Chicken a la King is a classic comfort dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy sauce, mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas. Making this dish in a slow cooker simplifies the process and ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be served over rice, pasta, or toast. Let’s dive into the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken a la King.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and toss until evenly coated with the flour mixture.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add Vegetables and Chicken: Place the finely chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the coated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Cook
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cream and Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, add the heavy cream, frozen peas, and diced pimentos to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover and continue to cook on low for the remaining 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, give the Chicken a la King a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as green bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the slow cooker along with the cream and peas. Stir well and cook until thickened.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken a la King: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Flavored Chicken a la King: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for added herbal flavor.
- Cheesy Chicken a la King: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese along with the cream and peas for a cheesy variation.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use heavy cream and chicken thighs for added fat content, and ensure the chicken broth is low in carbs.
Low Carb Version
For a lower-carb option, use a low-carb flour alternative to coat the chicken and serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional rice or pasta.
Slow Cooker Chicken a la King is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful vegetables makes it a family favorite. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy this classic dish with little effort. Try this recipe and savor the comforting flavors of Chicken a la King in your own home. Enjoy!
