Name: Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 2 cups cooked diced chicken breast; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional); fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s ever a dish that spells old-school comfort in the best possible way, it’s the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe. Tender morsels of chicken swim in a silky, creamy sauce brimming with mushrooms, peas, and a colorful medley of peppers and onions. This beloved American recipe transforms humble ingredients into a showstopper—perfect atop toast, puff pastry, or even a cozy mound of rice. Whether you’re reviving childhood memories or just craving a soul-soothing dinner, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple yet essential ingredients that give this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe its signature richness and timeless flavor. Each addition brings something special to the table—from creamy textures and colorful bites to bright, fresh garnishes. Here’s what goes into crafting that irresistible sauce and hearty filling:

Unsalted butter: Starts the recipe off with classic richness and gives the sauce its smooth, velvety base.
Olive oil: Blends with the butter for even sautéing while adding a subtle fruity note.
Chopped yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and a foundation of flavor to the dish.
Chopped green bell pepper: Lends a pop of color and a hint of tender crunch.
Sliced mushrooms: Soak up the savory sauce, giving an earthy undertone and meaty texture.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Infuses robust chicken flavor, making the whole sauce heartier.
Whole milk: Provides rich creaminess—full-fat milk makes the sauce extra indulgent.
Cooked diced chicken breast: The star of the show; make sure it’s juicy and tender for best results.
Frozen peas: Tossed in for bright color and a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings the sauce together.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
Paprika: Offers warm color and a subtle smoky flavor—don’t skip it!
Dry sherry (optional): Just a splash elevates the cream sauce with nuanced, delicate complexity.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle before serving gives freshness and classic presentation.

How to Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by setting a large skillet over medium heat and melting the unsalted butter together with olive oil. Once the butter sizzles lightly, add your onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté this trio until everything softens and the vegetables turn fragrant—about five minutes. This step creates the aromatic foundation and depth that make a true Classic Chicken a la King Recipe so irresistible.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your softened veggies in the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute, letting the flour absorb the oil and butter. This quick, simple roux is essential for thickening the sauce, and allows all those delicious flavors to blend seamlessly.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

It’s time to bring the sauce to life! Gradually whisk in the chicken broth first, then the whole milk. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps. The mixture will slowly transform from thin and soupy to luxuriously thick and creamy—as soon as it coats the back of your spoon, you’re ready for the next stage.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas

Now, fold in the cooked diced chicken, frozen peas, salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you’re opting for a little grown-up flavor, drizzle in the dry sherry too. Give everything a gentle stir, letting the sauce simmer for about five more minutes. This warms the chicken and peas through, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serving is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Spoon the creamy chicken mixture generously over toast, rice, noodles, or golden puff pastry shells. Don’t forget to finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and that final flourish of flavor.

How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the garnish of choice—it adds vibrant green contrast and a pop of brightness to this creamy dish. For an extra-special finish, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or add a few delicate chives for color and flavor.

Side Dishes

The Classic Chicken a la King Recipe begs to be paired with comforting sides. Fluffy white rice and buttered egg noodles are classic, but homemade biscuits or crusty bread are equally delightful for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp, green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests (or just yourself) by serving the chicken a la king in puff pastry shells for a truly vintage touch. Miniature tartlets make for fabulous party bites, or try ladling the mixture onto baked potatoes for a hearty twist. No matter the occasion, this dish adapts beautifully to your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Chicken a la King Recipe stores beautifully! Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for future meals. Spoon the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken a la king on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster to pull together, and its pre-cooked juiciness works beautifully here.

What’s the best way to serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe for a party?

For a crowd, consider serving the creamy chicken filling in ready-made puff pastry cups or over small toast points for an elegant, retro-inspired appetizer spread.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch (mixed with a bit of cold milk first), and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to lighten up the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe?

Yes—substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or half-and-half, and add extra veggies like carrots or spinach for a lighter, still-creamy version.

What’s a good substitute for sherry?

If you don’t have sherry on hand or prefer to skip the alcohol, a splash of chicken broth with a dash of lemon juice works nicely to brighten the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the nostalgia and comfort of a homemade Classic Chicken a la King Recipe shared with loved ones. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, spoon in hand, ready to savor every creamy, tender bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comfort of a classic chicken a la king, a creamy and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce come together to create a delicious meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken a la King:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
2 cups cooked diced chicken breast
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the skillet: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Create roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Make the sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Finish the dish: Add the diced chicken, peas, salt, pepper, paprika, and sherry if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Serve hot over your choice of base and garnish with chopped parsley.