Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to absolutely love this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe. It’s one of those timeless dishes that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly fast, perfect for those days when you want something special without fussing too much. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step—and share tips I’ve picked up over the years to make this recipe truly shine in your kitchen.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe plays a key role in building the dish’s richness, texture, and flavor. When shopping, look for fresh mushrooms and nice-quality chicken to elevate the end result.

• Salted butter: The base for your sauce, adding luscious creaminess and richness.
• Sliced mushrooms (white or cremini): I prefer cremini for their earthier flavor, but either works well.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without any gritty texture.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes that keep the sauce from tasting too rich or one-dimensional.
• Milk: Balances the broth, making the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Egg yolks: These give the sauce a velvety finish – just temper them carefully to avoid scrambling.
• Heavy cream: Boosts creaminess and adds a lovely silky texture.
• Frozen peas: A burst of green sweetness and texture contrast—plus, they cook right in the sauce.
• Diced pimientos: They bring mild sweetness and a pretty splash of color that brightens the dish.
• Shredded cooked chicken: This is the star protein—leftover roast chicken works beautifully here, too!

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is. Over time, I’ve added my own twists depending on the season, what’s in the fridge, or who I’m cooking for—and you should too! Cooking is all about making a recipe your own.

• Variation: Sometimes, I swap the chicken for turkey, especially post-holiday, which is a fantastic way to use up leftovers and still get that cozy creamy vibe.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and amp up with extra mushrooms, peas, and maybe some tender artichoke hearts for a meat-free delight.
• Spice it up: If you’re into a little kick, stirring in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Fresh herbs: Adding chopped fresh parsley or thyme at the end freshens the dish beautifully—one of my kitchen secrets.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms to Perfection

Start by melting that salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, toss in your sliced mushrooms and give them a good stir. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural juices—this step builds a deep, earthy base flavor that makes the whole dish sing. Make sure you stir occasionally so they don’t stick or burn, especially on higher heat.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps everything thicken perfectly later on. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously—this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens like a cozy blanket.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks Like a Pro

This is a crucial moment. Whisk your egg yolks with the heavy cream in a small bowl. Then, carefully add about half a cup of the hot sauce into the egg mixture—this step prevents the eggs from scrambling when back in the heat. Slowly pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, whisking as you go. Let it cook another couple of minutes; the sauce will thicken into that silky, glossy finish that’s signature to Classic Chicken a la King Recipe.

Step 4: Stir in the Chicken, Peas, and Pimientos

Now it’s time to fold in your shredded cooked chicken, frozen peas, and those bright diced pimientos. Stir everything gently and cook for a few more minutes until the peas are warmed through and the chicken is heated. At this point, taste and add salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this creamy, dreamy dish over freshly cooked rice, buttered noodles, toast points, or even warm biscuits. Trust me, every option is delicious, so pick your favorite or try a couple to mix it up.

How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens the plate and adds a little herbal freshness that complements the richness beautifully. Sometimes I even add thinly sliced green onions for a subtle bite and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Classic Chicken a la King is a meal all by itself when served over buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, but I also love pairing it with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this dish stuffed inside puff pastry shells at a dinner party—looks fancy, and everyone loved the flaky crust paired with that smooth chicken filling. It’s sure to impress your guests if you’re aiming for something special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I stir the sauce gently—it tends to thicken on standing, so a splash of broth or milk helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe freezes reasonably well. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Just know the peas might lose some texture, so you can add fresh peas when reheating if you want a fresher bite.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If the sauce is too thick, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up—this keeps it tasting freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s comfort food that impresses without being complicated. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it becomes your quick weeknight meal or your go-to for cozy weekend dinners. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and trust me, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation faster than you expect!

Print