Chicken Ala King Recipes Easy Crockpot

Chicken Ala King Recipes Easy Crockpot: Because Adulting is Hard and Dinner Shouldn’t Be!

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Life throws enough curveballs, and honestly, slaving over a hot stove shouldn’t be one of them. That’s where our hero, the Crockpot, swoops in like a culinary superhero with a cape made of slow-cooked goodness. We’re talking Chicken Ala King, but like, the ridiculously easy, dump-and-forget-about-it version. Get ready to impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if your primary contribution was opening a few cans. It’s practically foolproof. I’m talking *almost* foolproof. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it’s packed with flavor without demanding your constant attention. Think of it as your edible fairy godmother, transforming simple ingredients into a magical dinner with minimal effort. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Crockpot meal that fills your house with amazing smells?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: About 1.5 to 2 pounds. Use whatever you have lurking in the freezer.
• Canned Cream of Chicken Soup: Two (10.5 oz) cans. Don’t overthink this; it’s the magic binder.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup. Because we need a little liquid courage for our chicken.
• Diced Pimentos: One (4 oz) jar, drained. They add that classic pop of color and a hint of sweet flavor. Think of them as the confetti of your dish.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 1.5 cups. Peas, carrots, corn – the whole gang. They’re already chopped, so you’re welcome.
• Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced. Fresh is great, but if canned is all you’ve got, go for it. We’re not judging your life choices here.
• Onion: 1 small, chopped. Or use onion powder if chopping is too much effort. Nobody will tell.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Because everything is better with a little butter.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. The universal flavor enhancers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grab your Crockpot, and give it a little pep talk about how awesome it’s about to be.
2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly into the Crockpot. Don’t be shy, give them some space.
3. In a separate bowl (or just dump it all in if you’re feeling bold), whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Add the drained pimentos, frozen mixed vegetables, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion (or onion powder), melted butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour this glorious, creamy mixture all over the chicken in the Crockpot. Make sure everything is cozy.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Basically, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the veggies are cooked through. The exact time depends on your Crockpot’s mood.
6. Once it’s done, shred or chop the chicken directly in the Crockpot with two forks. Stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy.
7. Serve hot over rice, noodles, biscuits, or just eat it straight from the Crockpot with a spoon. We won’t tell.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Thaw the Chicken: Unless you want “icy chicken surprise,” make sure your chicken is thawed.
• Skipping the Broth: That liquid is essential for preventing a dry, sad Chicken Ala King.
• Overcrowding the Crockpot: Give your ingredients some breathing room. They’re not at a rave.
• Ignoring the “Low” or “High” Setting: Stick to the times recommended. Your Crockpot isn’t a genie; it needs instructions.
• Not Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning: Salt and pepper are your friends. Don’t be afraid to chat with them.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling fancy? Or maybe just out of something? No worries!

• Chicken: Turkey breast works in a pinch. Just saying.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of mushroom is a totally acceptable substitute. Or, for a lighter version, try Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk and chicken broth. (Just don’t tell my grandma I said that.)
• Pimentos: Diced red bell peppers can add a similar color and crunch if pimentos aren’t your jam.
• Mushrooms: If mushrooms are a deal-breaker, just leave them out. Your Crockpot won’t cry about it.
• Veggies: Use whatever frozen veggies you have. Broccoli florets? Sure! Green beans? Why not!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

“Can I make this ahead of time?”
Absolutely! This is the *perfect* make-ahead meal. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

“Is it really *that* easy?”
For real. If you can open cans and use a measuring cup, you can make this. It’s practically a culinary participation trophy.

“What if I don’t have a Crockpot?”
You can totally make this on the stovetop. Sauté your onions in butter in a large pot, add chicken, broth, and cook until tender. Then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer. Or, use a Dutch oven in the oven on a low temp for a few hours. It’s doable, but the Crockpot is just so… hands-off.

“Can I add more veggies?”
Go for it! Just be mindful of not adding too many watery vegetables that could make your sauce too thin.

“My sauce is a little thin, what gives?”
No stress! Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it’ll thicken up like a charm.

“Can I freeze leftovers?”
Yep! Let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It should be good for a couple of months. Reheat thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A ridiculously delicious and surprisingly easy Chicken Ala King that’s basically a hug in a bowl. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up something amazing. So go ahead, embrace the lazy genius within you. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy cooking (or, you know, Crockpot-ing)!