Chicken A La King Soup Recipe

Chicken A La King is a beloved dish that blends tender chicken, creamy sauce, and an assortment of vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful experience. While it’s often served over rice, pasta, or toast, a warming soup version of this classic transforms it into a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness that’s perfect for cold weather, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something both creamy and satisfying.

The beauty of Chicken A La King soup lies in how it keeps the essence of the original dish but adds a new twist. It’s still a rich, creamy, and indulgent experience, but with the convenience of a bowl of soup. You get the familiar flavors of chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas, all enveloped in a velvety, creamy broth. Add a few herbs and seasonings, and you have a soup that’s both sophisticated and homely.

This recipe is versatile and easy to make, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook. Let’s dive into the detailed Chicken A La King soup recipe that will not only fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas but also satisfy your hunger and elevate your dinner.

Here’s how to make a delicious Chicken A La King soup that’s smooth, flavorful, and comforting.

Ingredients Needed

2 tbsp butter: For sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich base.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A touch of sharpness and flavor.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy, umami flavor to the soup.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and color.
1/2 cup frozen peas: Offers a pop of color and sweetness.
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: The star of the dish-use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
3 cups chicken broth: Provides the soup base and necessary depth.
1 ½ cups heavy cream: For that rich, velvety texture that defines the soup.
1 tbsp all-purpose flour: To thicken the soup and create a creamy consistency.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a savory note.
1 tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a mild smokiness.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A touch of brightness and color.

Cooking Instructions

Sauté The Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Add The Mushrooms And Bell Pepper

Stir in the mushrooms and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the vegetables to release their moisture and soften. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to bring out the flavors.
Create The Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. This will form a roux, which will help thicken the soup. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to avoid any raw flour taste.
Add The Chicken Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer And Add Cream

Once the broth is simmering, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy.
Add The Cooked Chicken And Peas

Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, allowing them to heat through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
Final Touches

Once the soup is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, serve with a slice of crusty bread or over rice, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: Opt for lean cuts of chicken like breast meat for a lighter soup. However, if you prefer a more rich, flavorful option, you can use thighs. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time.
Mushrooms: The earthy flavor of mushrooms is essential for this dish. Cremini or white button mushrooms are commonly used, but you could experiment with shiitake or portobello for a more robust flavor profile.
Heavy cream: The cream provides the soup with a luxurious texture and a rich flavor. If you want to make it lighter, you could substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but it won’t be as indulgent.
Frozen peas: These are a great addition for sweetness and color. Frozen peas retain their freshness and texture when cooked directly into the soup.
Spices: Paprika and thyme are key spices that give the soup its depth. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while thyme gives it an herbaceous, savory note that ties all the ingredients together.

Expert Tips

For extra richness: Stir in a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking. It melts into the soup and gives it a beautiful depth of flavor.
Texture matters: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can purée part of the soup (using an immersion blender or regular blender) before adding the chicken. This creates a creamy, velvety texture without losing any of the substance.
Make it ahead: Chicken A La King soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water. Stir it into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu or a combination of hearty vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh jalapeños to the soup. It will balance the richness with a nice spicy kick.
Curry Twist: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the soup for an exotic twist. The warmth and complexity of curry will blend beautifully with the creamy broth.
Seafood A La King: Replace the chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood version of the classic dish. The seafood will pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add a sophisticated touch.

Final Words

This Chicken A La King soup recipe offers the perfect balance of rich, creamy goodness and comforting familiarity. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful, whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a starter for a special meal.

With its simple ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make, yet the flavors are sophisticated enough to impress even the pickiest of eaters. It’s not just about the creaminess; it’s the tender chicken, the earthy mushrooms, the subtle heat from the paprika, and the little pops of sweetness from the peas that make this soup unforgettable.

Chicken A La King Soup Recipe