This homemade Ala King Sauce only needs 4 ingredients and can completely transform your meals! It’s super easy and perfect for creamy chicken or a comforting macaroni dish.
The original chicken a la king was all about chicken, but I’ve found this sauce works great with beef, veggies, and pasta too. It’s made with just butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour—simple stuff that’s been around forever.
It comes out thick and velvety, and the taste is something you just can’t pass up. Try making this classic sauce yourself and see why it’s a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to make, making it accessible for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
- The a la king sauce can be used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes, from chicken and beef to vegetables and pasta.
- The recipe can be customized to your taste preferences by adjusting the thickness, seasoning, and additional ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas.
- The creamy texture and savory flavor of the sauce can provide comfort and warmth on a cold day, making it a go-to recipe for comfort food.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Butter.
- All-purpose Flour. Don’t have it? Starch will do the trick in the same amount.
- Seasonings. I keep it simple with salt and pepper.
- Broth. Chicken broth is my go-to, but feel free to use whatever you have or prefer.
- Heavy Cream. Adds that rich, creamy texture.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Grab a large saucepan—big enough to mix everything comfortably. Start by melting the butter in it.
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour. Keep frying until it gives off a nutty aroma, about 2-3 minutes on medium to low heat.
Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
Now, gradually add the chicken broth. To prevent lumps, I pour it in 3-4 stages, stirring continuously each time.
Once all the broth is in, wait for it to boil before pouring in the heavy cream.
Stir well and let it come to a boil again.
Once it’s boiling, your sauce is ready to serve. It should be smooth and creamy, perfect for draping over meat or veggies.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This classic sauce pairs perfectly with cooked chicken, whether it’s served over chicken breasts, thighs, or even shredded chicken.
The a la king sauce also works well with cooked beef, such as beef tips, steak, or even meatballs.
Want to keep it vegetarian? Use vegetable broth during the cooking and in the end pour the sauce over a medley of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and peas.
Are you a big pasta lover? Cook your favorite pasta and toss it in the a la king sauce for a creamy and comforting meal.
Or of course, you can serve it as a dipping sauce near some crunchy slices of bread.
😻 Other Sauce Recipes You May Enjoy
- 4 Ingredient Fresh Basil Pesto
- Homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce
- Easy Homemade Bistro Sauce
- Easy Garlic Soy Sauce
- 4 Ingredient Homemade BBQ Sauce
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- To avoid lumps from forming, it’s important to whisk the mixture constantly while adding in the flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- The sauce should be cooked over low to medium heat, to prevent it from scorching or boiling over.
- The thickness of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or less flour, depending on your preference.
- This recipe can be customized by adding ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or even cooked chicken or beef. However, it’s important to adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly if adding additional ingredients.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken to Make Ala King Sauce?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to make ala king sauce. Simply shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce. You can also use cooked turkey or beef if you prefer.
How Do I Thicken Ala King Sauce if It’s Too Thin?
If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Add the mixture to the sauce and cook for a few minutes until thickened. You can also add a little more flour or reduce the sauce over low heat to thicken it.
Can I Make Ala King Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make ala king sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out if it’s too thick. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage.
Can I Freeze Ala King Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze ala king sauce for up to 3 months. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. You may need to add a little more liquid to the sauce after thawing.
How Can I Customize Ala King Sauce to My Liking?
You can customize ala king sauce by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn. You can also add different seasonings, such as garlic powder, thyme, or paprika, to give it more flavor. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. You can also use different types of meat, such as shrimp or beef, instead of chicken.
📋 Recipe Card:
Homemade 4-ingredient ala King Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Take a saucepan and melt the butter in it.2 tablespoons Butter
- Add over the flour, mix and cook for about 5 minutes on low-medium heat.1 ½ tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- In 3 stages, add little by little the chicken broth and mix continously to avoid forming lumps.1 cup Chicken Broth
- After that, add the heavy cream. Mix well and cook on low heat until it starts to boil. The sauce is ready to be served.1 cup Heavy Cream
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Cook on medium to low heat for the best texture.
- When you will add the chicken broth, add it in 3-4 stages and mix continuously after each step to avoid forming lumps.
Nutrition Estimates
Loved this recipe or tweaked it to make it your own? Please rate it and leave a comment below!
Your feedback helps others and I’d love to hear how you made this dish work for you.
jj
Can this sauce be frozen?
Victoria
Freezing your homemade a la king sauce is absolutely possible. Once it has cooled, pour the sauce into a well-sealed container or freezer bag, and then simply pop it into the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, take it out to thaw in the fridge, and as you gently warm it back up, feel free to add a touch of milk or cream to achieve the perfect consistency.