Slow Cooker Chicken a la King – Easy Steps

Slow Cooker Chicken a la King – This comforting, rich and creamy dish, packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, is the perfect option for a cozy dinner, especially when you let the slow cooker do all the work.

What is Chicken à la King?

Chicken à la King is a rich and creamy chicken dish that typically includes mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas, all smothered in a luxurious cream sauce. The dish became popular in the early 20th century and has since become a household favorite. Traditionally, it’s served over rice, noodles, or even biscuits. In this slow cooker version, we simplify the cooking process while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken à la King

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during long cooking times, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work beautifully in this dish.
• Sautéing the Veggies First: While you can skip the sautéing step for convenience, taking the time to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms first enhances the flavor significantly.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in an extra tablespoon of flour with the cream, or remove some of the liquid and stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and water.
• Frozen vs. Fresh Veggies: While frozen peas are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking time, you can also use fresh peas or substitute with other vegetables like green beans or carrots.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for low-fat sour cream.

Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken à la King

This dish is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give this creamy dish a bit of heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free sour cream to make a dairy-free version.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is traditionally served over a carb base to soak up all that luscious sauce. Here are some serving ideas:

• Buttery Biscuits: The classic pairing! Flaky biscuits work perfectly to absorb the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Rice: Simple and effective, rice makes a great neutral base that won’t compete with the flavors of the dish.
• Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles add a heartiness to the dish and are excellent for twirling with the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an even richer experience, serve this over creamy mashed potatoes.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken à la King for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until hot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time. Frozen chicken generally takes an additional hour on low heat to cook fully in the slow cooker.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, store it in the fridge, and reheat it just before serving. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day, making it a great option for meal prep.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want to cut back on calories or don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add in whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, celery, or green beans.

Conclusion

Slow cooker Chicken à la King is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With minimal prep and the ease of slow cooking, you can enjoy a rich and flavorful meal without standing over the stove. Whether served over biscuits, rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Try out the variations to make it your own, and don’t forget to store leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later in the week!

Now that you have everything you need to make this classic dish, go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Crockpot Chicken Paprika 
• Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata