Crock-Pot Chicken à la King

Okay, friend, let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly evening or when you just need a hug in a bowl. I’m talking about Crock-Pot Chicken à la King. Seriously, this stuff is like a warm blanket for your soul, and it’s so ridiculously easy to make, it’s become a staple in our house. Think of it as the lazy-day cousin of Chicken Pot Pie – all the creamy, savory goodness, but with practically none of the effort. My grandmother used to make something similar, but honestly, this Crock-Pot version is even easier, and dare I say, just as delicious!

What is a crock pot chicken à la king?

Alright, so, what *is* Chicken à la King, anyway? It’s basically a super creamy, savory stew made with chicken, mushrooms, peppers (usually bell peppers), and peas in a delightful sauce that just begs to be spooned over biscuits, toast, or even pasta. Think of it as comfort food royalty! And the Crock-Pot version? Well, that’s just taking a classic and making it even simpler. It’s essentially dumping everything in the slow cooker, setting it, and forgetting about it until dinner time. Perfect for those crazy weeknights, am I right?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best recipes to make in your life?

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the best combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and those savory veggies? Is it rich, comforting, and irresistible?
EffortlessWhat is the Crock Pot magic? Is it possible to throw everything in before work and come home to a ready-made dinner? What’s a win in my book?
Budget-Chicken à la king is a very economical dish. Can you use leftover chicken? How do I use freshly cooked vegetables for the best flavor? What are some pantry staples?
Super versatile.Serve it over biscuits, toast, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes… you name it! Can you use it as a filling for puff pastry shells? What are the possibilities?

What I love about this recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable. What are some ways to substitute veggies for sherry for extra flavor? What can I do with different types of cream? Is it comforting? What is that one recipe that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside? Is it better to make tomato soup on a cold day? What is chicken à la king? My kids ask for it ALL the time.

How do you make a crockpot chicken?

Quick Overview

What’s the lowdown on a ninja? What is the best way to chop veggies, toss them into a crockpot with chicken and some other goodies? What is the best way to make a creamy sauce? Is it easy to cook in a Slow Cooker? Even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this.

Ingredients

For the Main Crock-Pot:

5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer – I’ve used both and they’re both good).
1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
1 green bell pepper, chopped.
1 red bell pepper, chopped (for a little color – totally optional)
8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button work great)
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (the real deal, folks!)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is always a good choice)
1/4 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it’s been delicious!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme per 1 cup
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon salt.

For the Creamy Finish:

1 cup frozen peas (add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking – nobody likes mushy peaches)
2 tablespoons butter. 1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. 1 tablespoon of
1/2 cup heavy cream (this is where the magic happens – don’t skimp!)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep Those Veggies

How do you chop onion and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the mushrooms. I like to use pre-sliced mushrooms to save even more time. Who has time to slice a million mushrooms?

Step 2: Load Up the Crock-Pot

Place chicken breasts in a Crock Pot. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms on top. I usually try to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of Chicken Soup, chicken broth, milk, dried herbs, and salt. Set aside. What are the best herbs to use: thy What is the best way to serve chicken and vegetables in a crockpot?

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. How do you shred chicken with a fork? I always do a quick check to make sure the chicken is at least 165°F internally.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock-Pot and shred it with two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the Crock-Pot.

Step 6: Creamy Dreamy Finish

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens – about 3-5 minutes. This is the most important part to get the right texture. You don’t want it too thick or too runny.

Step 7: Add Peas and Stir

How do you add the frozen peas and the creamy sauce mixture to a crockpot? Stir everything together gently to combine. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the sauce is thick. How do I thicken my hair? I find that 30 minutes is the sweet spot, but you can adjust it slightly to your preference. Should the peas still have a little bite to them, not be complete mush?

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve hot over biscuits, toast, rice, pasta, or whatever your heart desires! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy.

What to Serve It With

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Crock-Pot Chicken à la King ready to go, but what do you serve it with? Here are a few of my favorite options:

Flaky Biscuits: This is the classic pairing, and for good reason. The creamy chicken is just heavenly spooned over a warm, buttery biscuit.
Toasted Bread: Simple, but satisfying. I love using sourdough or a hearty whole-wheat bread.
Cooked Rice: White rice, brown rice, wild rice… they all work! It’s a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Egg Noodles: Another classic choice. The noodles soak up all that delicious sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food overload! This is definitely a decadent option, but sometimes you just need that extra bit of cozy goodness.

My family’s tradition is to serve it over those canned biscuits that you just pop in the oven – it’s just nostalgic for me. It’s also delicious served alongside a simple green salad to add a bit of freshness to the meal. And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine – a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be perfect!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Chicken à la King

Want to take your Crock-Pot Chicken à la King to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t overcook the chicken: This is key! Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. If you’re using chicken breasts, check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Don’t skip the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Add the peas at the end: Nobody likes mushy peas! Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they’re tender-crisp.
Customize the veggies: Feel free to swap out the veggies for your favorites. Carrots, celery, corn, or even broccoli would all be delicious. I actually added some corn last time, and it was absolutely divine!
Add a splash of sherry: My grandma’s secret ingredient! A tablespoon or two of dry sherry added to the sauce takes the flavor to a whole new level.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
Make it ahead of time: Crock-Pot Chicken à la King is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the Crock-Pot before serving.

The biggest mistake I made the first time I tried this was adding the peas at the very beginning – they turned into mush! So definitely remember to add them at the end. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, right?

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Crock-Pot Chicken à la King:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches during the week.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken à la King. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the stovetop or the microwave. For the stovetop, heat it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if it’s too thick.

The key to maintaining the quality of the dish is to store it properly. Make sure to use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and keep the chicken from drying out. And when reheating, don’t overheat it – you want to keep that creamy texture intact! I find that reheating it gently on the stovetop is the best way to preserve the flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free flour for the roux. You can also serve it over rice or gluten-free bread. I’ve tested it with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and it turned out pretty amazing.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can! Just drain it well and add it to the Crock-Pot in the last hour of cooking. While it’s not my preferred method (fresh chicken tastes much better!), it’s a great option in a pinch. I would suggest adding a little extra seasoning if you go that route.

Can I add vegetables other than the ones listed?

Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, corn, green beans, or any other veggies you like. Get creative and make it your own! This is a very forgiving recipe.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, follow the remaining steps in the recipe. Just be sure to watch the sauce carefully, as it can thicken quickly.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. I usually start with a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to Crock-Pot Chicken à la King recipe! It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just need a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Crock-Pot recipes for even more easy and delicious meal ideas! Happy cooking, my friend! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below, and share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!

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