Campbell Soup Chicken Ala King Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Campbell’s Soup Chicken Ala King fits that bill perfectly. This dish has been a staple in many households, especially when people want to throw together something quick, delicious, and filling. Using Campbell’s signature cream of chicken soup, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, flavorful meal in just a matter of minutes.

What makes Chicken Ala King so appealing is its balance of rich, creamy texture, tender chicken, and a touch of savory vegetables, all brought together in one dish. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, crispy toast, or buttery biscuits, it’s a crowd-pleaser and a recipe that’s stood the test of time. So let’s dive into how to recreate this comforting classic, straight from Campbell’s own kitchen.

Campbell Soup Chicken Ala King Recipe

This easy version of Chicken Ala King uses Campbell’s cream of chicken soup as the base, which is a fantastic shortcut that adds depth of flavor and creamy consistency with little effort. The ingredients list is simple, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a quick dish to whip up when you’re short on time.

Here’s How To Make It

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 2 Cups Cooked Chicken (shredded Or Cubed)

  • Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders, or you can poach a couple of chicken breasts for this.

• 1 Can (10 ½ Ounces) Campbell’s® Cream Of Chicken Soup

  • The heart of the dish. This ready-made soup serves as the creamy base for the sauce.

• 1 Cup Frozen Peas (or Fresh If You Prefer)

  • A little burst of color and sweetness.

• 1/2 Cup Sliced Mushrooms

  • Adds an earthy flavor that complements the creaminess.

• 1/4 Cup Milk

  • This thins out the soup to the perfect consistency and gives it a smooth texture.

• 1 Tablespoon Butter

  • For sautéing the vegetables and adding a bit of richness.

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  • Seasoning the dish is key to enhancing all the flavors.

Optional:

• 1/2 Cup Red Or Green Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped

  • Adds a bit of sweetness and color, but this is entirely up to your taste.

• 1 Tablespoon Chopped Parsley (for Garnish)

  • A touch of freshness and color to top it all off.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, cook it first by boiling or poaching it until fully cooked, then shred or dice it. If you have leftover chicken, just pull it apart or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms (and bell peppers if you’re using them), and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and slightly golden.
3. Add the soup: Pour in the Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup along with the milk. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth sauce. You can adjust the milk amount based on how thick or thin you want the sauce.
4. Mix in the chicken and peas: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the peas are tender.
5. Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for added freshness and a pop of color.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over hot rice, buttered toast, or mashed potatoes. You can even serve it on biscuits for a more indulgent meal.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper dive into the ingredients to understand why each one works so well in this dish:

• Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the foundation of the recipe. It’s a pre-made, ready-to-use soup that has the perfect balance of creaminess and chicken flavor. The soup’s richness eliminates the need for a complicated sauce-making process.
• Chicken: The chicken is the star protein, and it needs to be tender and flavorful. Leftover chicken is great for this dish, especially since it can soak up the sauce and add extra flavor.
• Peas: Peas add texture, color, and a little sweetness, making them a perfect contrast to the savory chicken and cream sauce.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cream. They also absorb some of the soup’s flavor, making them even more delicious.
• Milk: Milk thins out the soup and creates that velvety texture that makes Chicken Ala King so indulgent. You could substitute cream for extra richness, but milk keeps it lighter.
• Butter: A small amount of butter is enough to bring everything together. It helps sauté the vegetables and adds a bit of richness without overwhelming the other flavors.

Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips to take your Chicken Ala King to the next level:

• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or roasted chicken, use it! It’s not only time-saving but will infuse the dish with even more flavor.
• Customizable vegetables: If you like more crunch, throw in some chopped bell peppers or carrots. These will not only add texture but also a subtle sweetness that contrasts well with the creaminess.
• Add a dash of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the entire dish. The acidity cuts through the richness and adds a nice fresh note.
• Herbs and spices: Try adding thyme, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. You can also play around with fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon to elevate the flavor profile.
• Use a good non-stick pan: This makes the sautéing process smoother, preventing the mushrooms or veggies from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It also helps in cleaning up afterward!

Recipe Variations

If you want to make this dish your own or switch things up, here are some variations you can try:

• Seafood Ala King: Replace the chicken with shrimp or crab meat. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with seafood, and it’s a great way to reinvent this dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken altogether and load up on extra vegetables. Try adding zucchini, spinach, or artichokes for a more veggie-packed version. You can even use tofu as a protein substitute.
• Spicy Chicken Ala King: For a kick of heat, add some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix. This adds a whole new dimension to the dish.
• Cheesy Chicken Ala King: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it extra creamy and indulgent.

Final Words

Campbell’s Soup Chicken Ala King is a dish that marries simplicity with comfort in the most delicious way. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a rich, creamy meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds and fill your stomach.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, too. It’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry, and it can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. Plus, it’s a great base for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.