Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, this dish is a classic for a reason!
The key is cooking the sauce slowly so the consistency stays velvety instead of turning gluey.
I always use both butter and a touch of chicken fat for extra richness in every spoonful.
A handful of frozen peas adds a pop of sweetness that balances out the creamy base without making it too heavy.
Serving it over warm, flaky biscuits instead of toast takes it up a notch and makes it even more satisfying!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken (cubed)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Onion (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Cook for about 5 minutes, until soft.
Step 2:
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables.
Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
Step 3:
Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth.
Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Step 4:
Stir in the cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step 5:
Serve hot over rice or toast for an enjoyable meal.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Always choose the freshest vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your Chicken Ala King.
Adjust the Consistency:
If you find the sauce too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or milk to thin it out slightly.
Experiment with Extras:
Feel free to add extras such as peas or pimentos to give a different twist, as it can make a fun variation.
Make Ahead for Convenience:
You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add fresh chicken when ready to eat.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
Buttered Egg Noodles
You can’t go wrong with buttered egg noodles to accompany a creamy Chicken Ala King dish.
These noodles work wonderfully to soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite irresistibly good.
Simply toss them in a bit of butter and herbs for a comforting side that’s easy to prepare!
Steamed Asparagus
If you’re in the mood for something fresh and nutritious, steamed asparagus is an excellent choice.
The tender texture with a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch that complements the richness of the chicken.
It’s a side dish that’s as quick to make as it is healthy!
Jasmine Rice
For a change from the usual sides, consider serving jasmine rice alongside your Chicken Ala King.
Its subtle floral aroma and slightly sticky texture provide a simple yet elegant backdrop.
Cooking it with a pinch of salt and a pat of butter will make it even better.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a classic favorite and pair beautifully with Chicken Ala King.
Their creamy texture adds another layer of comfort to the dining experience.
Feel free to whip them up with garlic and a little bit of cream for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Want to add a burst of color and flavor? Roasted vegetables are a fantastic option.
Choose a vibrant mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies can balance the dish perfectly.
Variations and Substitutions
Everyone has their own spin on Chicken Ala King, and that’s the fun part of it!
Swap the Chicken
Try substituting chicken with turkey or even tofu for a different flavor and texture. This can be a great way to use leftovers!
Add Some Zing
Don’t hesitate to throw in some olives or capers to give the dish a unique twist that balances with the creamy sauce beautifully.
Creamy Sauce Alternatives
If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the cream. It still provides a nice thickness and tang without the extra calories.
Vegetable Choices
Feel free to mix up the vegetables. Peas, asparagus tips, or carrots can add color and a nutritional boost.
Spice It Up
Experiment with adding a little cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra kick! Adjust the spices according to your taste.
Each variation offers a new way to enjoy this fantastic dish, so have fun and make it your own.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Ala King
You’ve just finished a fantastic meal, and you’ve got some chicken ala king left. No worries!
Refrigeration
Store any leftover chicken ala king in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Place it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor.
You can keep it refrigerated for up to three days.
Freezing
If you think you’ll need more time to finish it, freezing is a great option.
Cool the chicken ala king to room temperature before freezing.
Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and seal it well to avoid freezer burn.
This method allows you to keep it for up to three months.
Tips
Label your container with the date you made it to track freshness easily.
Always divide the dish into portions before storing to make reheating more manageable later.
This makes sure you only thaw what you need, preventing waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Chicken a la King can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for to keep your dish tasty.
Not Using a Deep Enough Skillet
Starting with the wrong-sized skillet can lead to a messy kitchen adventure.
Begin with your largest, deepest skillet to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
A cramped skillet could make stirring difficult and risk uneven cooking.
Rushing the Sauté Process
It’s tempting to speed through sautéing, but patience here pays off!
Take time for your vegetables to soften and become translucent; it enhances the overall flavor.
Sautéing is not just about cooking; it’s about maximizing taste, so let those onions and mushrooms work their magic.
Skipping Quality Ingredients
Using fresh mushrooms and real cream in this dish is crucial!
Substituting with lower-quality ingredients can affect the rich texture and savory taste of the sauce.
Invest in quality for the best results because it reflects deeply in the final flavor.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken cubed
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup Onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until soft.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables.
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or toast for an enjoyable meal.