If you’ve ever craved a comforting, indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This timeless dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant peas and pimientos, and a luscious, creamy sauce that’s rich without being heavy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion treat, this recipe balances simplicity and elegance perfectly — every bite bursts with creaminess, color, and flavor that’s utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe. Each component not only builds the sauce’s creamy texture but also adds freshness, depth, and those signature bursts of color that make this dish so inviting.
- Salted butter: Essential for sautéing and creating a silky roux base for the sauce.
- White or cremini mushrooms: Provide an earthy, meaty bite that complements the chicken beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Key for thickening the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and enhances the chicken flavors.
- Milk: Balances the richness and lightens the sauce’s texture.
- Egg yolks: Give richness and aid in thickening the sauce without curdling, creating a velvety finish.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and luxurious.
- Frozen peas: Add sweetness and a pop of vibrant green.
- Diced pimientos: Bring a subtle tangy sweetness and bright color.
- Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: The hearty star protein that ties all flavors together.
How to Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms
Start by melting the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about five minutes. This softens them perfectly while intensifying their flavor, building the umami foundation that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for one to two minutes. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully without lumps—think of it as the backbone of your creamy mixture.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring to combine smoothly. Bring this liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for three minutes until it thickens. This is when your sauce starts developing that luscious creaminess that makes the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe so special.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
Now, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream in a small bowl. To avoid scrambling the eggs when adding them to the hot sauce, slowly whisk in about half a cup of the warm sauce into your egg mixture. This tempering step gently raises the egg temperature and ensures a silky sauce finish.
Step 5: Add Egg Mixture to Sauce
Pour the tempered egg and cream blend back into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Continue cooking for another two minutes to thicken the sauce even further and develop that rich, velvety texture that defines this classic recipe.
Step 6: Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken
Finally, stir in your frozen peas, diced pimientos, and chopped cooked chicken. Let everything heat through for two to three minutes until the peas are tender, and the chicken is warmed all the way. Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper if you want to dial up the flavors even more.
How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish already looks vibrant, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra pimentos on top really brightens its presentation. The green and red pops contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Classic Chicken a la King is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It’s traditionally served over buttery toasted bread, flaky biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice — these bases soak up that delicious sauce and make the meal feel comfortingly complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix it up, try spooning it over warm pasta like egg noodles or puff pastry shells for an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Alternatively, turn it into a hearty pot pie filling by topping with a golden crust before baking until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for a next-day lunch or dinner. Just remember that the sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating if needed.
Freezing
This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe freezes well for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight; freezing can slightly change the texture of the peas but the flavor stays wonderfully intact.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick. Avoid the microwave if possible for cream-based sauces as this helps maintain the smooth, velvety texture you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this dish and makes it even easier to prepare. Just chop or shred the chicken before adding it in the final step.
What can I substitute for pimientos if I don’t have them?
You can use roasted red bell peppers as a tasty substitute. They provide a similar sweet flavor and vibrant color that complements the peas and creamy sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While traditional Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is rich with dairy, you can try substituting the butter with plant-based margarine, use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of dairy milk, and skip the cream or replace it with coconut cream. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.
How can I make this meal lighter without losing flavor?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. Also, adding more vegetables like diced carrots or celery can boost nutrition and volume without compromising taste.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can sauté the mushrooms and make the roux in advance, and store them in the fridge. When ready, just add the liquids, temper the eggs, and finish the recipe for a quicker weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that brings a touch of nostalgia, elegance, and unmatched comfort to your table. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home; it’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself to something special. Once you serve it up, you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite that never goes out of style.
Print
Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Chicken a la King is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich sauce with mushrooms, peas, and pimientos. Perfect served hot over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits, this recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced pimientos, drained
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup salted butter over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened.
- Make the Roux: Stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to fully incorporate the flour and eliminate any visible specks.
- Add Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk while stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large egg yolks and 1/3 cup heavy cream. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Add Egg Mixture to Sauce: Pour the tempered egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes to further thicken the sauce.
- Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, 1 cup diced pimientos, and 4 cups cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk or broth if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat milk.
- This dish pairs well with white rice or buttered noodles.
- Season with salt and pepper gradually to suit your taste preference.
