Fried Chicken Ala King Recipe

Instead of cooking plain fried chicken, explore this mouth-watering Fried Chicken Ala King recipe. It is very easy to make, yet so creamy and delicious. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Fried Chicken Ala King Recipe
Healthy Holiday Creamy Special Occasion Chicken Fried Savory
Dinner Entrees Lunch

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Origin of the Dish

Chicken ala King, which literally translates to "Chicken in the style of King," is a crispy dish with a cream sauce. There are many variations that have appeared in cookbooks as early as 1665, but there are no indications of their similarities to the modern Chicken ala King. However, there are several competing theories about its origins, such as the following:

  • It was first invented by Delmonico’s chef Charles Ranhofer as Chicken ala Keene in the 1880s, named after Foxhall Parker Keene.
  • Others state that it was invented at Claridge’s Hotel in London in 1881 and named for James R. Keene, father of Foxhall.
  • Another version claims that chef George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel invented it in 1898, naming it after patron E. Clarke King II and his wife.
  • Another claim is that Chicken ala King was invented by hotel cook William “Bill” King of the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. After he died on March 4, 1915, several obituaries credited him. One of them is A New York Tribune, which stated:

No matter how Chicken ala King got started, there is no doubt that it is one of the many dishes that is super popular and delicious. Indulging in Chicken ala King is really made simpler and easier. Try this recipe!

When is Chicken Ala King Typically Served?

Chicken ala King is not commonly served at a typical meal or occasion. Instead, it is eaten during dinner on special occasions such as weddings, the 4th of July, and of course, on Christmas Day. But that is no longer the case. Nowadays, there are multiple variations that you can buy that are already made. So even on regular days, people make Chicken ala King in the comfort of their own home kitchen, or even as a takeout from some restaurants, since it is also sold by some restaurants nowadays. Chicken ala King is served as the main course and is usually eaten with a side of green vegetable salad, but some also simply eat it by itself without any side dish. You can also get this dish at a fine dining restaurant, typically served at an intimate dinner, or even at some fast food places. Your options are varied, but instead of buying it, why don't you try and create your own version of Chicken ala King and start simple? This recipe will guide you through the basics of how to do it.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

You will need the following kitchen utensils to cook Chicken ala King:

  • Chopping board
  • Chopping knife
  • Bowls
  • Spatula
  • Frying pan
  • Serving platter

Chicken ala King’s Primary Ingredients – Chicken Breast and Cream Sauce

Chicken ala King’s primary ingredients are chicken breasts and, of course, the cream sauce. Chicken is the most common type and widely consumed poultry in the world. It is a great source of lean protein. Because of the low-fat protein found in chicken breasts, it offers many advantages, making this food a helpful addition to your diet. It helps build and maintain muscle mass, strengthens bones, and reduces appetite, making you feel full, which can help you reduce food cravings and overeating.

On the other hand, we have the cream sauce, commonly called white sauce or bechamel sauce, which uses basic ingredients such as cream, butter, garlic, and cheese. Not to mention, it can be made within 20 minutes. The flavor of this sauce is everything you wish to taste, creamy and rich with flavor and spice.

Interesting Facts

  • The fat and calorie content of your chicken may vary depending on how you cook it. Roasting, broiling, poaching, and grilling are generally the healthiest ways to cook your chicken if you want to limit its fat content. Breading, frying, and sauteing in butter or oil will add fats to your chicken.
  • Since it is an animal protein, chicken breast is not for people who are plant-based or vegetarians.
  • Consuming chicken can help you with your dietary plans, as it reduces appetite, making you feel full and keeping you away from cravings and overeating.

Tips and Tricks When Making Chicken Ala King

  • When making the cream sauce, you may add a pat of butter to make the most basic sauce taste decadent.
  • Wine adds acidity and an instant flavor boost to a pan of simple sauce, so feel free to add some if you prefer.
  • Raw chicken can contain bacteria that can cause illness, like salmonella. To be extra safe, you may use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Make sure it is at least 165°F or 74°C.

Ingredients

  • 2 pcs chicken breast
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • All-Purpose Cream
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Spring Onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 carrot, cubed
  • 1 potatoes, cubed
  • 2 slices cooked ham
  • Mushroom
  • 1 red bell pepper

Directions

  1. For the chicken fillet: Prepare flour, breadcrumbs, beaten egg and chicken. Add salt and pepper to the egg.

  2. Dredge the chicken to the beaten egg, and next to the flour then back to the egg and lastly coat with breadcrumbs.

  3. In a frying pan, fry the chicken for 7 minutes each side or until light brown.

  4. For Ala King sauce: In a frying pan, add 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.

  5. Then add the all-purpose cream, cheese and butter. Then mix.

  6. Lastly add spring onions and remove from heat.

  7. For vegetable garnish: Sauté onions and garlic.

  8. Add carrots, potatoes and ham. Then mix.

  9. Lastly add the mushroom and green peas, mix. Then remove from heat and put aside.

  10. For serving: In a serving platter, pour in the ala king sauce at the bottom.

  11. Next is the add some of the vegetable garnish, then the chicken, then some more vegetables.

  12. Lastly, add the thin sliced bell pepper at the top.

  13. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits of Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a popular and versatile ingredient in many dishes, including Chicken ala King. Here are some key benefits of incorporating chicken breast into your diet:

High in Protein

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall health.

Low in Fat

Compared to other cuts of chicken, chicken breast is low in fat, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken breast is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin B6: Supports brain health and energy metabolism.
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3): Helps convert food into energy and supports skin health.
  • Phosphorus: Essential for healthy bones and teeth.
  • Selenium: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Supports Weight Management

The high protein content in chicken breast can help you feel full longer, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.

Promotes Muscle Growth

Protein is crucial for muscle growth and repair. Including chicken breast in your diet can help support muscle development, especially when combined with regular exercise.

Easy to Prepare

Chicken breast is versatile and can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, baking, poaching, or sautéing, making it easy to incorporate into different recipes.

Heart Health

Choosing lean cuts like chicken breast can contribute to heart health by reducing the intake of saturated fats, which are linked to heart disease.

Boosts Metabolism

The high protein content in chicken breast can boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.

Incorporating chicken breast into your diet can provide numerous health benefits while adding delicious and nutritious options to your meals.

Now you can impress your loved ones and guests with this sophisticated dish and make your special occasion extra special. If you want to create your own variation of this dish, you can absolutely add your preferred ingredients or special garnishes. For example, I added a healthy garnish of veggies to complement the cream sauce and chicken, which are the basics of this dish. This twist not only enhances the flavor but also adds more color and delight to its presentation.

Feel free to play around and elevate your Chicken ala King to a whole new level of goodness and flavor.