Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Classic Chicken a la King. This creamy, savory dish brings together tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas in a luscious, velvety sauce. Whether spooned over flaky puff pastry, buttery toast, or a bed of fluffy rice, every bite feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s a nostalgic dish that manages to feel both old-fashioned and timeless, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how this dish transforms basic groceries into something so luxurious! Each ingredient in Classic Chicken a la King brings a special touch, from the sweetness of onions to the rich finish of cream. Make sure you use quality basics for the very best flavor, and don’t be afraid to add a personal twist.
- Butter: The backbone of any great sauce, adding a rich, silky base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and fragrance, it melts right into the sauce.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a bright pop of color and a little crunch for classic flavor.
- Mushrooms: Bring an earthy, savory depth that takes the sauce from simple to spectacular.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce; make sure to stir it well to avoid lumps.
- Chicken broth: The liquid gold that infuses the sauce with hearty chicken flavor.
- Whole milk: Gives the sauce that luxuriously creamy texture while keeping it light.
- Heavy cream: Just a touch makes the sauce extra velvety and indulgent.
- Cooked chicken breast: Dice or shred for best texture. Roasted or rotisserie chicken packs even more flavor.
- Frozen peas: A burst of sweetness and a lovely green color to brighten the dish.
- Salt: Lifts all the flavors so they shine.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and just the right amount of bite.
- Paprika: Lends mellow spice and a beautiful hint of color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A final scatter of freshness right before serving.
- Puff pastry shells, toast, or cooked rice: The perfect vessel to soak up all that creamy goodness.
How to Make Classic Chicken a la King
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it sizzles, add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Stir everything together and let the veggies sauté for around five minutes. They should become fragrant and softened—a sign that their flavors are mingling beautifully and ready to become the base of your Classic Chicken a la King.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Once your vegetables are softened, sprinkle in the flour. Stir it in well, letting it mix with the butter and vegetables for one to two minutes. This cooks away any raw flour taste and creates a smooth roux, which will help thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to keep stirring to avoid lumps. When it’s all incorporated and the mixture is smooth, pour in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to stir and watch as the sauce gently thickens over the next three to five minutes. It’s so satisfying when it all comes together into a glossy, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Now, it’s time for the real stars. Drop in the diced or shredded cooked chicken, frozen peas, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir these in until everything is coated with the luscious sauce. Let the mixture simmer for three to four more minutes, just until everything is heated through and the peas are tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Your Classic Chicken a la King is now ready for its grand entrance! Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over puff pastry shells, crunchy toast, or steamy rice. Get ready to dig in while it’s piping hot and every flavor is at its peak.
How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Finish your Classic Chicken a la King with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of extra paprika for a vibrant touch. Not only does it make your dish look gorgeous, but it also adds a pop of fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Classic Chicken a la King is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. Classic options include a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or even buttery peas. Anything light and fresh will contrast perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really impress, serve Classic Chicken a la King in puff pastry shells for an old-school, restaurant-style look. For a more casual take, try piling it high over toasted sourdough or a heap of fluffy, buttered rice. You can even serve it in individual ramekins for dinner parties—guests always love their own little portion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, rejoice! Classic Chicken a la King keeps beautifully. Transfer any extra to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it cool completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and the texture just right.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Classic Chicken a la King, making it a perfect meal-prep staple. Spoon the cooled mixture into a freezer-safe container or bag (skip the pastry shells for now) and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or chicken broth will loosen things up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce separate—but a careful, low-power microwave session works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken—thighs, legs, or a mix—works well in Classic Chicken a la King. Dark meat adds richness and a more robust flavor, so use whatever you have or love.
Is there a dairy-free option?
If you need to skip dairy, substitute plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or soy), and coconut cream for the cream. The result will still be creamy and delicious, though with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Classic Chicken a la King is flexible—try adding diced carrots, corn, or even spinach for extra color and nutrition. Sauté hard veggies a little longer so they’re fully tender.
What’s the best way to shred or dice cooked chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks to shred roasted or rotisserie chicken right after it cools a bit. For dicing, a sharp knife works wonders. Cutting while the chicken is still a bit warm gives the neatest results.
Can I make it spicy?
For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your Classic Chicken a la King. It’ll wake up your tastebuds and add a fun twist without overpowering the classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels as comforting as it is impressive, Classic Chicken a la King is your answer. It’s a timeless dish that always brings smiles to the table, and once you master it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. Give it a try—you’re about to discover a new favorite for cozy nights in or for sharing with the ones you love!
Print
Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic Chicken a la King is a comforting and creamy chicken dish with vegetables, served over puff pastry shells, toast, or rice. This recipe is a nostalgic favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Serving Suggestions:
- 4 puff pastry shells, toast, or cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk and cream. Stir until thickened.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Mix in chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in parsley and serve hot over pastry, toast, or rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, opt for roasted or rotisserie chicken.
- Enhance the taste with a splash of sherry.
- If using canned mushrooms, remember to drain them before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken mixture with pastry or toast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
