Comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King Recipe

Zesty Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King Recipe Your Family Will Love

Chicken à la king swoops into your kitchen like a culinary superhero, ready to rescue bland meals from mediocrity.

This creamy, decadent dish whispers tales of comfort and nostalgia with every sumptuous bite.

Tender chicken nestles in a luxurious sauce that dances between sophistication and homestyle charm.

Generations have savored this classic recipe, passing down its delectable secrets from one loving cook to another.

Silky smooth and packed with flavor, the dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Simple yet elegant, it promises to turn any dinner into a memorable celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Highlights for Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King

For Skillet Preparation:
  • Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality European-style butter for richer flavor and smoother melting.
For Vegetable Base:
  • Mushrooms, Onion: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms with no dark spots and sweet yellow onions for deeper caramelization.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Opt for freshly ground black pepper and fine kosher salt for balanced seasoning.
For Thickening Agent:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture and more authentic roux development.
For Creamy Liquids:
  • Half-and-Half, Chicken Stock: Select low-sodium chicken stock and organic half-and-half for cleaner, more balanced taste.
For Protein and Additional Vegetables:
  • Shredded Chicken, Frozen Peas, Chopped Pimentos: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, premium frozen peas, and vibrant jarred pimentos.
For Serving Accompaniments:
  • Pasta, Rice, Buttered Biscuits: Select wide egg noodles, jasmine rice, or flaky homemade biscuits for classic pairings.

Cooking Tools for Chicken Ala King

  • Large Skillet: 12-inch cast iron or non-stick pan for sautéing and cooking the entire dish.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring Cups: Essential for accurate liquid and dry ingredient measurements.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing mushrooms, dicing onions, and chopping pimentos.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding seasonings like garlic powder and salt.
  • Stirring Spatula: Helps create smooth roux and mix ingredients without lumps.
  • Stove: Medium-high and medium heat settings required for cooking process.

Preparing Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King

Preparing Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
  • Kickstart The Skillet

Crank up a large pan on medium-high heat. Swirl butter around until it dances and turns golden.

  • Veggie Sizzle

Toss mushrooms and onions into the hot pan. Let them mingle and soften for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  • Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the sautéed vegetables. Mix everything to spread the seasoning love.

  • Build The Base

Dust flour over the veggies and whisk into a silky smooth paste. Cook briefly without letting it brown.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour half-and-half and chicken stock into the pan. Stir constantly to create a velvety sauce without any pesky lumps.

  • Sauce Transformation

Dial down the heat and let the mixture bubble gently. Watch it thicken into a luxurious coating that hugs every ingredient.

  • Final Assembly

Fold in pimentos, peas, and shredded chicken. Stir until everything is cozy and warm.

  • Plate And Celebrate

Ladle the creamy chicken goodness over pasta, rice, or split biscuits. Dig in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece.

Creamy Tips and Chicken Variations

Creamy Tips and Chicken Variations

Mix up the classic Chicken à la King with these delightful twists and tricks!

Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a fresh flavor adventure that keeps your taste buds excited.

Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors to your dish.

Sprinkle sharp cheddar or creamy parmesan on top for an extra layer of rich, melty goodness that elevates the entire meal.

Prepare the sauce and chicken mixture ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to three days, which makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Plating Suggestions for Chicken Ala King

  • Elevate Your Plate: Pair with Classic Comfort Sides
  • Serve this creamy chicken dish over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles for a traditional, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herb Flair
  • Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Transform into Elegant Brunch Centerpiece
  • Present the Chicken à la King in individual ramekins or atop golden, flaky puff pastry shells for an impressive weekend brunch that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.
  • Create Delightful Leftover Variations
  • Repurpose extra servings by tucking the mixture into crispy puff pastry triangles or using as a delicious filling for savory crepes, giving new life to your delectable creation.

Save and Store Chicken Ala King Easily

  • Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover Chicken à la King in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent sauce separation.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions remain delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Smart Meal Prep Approach: Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, maximizing your cooking efficiency.
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Comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King Recipe

Comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King elevates classic comfort cuisine with creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces. Comfort meets nostalgia in this simple, satisfying midwestern dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
  • 8 oz (226 g) white mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (60 g) flour
  • 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (237 ml) half and half
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup petite frozen peas
  • ½ cup (75 g) pimentos, drained and chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high, melt butter, and sauté mushrooms and onions until they become tender and golden, releasing their aromatic essence.
  2. Season and Thicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the vegetables, then dust with flour to create a smooth roux, stirring continuously for two minutes without browning.
  3. Build the Sauce: Gradually pour half-and-half and chicken stock into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Proteins: Gently fold in pimentos, frozen peas, and shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution and heating throughout the creamy mixture.
  5. Finalize and Serve: Allow the Chicken à la King to warm thoroughly for an additional 3 minutes, then ladle over steaming pasta, fluffy rice, or freshly split, buttered biscuits for a comforting culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Roux Burning: Stir flour mixture constantly and keep heat moderate to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors and ruin sauce texture.
  • Smooth Sauce Secret: Whisk half-and-half and stock gradually and consistently to eliminate potential lumpy sauce and ensure silky, uniform consistency.
  • Strategic Vegetable Sautéing: Allow mushrooms and onions to caramelize properly by not overcrowding skillet, enabling deeper flavor development and perfect golden-brown edges.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Maintain medium heat during sauce simmering to prevent separation and achieve ideal creamy thickness without burning delicate ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 760 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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