If you have been looking for a comforting, creamy, and truly nostalgic dish to add to your dinner rotation, this Chicken A La King Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, and colorful pimientos all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that makes every bite a warm hug. This classic recipe brings impressive flavor and texture without complicated steps, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like a dream team, each bringing something special to the plate — whether it’s rich creaminess, vibrant color, or savory depth. Having these simple pantry and fridge staples will ensure your Chicken A La King Recipe turns out delicious every single time.
- Salted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps sauté mushrooms for maximum flavor.
- Baby bella mushrooms (8 oz): Their meaty texture and deep taste create a hearty foundation.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): The secret thickening agent for that irresistible creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a mild, savory aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning perfectly throughout the cooking process.
- Chicken broth (1½ cups): Adds savory moisture and amplifies the chicken flavor.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): Provides a creamy base that makes the sauce silky smooth.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Bursts of sweetness and vibrant green brighten up the dish.
- Pimientos, drained (4 oz jar): Their mild peppery tang adds pops of color and flavor.
- Diced cooked chicken breast (4 cups): The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
How to Make Chicken A La King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms
Start by melting the salted butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or skillet. Toss in the baby bella mushrooms and cook gently until they soften and begin to brown, releasing their rich, earthy aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation that will make your Chicken A La King Recipe truly shine.
Step 2: Create the Roux with Flour and Spices
Sprinkle the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mushrooms. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This browning process brings out a nutty depth in the flour, which will be key to thickening your sauce and adding a comforting, hearty dimension to the dish.
Step 3: Whisk in the Liquids
Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens over the next few minutes until it reaches a velvety consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper — proper seasoning here is what lifts the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Add the Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken
Gently fold in the frozen peas, drained pimientos, and the diced cooked chicken. Stir just until everything is heated through so the peas remain pleasantly bright and the chicken stays tender. At this point, your Chicken A La King Recipe is nearly complete and smelling irresistible!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken A La King piping hot, ideally over buttery egg noodles, fluffy biscuits, or crisp toast. Each choice adds its own delightful texture and flavor pairing, turning an everyday meal into an indulgent experience.
How to Serve Chicken A La King Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra on top gives this dish a fresh boost. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and mild herbal brightness. A few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper also enhance the overall flavor, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
While Chicken A La King is often rich enough to stand alone, pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted carrots can provide a wonderful balance. These lighter, fresh sides contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce and hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a bit playful with your presentation: serve Chicken A La King inside puff pastry shells for elegant individual portions, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a cozy twist. You can also layer it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up every last creamy bite—this recipe invites creativity and indulgence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who wouldn’t?), transfer the Chicken A La King into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor ready for a quick second helping.
Freezing
This Chicken A La King Recipe also freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, labeling with the date, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for Chicken A La King, making this a fantastic way to repurpose scraps into a comforting new meal.
What can I use instead of baby bella mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms can be used as a direct substitute, or white button mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to sauté them until nicely browned for the best flavor.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the whole milk and butter for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or even baby spinach to customize the dish to your liking and boost the nutritional profile.
What is the best way to serve Chicken A La King?
While traditionally served over egg noodles or toast, Chicken A La King is equally delightful atop flaky biscuits, baked potatoes, or even steamed rice. Choose what you love most!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken A La King Recipe truly feels like a cozy kitchen hug in every spoonful. Its creamy, flavorful sauce combined with tender chicken and beautifully balanced vegetables makes it a treasured classic worth making again and again. So next time you want a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and effortlessly tasty, dive into this recipe—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken A La King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and comforting Chicken A La King recipe featuring tender chicken breast in a creamy mushroom sauce with peas and pimientos. Perfectly seasoned and served over noodles, biscuits, or toast for a hearty meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.25 cup salted butter
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 0.50 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.50 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.50 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.50 cup chicken broth
- 1.50 cups whole milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 oz jar of pimientos, drained
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken breast
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms and sauté them until they are softened and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, to brown the flour and develop flavor.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the frozen peas, drained pimientos, and diced cooked chicken breast. Cook the mixture just until everything is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken A La King immediately over wide egg noodles, warm biscuits, or toasted bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute baby bella mushrooms with white button mushrooms if preferred.
- The sauce can be thickened further by cooking a bit longer or adding a bit more flour during the roux step.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Serve with your choice of starch like rice or mashed potatoes for variety.
