pieces.

Serve it over buttery egg noodles, fluffy rice, or crispy toast points, and watch as everyone suddenly forgets they ever complained about dinner.

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Base

½ cup butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work perfectly)
1 green bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces

For the Creamy Sauce

½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
1½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
½ cup heavy cream (for ultimate richness)

For the Protein and Finishing

4 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
½ cup chopped pimentos, drained

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetable Foundation

1 Melt ½ cup butter in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. The butter should foam slightly but not brown – this creates the perfect base for your vegetables without any bitter flavors.
2 Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bell pepper to the melted butter. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve shrunk slightly and the bell peppers have softened but still retain a slight crunch.

Create the Roux and Sauce

3 Sprinkle the ½ cup flour evenly over the cooked vegetables, followed by 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Using a whisk or wooden spoon, stir constantly to combine and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial – cooking the flour prevents that raw, pasty taste in your final sauce.
4 Gradually pour in the 1½ cups chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will look thick and paste-like at first, but keep whisking as you add the liquid. Follow with the ½ cup heavy cream, whisking until completely smooth.
5 Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should thicken to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon – think rich gravy texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.

Finish and Serve

6 Stir in the 4 cups cooked chicken pieces, 1 cup frozen peas, and ½ cup drained pimentos. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the peas are bright green and tender.
7 Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately over hot egg noodles, fluffy rice, or toasted bread points while the sauce is at its creamiest consistency.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan – Essential for even heat distribution and preventing the cream sauce from scorching. A 12-inch skillet gives you plenty of room to stir without spillage.
Wire whisk – Critical for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce when incorporating the flour and liquids. A balloon whisk works best for getting into corners.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Perfect for gently folding in the chicken and vegetables without breaking them apart.

Helpful Upgrades

Digital kitchen scale – For more precise flour measurements, especially if you’re scaling the recipe up or down for different crowd sizes.
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures your reheated chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Fine-mesh strainer – Handy for draining pimentos thoroughly and preventing excess liquid from thinning your sauce.

Nice-to-Have Options

Immersion blender – If you prefer an ultra-smooth sauce, a quick pulse can eliminate any small lumps without over-mixing.
Large mixing bowls – Useful for prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace ½ cup all-purpose flour with ⅓ cup rice flour or 6 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
Expect a slightly different texture – rice flour creates a more delicate sauce while cornstarch gives a glossier finish
Whisk the alternative thickener with a small amount of cold broth before adding to prevent clumping
Cooking time may reduce by 1-2 minutes as these alternatives thicken faster

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute ½ cup vegan butter or olive oil for regular butter
Replace ½ cup heavy cream with ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
Use unsweetened oat milk thinned with extra broth for a lighter version
Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for extra savory depth

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Replace flour with 3 tablespoons almond flour or use 2 tablespoons cream cheese as a thickener
Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash instead of pasta
Add extra vegetables like diced celery or asparagus to increase volume without carbs

Flavor Variations

Herbed version: Add 2 teaspoons fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Wine-enhanced: Replace ¼ cup chicken broth with dry white wine
Spicy kick: Include ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 diced jalapeño
Mushroom lovers: Use 12 ounces mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini)

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This hearty serving provides approximately 420 calories per portion, with a balanced macronutrient profile of 28g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 28g healthy fats. The high protein content from chicken supports muscle maintenance and satiety, while the moderate carb content makes this suitable for various dietary approaches. Each serving delivers about 4g fiber from the vegetables and 680mg potassium from the mushrooms and peas.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The mushrooms provide selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, plus B vitamins essential for energy metabolism. Bell peppers contribute significant vitamin C – more than oranges – supporting collagen production and immune health. The peas add plant-based protein, fiber, and folate, crucial for cell division and DNA synthesis. Chicken delivers complete protein with all essential amino acids, plus phosphorus for bone health and niacin for brain function.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains dairy and gluten, making it unsuitable for those with related allergies or celiac disease without modifications. The moderate sodium content (890mg per serving) fits within daily recommendations when balanced with lower-sodium foods throughout the day. The dish provides substantial protein and healthy fats that help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it more diabetes-friendly than many comfort food options.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Heavy cream → Half-and-half plus 2 tablespoons butter for similar richness
Fresh mushrooms → 4 ounces rehydrated dried mushrooms (reserve soaking liquid for extra flavor)
Green bell pepper → Red bell pepper, celery, or diced carrots for different flavors and colors
Pimentos → Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced tomatoes for varied taste profiles

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Rotisserie chicken → Leftover roasted chicken, turkey, or even canned chicken (drained and flaked)
Heavy cream → Evaporated milk or whole milk (reduce by half and add slowly to prevent curdling)
Fresh mushrooms → Canned mushrooms, drained (though texture will be softer)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Chicken broth → Vegetable broth plus 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste
Frozen peas → Canned peas (drained), frozen corn, or diced zucchini
All-purpose flour → Instant mashed potato flakes (use 3 tablespoons for thickening)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store opened heavy cream in the refrigerator for up to 10 days past the sell-by date
When using milk instead of cream, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to prevent curdling
Frozen vegetables can go straight from freezer to pan – no thawing required

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace ½ cup flour with 3 tablespoons almond flour or 2 tablespoons cream cheese for thickening
Serve over cauliflower rice (saves 35g carbs per cup vs. regular rice) or shirataki noodles (virtually carb-free)
Reduce total carbs from 15g to 8g per serving with these simple swaps

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

Stick to 1 cup serving size to maintain reasonable carb intake
Pair with a large green salad dressed with olive oil to increase fiber and healthy fats
The high protein content (28g per serving) helps slow glucose absorption
Consider eating this as your main meal with non-starchy vegetables rather than adding bread or additional starches

Enhanced Nutritional Profile:

Add 1 cup diced celery for extra fiber without significant carbs
Include 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs for antioxidants and flavor without carbs
The combination of protein and healthy fats promotes stable blood sugar levels for 3-4 hours post-meal

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 8g net carbs compared to 15g in the original recipe.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts beautifully through the rich cream sauce while complementing the chicken’s mild flavor. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast without overwhelming the delicate seasonings. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, unsweetened iced tea, or cucumber-infused water to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon add a crispy, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy richness. Steamed asparagus with lemon provides bright acidity and fresh crunch. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness while adding peppery notes. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are classic choices for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, serve the chicken à la king as your main course over buttery egg noodles, and finish with lemon sorbet or fresh berries for a palate-cleansing dessert. For entertaining, add roasted seasonal vegetables and crusty artisan bread to create an elegant yet comfortable dinner party menu.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or weeknight comfort meals when you need something satisfying but not too heavy. This recipe shines during fall and winter months when you crave warming, creamy dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Always cook your flour roux for at least 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste – this step cannot be rushed. When adding liquids, pour slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. If lumps do form, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender for quick fixes. Keep the heat at medium-low once you add the cream to prevent curdling – patience here pays off with silky smooth results.

Common Mistake Prevention

Never add cold cream directly to hot roux – this temperature shock can cause separation. Instead, warm the cream slightly or add it gradually while stirring. Don’t overcook once you add the chicken back in, as this can make the meat tough and rubbery. The chicken is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For make-ahead prep, prepare the sauce base without the chicken and vegetables, then add them when reheating.

Scaling and Presentation

This recipe doubles easily for larger crowds – just use a bigger skillet or divide between two pans. For elegant presentation, serve in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs, or create a beautiful buffet presentation in a slow cooker set to warm.

This chicken à la king proves that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones that feel like a warm embrace from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for that perfect comfort food to share with friends, this creamy, dreamy dish delivers every single time. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table faster than takeout could arrive, and it’ll taste infinitely better than anything you could order.