Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Looking for a meal that brings pure comfort to your table without eating up your whole evening? This Classic Chicken a la King is about to become your go-to weeknight dinner. Don’t let the old-fashioned name fool you—this dish is gloriously creamy, satisfyingly hearty, and pops with color and flavor in every bite. It’s the definition of a one-pan wonder, with juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and a silken sauce that cloaks everything beautifully. Whether served over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery noodles, crispy toast, or golden biscuits, this recipe satisfies heart and stomach with minimal fuss—ready in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry—the ingredient list is short, and all the items are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s the real magic behind each one:

• Salted Butter: For sauteing the mushrooms and creating a base packed with buttery richness.
• White or Cremini Mushrooms: Add earthiness and a satisfying chew—skip if you’re not a mushroom fan or swap in another veggie!
• All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the sauce, giving it that gorgeous creamy body.
• Chicken Broth: Brings savory depth—opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
• Milk: Lightens and enriches the sauce. Whole or 2% both work great.
• Egg Yolks: For extra silkiness and a faint yellow glow (don’t skip this—totally worth it!).
• Heavy Cream: The secret to a truly luxurious mouthfeel.
• Frozen Peas: For bursts of sweetness and color—straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
• Diced Pimientos: These add a pop of color and a gentle, tangy bite.
• Cooked Chicken: Use roasted, poached, or rotisserie. Shredded or diced both work—just make sure it’s tender.

Variations

Chicken a la King is the ultimate adaptable comfort food. Don’t hesitate to get creative or use what’s already in your fridge.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and double the mushrooms (or toss in some roasted cauliflower or canned chickpeas).
• Low-Carb: Serve with steamed cauliflower rice or over a pile of sautéed spinach instead of rice or bread.
• Seafood Twist: Swap in cooked shrimp or crab for the chicken for a decadent seafood a la king.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or even asparagus tips.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a gentle kick.

How to Make Classic Chicken a la King

You’ll look like a kitchen hero but it really couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to make it all happen in a single pan.

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Melt a generous amount of salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re soft and golden—about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for a minute or two. The flour should disappear into the butter and mushrooms—no dry spots!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, stirring as you go to keep things smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. It’ll thicken up in about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Temper and Enrich

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. To prevent curdling, whisk in a bit of the hot sauce to warm up the eggs (this is called tempering—don’t skip!). Pour this mixture back into the pan, whisking constantly, and let it heat gently for about 2 more minutes until the sauce is even silkier.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Chicken

Stir in the frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked chicken. Simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is warmed through and the peas are tender.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Dish up while hot.

How to Serve

This is where Chicken a la King shines with its versatility! Ladle the creamy mixture generously over:

• Fluffy white rice for a timeless combination.
• Buttered egg noodles or fettuccine for a truly cozy, pasta-like experience.
• Golden toasted bread—yes, this is a must-try for the ultimate open-faced sandwich.
• Freshly baked biscuits for a Southern-inspired plate.

Garnish with extra parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy, or a drizzle of cream for extra drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This recipe actually freezes quite well—just let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Warm over gentle heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King is all about making life deliciously easy. Creamy, comforting, and wonderfully adaptable, it transforms simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece—perfect for any night of the week. If you’ve never tried it, now’s your chance to fall in love with a true crowd-pleaser. Roll up your sleeves, let your creativity shine, and savor every luscious bite!

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