Chicken a la King Recipe
Chicken a la King is the kind of comforting, creamy dish that feels special no matter the occasion—an American classic that delivers both rich flavor and weeknight simplicity. The magic comes from tender chicken breast, sweet peas, and mushrooms enveloped in a silky, savory sauce that’s warming and satisfying in every bite. It’s an absolute favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want something cozy, quick, and just a bit nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something soothing, Chicken a la King always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Chicken a la King is how it turns simple staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient adds its own special something—flavor, texture, or a pop of color—that makes this recipe sing. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much: the little details truly matter!
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the sauce its rich base, while allowing you to control the saltiness.
- Onion (finely chopped): For a sweet aromatic foundation that brings everything together.
- Green Bell Pepper (diced): Adds a pleasant crunch and grassy brightness.
- Mushrooms (sliced): Offer a savory depth and earthy flavor that’s classic in Chicken a la King.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to that luxurious, spoon-coating consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the dish with savory undertones—low-sodium gives you more seasoning control.
- Milk: Balances creaminess and smoothness without making things too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: Adds lush, decadent texture—swap for half-and-half if you want it lighter.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (diced): The star; makes this dish so satisfying and protein-packed.
- Frozen Peas (thawed): Bring sweetness and a cheerful pop of color to brighten up the sauce.
- Salt: Simple but essential for flavor—it brings out the best in every other ingredient.
- Black Pepper: A subtle kick that keeps things lively without overpowering.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle hint of color, tying all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): For a fresh, herbal finish—makes every plate look and taste vibrant.
How to Make Chicken a la King
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start with a large skillet set over medium heat and melt the butter—this is where your kitchen begins to smell amazing! Add the finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms, then sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it—take your time for the sweetest, most aromatic results.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for about a minute. This not only cooks out the raw flour taste, but it also ensures your sauce will be silky, not grainy. The mixture should look a little thick and pasty by the end—don’t worry, you’re right on track.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking or stirring as you go to avoid lumps, then follow with the milk. Let the mixture gently cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns thick and glossy. This part is so satisfying—it’s when the sauce really starts to come together and look luscious!
Step 4: Stir in Cream, Chicken, and Peas
Add the heavy cream for that signature plush finish, then fold in the diced cooked chicken, thawed peas, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer softly for 5 minutes. The chicken absorbs all those creamy, savory flavors, and the peas brighten up with each bubble. It smells heavenly!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, sprinkle with plenty of chopped fresh parsley. This finishing touch not only adds color, but the fresh herb lifts every flavor in your Chicken a la King. It’s ready to plate in your favorite way.
How to Serve Chicken a la King
Garnishes
Garnish is more than just a pretty touch—it’s the final flavor pop! A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a crack of fresh black pepper or a touch more paprika for an extra burst of color and aroma. If you love a bit of zest, try a tiny squeeze of lemon or even some chives for variety.
Side Dishes
Chicken a la King is famously versatile when it comes to what you serve it over. Flaky puff pastry shells make it feel extra celebratory, while warm biscuits or white rice turn it into the ultimate comfort meal. For something quicker, spoon it over toasted bread, noodles, or even a baked potato. Can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special dinners, Chicken a la King is fantastic spooned into individual puff pastry vol-au-vent shells, or served family-style in a beautiful bowl with colorful sides. For a fun twist, fill mini phyllo cups for bite-sized appetizers, or ladle over polenta for an unexpected but delightful base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken a la King keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the flavors from fading. When you’re ready to enjoy again, give it a gentle stir to bring everything back together.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Chicken a la King, though for best texture, let it cool completely before freezing in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. Keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but a quick whisk as it reheats will usually fix everything.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth and the chicken doesn’t dry out. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. The microwave works too, just be sure to use 50 percent power and pause to stir every minute.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken a la King?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut for Chicken a la King. Just dice or shred the meat and fold it in as instructed. The flavorful, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and saves lots of prep time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional Chicken a la King uses all-purpose flour for thickening, which does contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or use cornstarch (about half as much), and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free too.
Can I swap the mushrooms for something else?
Of course! If mushrooms aren’t your favorite or you don’t have them on hand, try diced carrots, celery, or even a handful of spinach near the end of cooking. The spirit of Chicken a la King is all about flexibility.
How do I make it lighter or dairy-free?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use all milk. For dairy-free, swap in a plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk, and a splash of dairy-free cream or coconut cream—just know the flavor will be a little different but still delicious.
What are some creative leftovers ideas?
If you happen to have extra Chicken a la King, spoon it onto toast for a retro lunch, tuck it into a baked potato for a hearty meal, or use it as a filling for savory crepes. It’s also dreamy over roasted veggies or even spooned onto pizza dough with a sprinkle of cheese!
Final Thoughts
Chicken a la King is a dish I come back to again and again, not just for its ease, but for its heartwarming flavor and endless versatility. I hope this recipe becomes as trusty (and loved) in your kitchen as it is in mine—give it a try, dress it up or down, and most importantly, enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
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Chicken a la King Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken dish, Chicken a la King is a classic recipe perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a rich sauce, served over puff pastry shells or rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken a la King:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then milk, cooking until mixture begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over puff pastry shells, biscuits, rice, or pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
