Spicy Chicken à la King

Spicy Chicken à la King

6 servings
A comfort-food classic gets a spicy, modern twist with Calabrian chiles. Ready in 45 minutes, this creamy chicken à la king is easy enough for a weeknight but worthy of a dinner party.

Ingredients

  • boneless

    skinless chicken breasts, patted dry and cut into 1-inch pieces

    1 ¼ lb
  • kosher salt

    divided

    1 ¼ tsp
  • black pepper

    divided

    ¾ tsp
  • canola oil
    2 tbsp
  • unsalted butter
    ¼ c
  • package sliced fresh button mushrooms
    1
  • chopped yellow onion
    1 c
  • chopped green bell pepper
    ½ c
  • garlic cloves

    finely chopped, 1 tablespoon

    3
  • dry sherry
    ¼ c
  • all-purpose flour
    ¼ c
  • chicken broth
    1 ½ c
  • heavy whipping cream
    1 c
  • dijon mustard
    1 tsp
  • jar diced pimientos

    drained

    1
  • frozen english peas
    ½ c
  • chopped calabrian chiles in oil
    1 tbsp
  • finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
    2 tbsp
  • cooked egg noodles

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Add oil to skillet and swirl to coat. Add chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and a thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 165°F, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in skillet; set aside.

  2. 2

    Add butter to reserved drippings in skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, green bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and browned, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add sherry; cook over medium, stirring constantly to scrape up browned bits, until reduced, about 2 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened into a paste, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; cook, stirring constantly, until smooth. Stir in Dijon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium; reduce heat to medium-low; simmer over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a desired consistency, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir pimientos, peas, chiles, and reserved cooked chicken into sauce over medium-low; remove from heat. Serve over cooked egg noodles and sprinkle with parsley.

Spicy Chicken à la King

Spicy Chicken à la King

45 min6 servings514 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting classic with a thrilling kick? This Spicy Chicken à la King recipe transforms a beloved dish into an exciting entree that's perfect for any occasion. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a meal that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn't your grandmother's chicken à la King. The secret lies in the unexpected addition of Calabrian chiles, which infuse the rich, creamy sauce with a vibrant, nuanced heat. This simple twist elevates the dish, making it sophisticated enough for a dinner party, yet straightforward enough for a casual weeknight meal. You'll love how the spicy elements perfectly balance the classic savory flavors.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying experience. Each spoonful delivers tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, punctuated by earthy mushrooms, sweet green bell pepper, and the distinctive warmth of Calabrian chiles. The overall flavor is rich and savory, with a delightful spicy undertone that lingers pleasantly without overwhelming the palate. This generous recipe yields 6 servings, with each portion coming in at a hearty 514 calories, making it a substantial and delicious entree.

Customization & Variations

Tailor the heat level to your preference by adjusting the amount of Calabrian chiles; use less for a milder dish or add a bit more for an extra fiery kick. If you're looking for different textures, you can swap the button mushrooms for cremini, or add extra frozen English peas for more color and sweetness.

Serving & Context

Serve this delightful Spicy Chicken à la King generously over warm, cooked egg noodles to complete the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions