Name: Easy Homemade Chicken Ala King (Gluten Free u0026 Dairy Free)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded chicken; 1/2 sweet onion; 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups chicken broth*; 1 + 1/4 cups coconut milk; 2 Tablespoons arrowroot + 2 Tablespoons water; 1.5 cups frozen peas; 2 jars pimentos (8 oz total); Serve with 3 cups (1/2 cup per serving) of rice or cauliflower rice (for paleo version)*

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This Easy Homemade Chicken Ala King is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and only takes 20 minutes to make. It tastes like classic chicken ala king yet it is gluten free and dairy free with the option to be grain free and paleo friendly.

Easy Homemade Chicken Ala King (Gluten Free & Dairy Free)

What is Chicken Ala King?

If you’ve never had chicken ala king before you might be wondering what exactly is it. Although the origins of this dish are debated, it is a meal made of shredded chicken, peas and peppers that is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce and served over rice. It is such a comforting meal and is so easy to make! It only takes 20 minutes start to finish which makes it a great option for weeknight dinners. The traditional recipe is made with butter, heavy cream, milk and flour but this recipe swaps those ingredients for ones that are naturally gluten, dairy and grain free! To answer the question I’m sure your thinking, yes it still tastes just as good as the original!

What You’ll Need to Make this Chicken Ala King

Ingredients:

Chicken
Sweet onion
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic powder
Pepper
Salt
Chicken broth
Coconut milk
Arrowroot flour
Frozen peas
Pimentos

Kitchen Tools:

Large (14 inch) skillet
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Cutting board and knife
Small bowl
Saucepan (if serving with rice)

Pre-Cooked Chicken Options

This recipe calls for pre-cooked shredded chicken. Here are some of my favorite ways to cook the chicken. Just remember that if you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, it will add more time to the total time for this recipe!

Crockpot: This is my favorite option because I believe it results in the juiciest and most tender shredded chicken. Place the chicken in the crockpot with 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Remove chicken from crockpot and shred. If I know I’m making this recipe during the week, I’ll cook the chicken on the weekend and put it in the fridge until I’m ready to make the rest of the recipe.
Rotisserie chicken: using a rotisserie chicken for this recipe is a very easy option. However, if you are following a strict gluten free diet make sure you confirm that this is a safe option. Sometimes there can be a risk for cross confirmation or extra ingredients that may contain gluten.
Instant pot: Place the chicken in the steamer basket and pour 1 cup of water or chicken broth over the chicken. Set the Instant Pot on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the basket and shred.
Boiling: Cover the chicken with water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Oven: Butterfly the chicken breasts and place them on a sheet pan. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This option will not result in shredded chicken but you can cut up the chicken breasts and it will work the same in the recipe (although I personally like shredded chicken better for this recipe).

How to Make Chicken Ala King

Step One: Rice

There are many options as to what you can serve with this Easy Homemade Chicken Ala King (see below). My favorite option is basmati rice! If this is what you plan on serving with the chicken ala king, start by preparing the rice by following the directions on the back of the box. If you are serving it with another side, make sure to start with that if it takes longer than 20 minutes to make.

Step Two: Creamy Sauce

Dice the onion and place it in the skillet with the extra virgin olive oil. Sautee on high heat until the onion becomes translucent. Add in the chicken broth, coconut milk, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Bring the sauce to a boil.

Step Three: Chicken Ala King

In a separate bowl, mix together the arrowroot and water to create a roux and then add it to the skillet. Continue to cook on medium heat for 3 minutes. Make sure to whisk the sauce often as it will thicken up quickly. Add the peas, chicken and pimentos to the skillet. Continue to cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. If you plan on serving this with cauliflower rice, follow the directions on the bag to heat it in the microwave.

What Sides to Serve with Chicken Ala King

When I think of chicken ala king, I think of serving it over rice. However, there are other options too! You can serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, bread, cauliflower rice or even biscuits!

Paleo Chicken Ala King

To make this recipe paleo friendly, make sure to serve the chicken ala king over cauliflower rice or paleo friendly bread. There is also controversy regarding whether or not peas are considered paleo approved (since they are technically a legume). So, if you view peas as off limit then you would leave them out of this recipe.

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This Easy Homemade Chicken Ala King is a family favorite in our house. Not only is it absolutely delicious but it’s so easy to make! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

-Kelsey