Easy Chicken Ala King
Creamy and comforting Chicken Ala King features tender chicken, mushrooms, and pimientos in a rich sauce, perfect for a quick, hearty meal served over hot rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, drained diced pimiento, drained mushrooms, salt, and pepper in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Serve the mixture over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the chicken mixture. If you don't have pimiento, chopped red bell pepper works well as a substitute. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for homemade versions or try using cream of mushroom soup for a different taste. This dish is inspired by classic American recipes, making it both comforting and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Chicken Ala King over fluffy hot rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also try it over pasta for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken ala king in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Ala King contains roughly 427 calories, with 11g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2318mg per serving (101% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you'll need to cook it first. Dice the chicken and sauté it in the saucepan before adding the soup and other ingredients. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup and incorporate plenty of vegetables like bell peppers and peas to enhance the flavor. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze the dish, the texture may change upon reheating. If you decide to freeze it, do so in an airtight container, and consume within 2-3 months. When reheating, add a bit of milk to restore creaminess and heat gently.
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).