Chicken Ala King
Chicken Ala King is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich sauce with mushrooms, peas, and pimentos, served over pastry shells. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion, it combines savory flavors with a smooth texture, appealing to both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts or fryer until tender and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté sliced onion and celery until tender.
- Add cream of chicken or mushroom soup, pimentos, frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, and sour cream to the skillet.
- Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce.
- Simmer the mixture until heated through and flavors meld.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into pastry shells.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned. You can substitute the frozen peas with fresh peas or even corn for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the sauce for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Ala King in the pastry shells as a standalone dish, or pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with rice or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a hearty option, consider serving alongside the Nice Rice Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Ala King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pastry shells soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ala King contains roughly 482 calories, with 36g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce to ensure even heating and flavor distribution.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the pastry shells just before serving to keep them crisp. If you prefer, you can also freeze the mixture, then reheat it when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Chicken Ala King?
Chicken Ala King pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, crusty bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a comforting combination, you might enjoy it with Scalloped Tomatoes-Potatoes for a hearty meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).