If you’ve ever wanted to dive into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, let me introduce you to a truly timeless favorite: my Classic Chicken a la King Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, mushrooms, and a hint of sweetness from pimientos and peas — all in one luscious skillet. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get this rich, delicious dinner on your table with ease.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Creaminess: The sauce thickens just right, coating every bite without being heavy or greasy.
Depth of Flavor: Sautéed mushrooms and pimentos add earthiness and a subtle pop of sweetness.
Effortless Versatility: Serve it over toast, rice, or pasta for a meal you can tweak a million ways.
Quick and Family-Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknights or last-minute guests.

Chicken a la King, Classic Chicken a la King, chicken skillet recipes, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes - A wooden spoon lifts a creamy soup filled with visible layers of texture and color: soft white sauce mixed with small green peas, bright red bell pepper pieces, and slices of brown mushrooms. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, and ground black pepper is scattered over the surface, adding texture and dark specks. The dish is held over a white marbled surface, showing more of the creamy soup below with the same mix of vegetables and sauce, creating a rich, hearty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe shines because every ingredient plays a role, from building that velvety sauce to adding texture and color. When picking your ingredients, I always recommend fresh mushrooms and good quality broth to elevate the flavors effortlessly.

Chicken a la King, Classic Chicken a la King, chicken skillet recipes, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, sliced white mushrooms, bright green frozen peas, diced red pimientos, golden egg yolks, creamy heavy cream, whole butter block, fresh milk poured in a small glass jug, and a small bowl of rich chicken broth, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Essential for a rich base and for cooking the mushrooms perfectly without needing extra oil.
White or Cremini Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor balances the creaminess and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent that turns simple ingredients into a luscious sauce.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce beyond just milk alone.
Milk: Keeps the sauce creamy yet light, without overwhelming heaviness.
Egg Yolks: The secret to that custardy richness in the sauce, without curdling if tempered correctly.
Heavy Cream: Added for extra silkiness—trust me, it’s worth it.
Frozen Peas: Add little bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of green.
Diced Pimientos: These bring a subtle tang and brightness that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
Shredded Cooked Chicken: The star protein that makes this a hearty meal; leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the joys of this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is how you can personalize it based on what you’ve got or what you love. I often swap out or add ingredients to keep it fresh and fun.

Variation: I’ve made it with turkey instead of chicken for a lighter twist, and adding fresh thyme gives it a lovely herby edge.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter to create a creamy texture without the dairy.
Make it Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce livens up the classic flavor without overpowering it.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty tofu or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Step 1: Sauté The Mushrooms to Perfection

Start by melting your butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When it’s fully melted and begins to foam, toss in your sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and have released their lovely earthy aroma. Don’t rush this step — it creates so much flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Build The Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle your flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the sauce thicken nicely later on. Then, gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring. Bring it up to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for about 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken—this is exactly what we want to create that silky texture.

Step 3: Temper and Enrich With Egg Yolk Mixture

Whisk the egg yolks and heavy cream in a small bowl. To avoid curdling, slowly add about half a cup of the hot sauce into the egg mixture while whisking constantly—that’s tempering. Then pour this mixture back into the pan and keep stirring while you heat it for another 2 minutes. This step adds that luxurious custard-like creaminess that makes this recipe truly special.

Step 4: Fold In The Chicken, Peas, and Pimientos

Add your frozen peas, drained diced pimientos, and shredded chicken right into the sauce. Cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the peas soften and the chicken is warmed through. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. This final step brings all the flavors together for that classic, comforting finish.

Pro Tips for Making Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

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Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: It’s pre-cooked and full of flavor, which saves tons of time—one less thing to worry about when cooking.
Don’t Skip Tempering the Eggs: It’s key to preventing scrambled eggs in your sauce and keeping that velvety texture.
Sauté Mushrooms Slowly: Take your time so they release their moisture fully and become tender without burning.
Keep Stirring When Adding Liquids: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce from start to finish.

How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Chicken a la King, Classic Chicken a la King, chicken skillet recipes, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes - A large white pan filled with a creamy mixture that has three visible layers: the base is a thick white sauce with small green peas scattered evenly, the middle layer is mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, and the top layer has sliced brown mushrooms and a sprinkle of black pepper. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the creamy mix, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a tan cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Chicken a la King with freshly chopped parsley or chives because it adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild oniony note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar on top just before serving for an extra cozy touch that melts beautifully.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this dish is served over buttery toast, but I’m personally a big fan of fluffy white rice or wide egg noodles to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad balance out the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served Chicken a la King in little puff pastry shells for a fancy yet approachable appetizer. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Another idea: scoop it atop baked potatoes for a comforting, elegant dinner that feels extra special with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully in meal-sized portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the peas might soften slightly more but the overall texture and flavor stay delicious.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or separation. If it thickens too much, just splash in a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce back up.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken from a rotisserie or roast chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut and adds excellent flavor. Just shred or chop it before adding it to the sauce near the end of cooking to warm through.
What if I don’t have pimentos? Can I skip them or substitute something else?

If you don’t have pimentos, you can omit them or use roasted red bell peppers as a substitute. They provide a similar sweet, tangy profile that complements the creamy sauce.
How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?

Make sure to stir constantly when whisking in the broth and milk after adding the flour, and add the liquids gradually. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, silky sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for regular milk, and use a suitable non-dairy cream alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What should I serve with Classic Chicken a la King?

This dish is fantastic over toast, biscuits, rice, or pasta. Pair it with steamed veggies or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting tradition that warms the soul and brings a little nostalgia to your dinner table. I love making it when I want something that’s effortlessly elegant but truly homey. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to recipes for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Trust me, your kitchen (and anyone you share it with) will thank you.