The one-pot meal is an American classic.

Chicken a la king was one of those dishes for me.

Ive since learned that eating chicken a la king is like wrapping yourself with a warm blanket.

Chicken a la King on a plate with rice and a biscuit at a table setting with another plate of chicken a la king, a small bowl of biscuits, glasses of wine, and a table napkin

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Its also wonderful with egg noodles or served alongside biscuits or warm toast.

What Is Chicken a la King?

The origin of chicken a la kings name is a subject of debate.

Serving of chicken a la king on a plate with rice and a biscuit at a table setting with another serving on a plate, a bowl of biscuits, glasses of wine, and table napkins

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Some claim it originated in England, while others say its from Philadelphia.

Regardless of where it started, by the turn of the century, chicken a la king was everywhere.

As a relative newcomer, I say long live the king!

Close-up: chicken a la king with a wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

The chicken can also be swapped with large pieces of silken tofu (a silk blanket!

), cooked turkey, or even canned tuna (for something akin totuna casserole).

Two traditional ingredients I thought were important to include are sherry and pimentos.

Aromatics sauteed in a cast iron skillet for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

If you dont have sherry on hand, white wine or Madeira work just as well.

And if youd rather skip the alcohol altogether, thats totally fine.

Pimentos are commonly found in a jar or can, usually close to (and also stuffed inside!)

Mushrooms added to cast iron skillet with the sauteed aromatics for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

the olives on grocery shelves.

If you cant track them down, a diced roasted red pepper works great too.

Add the onion and celery, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Sauteed vegetables deglazed with sherry for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan.

Stir to coat them in butter, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper.

Flour added to sauteed vegetables to make a reux for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Add the sherry or white wine and stir frequently until the liquid has nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes.

(If omitting the alcohol, skip this step.)

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well.

Flour sauteed into the vegetables (until golden brown) to make a reux for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Add the cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and frozen peas (no need to defrost).

Stir well and cook until chicken is heated through and peas are hot, 2 to 3 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with rice, if desired.

Heavy cream and chicken broth boiling in the cast iron skillet with the rest of the vegetables

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Chicken a la king can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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Chicken and the rest of the vegetables added to the cast iron skillet for chicken a la king recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Chicken a la king in a bowl with a biscuit at a table setting with another serving in a bowl with a biscuit, a bowl of biscuits, and a pot with more chicken a la king

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu