If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, comforting blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. With its beautiful mix of textures and flavors, this recipe not only brings nostalgia but also a little touch of elegance to your dinner table. Whether you’re serving up a cozy family meal or impressing guests, this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and color. Each plays an essential role in making your Classic Chicken a la King Recipe taste just like the classic version you remember.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the mushrooms to golden perfection.
- White or cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Add earthiness and a lovely meaty texture to the dish.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Thickens the sauce into the luscious consistency everyone loves.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Brings savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Contributes creaminess while keeping the sauce smooth and silky.
- Large egg yolks (2): Enrich the sauce and add luxurious body without curdling, when tempered properly.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Boosts richness and provides that classic velvety finish.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add pops of color and just the right hint of sweetness.
- Diced pimientos (1 cup, drained): Bring vibrant color and a subtle tangy sweetness.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups, chopped or shredded): The star ingredient that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
How to Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms
Start by melting your salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. This step softens the mushrooms and unlocks their savory, umami flavor that forms the foundation of that unmistakable taste.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour right into the melted butter and mushrooms. Keep stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture, called a roux, thickens the sauce later, so getting it lump-free and smooth is key.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly pour the chicken broth and milk into the saucepan while stirring continuously. Bring everything to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer gently for about three minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious base. The chicken broth adds depth, while milk keeps it silky.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
Whisk the egg yolks together with the heavy cream in a small bowl. To avoid curdling, slowly whisk about half a cup of your hot sauce into this egg mixture – this is called tempering and ensures a silky, smooth texture without scrambled eggs.
Step 5: Add Egg Mixture to Sauce
Pour the tempered egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously to blend it perfectly. Let it cook for two more minutes, thickening the sauce further and making it super creamy and luxurious. This step truly gives the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe its iconic rich texture.
Step 6: Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken
Stir in the frozen peas, diced pimientos, and chopped cooked chicken. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, heating through evenly while maintaining the vibrant colors and textures. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper if you like. Almost there!
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve your Classic Chicken a la King hot over fluffy rice, buttery toast, warm biscuits, or tender pasta – choose your favorite comfort food base. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with each spoonful of this heavenly dish.
How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. For a bit of crunch, consider toasted slivered almonds on top. These garnishes brighten the dish’s appearance and flavor, making it irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Classic Chicken a la King shines alongside simple side dishes like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. These light sides introduce contrasting textures and balance the richness of the main dish brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in flaky puff pastry shells for an elegant twist, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty meal. It also works wonderfully as a creamy filling in crepes, turning your Classic Chicken a la King Recipe into a delightful party appetizer. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken upon chilling, so stir gently while reheating. Leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that dairy-based sauces sometimes change texture when frozen and thawed. If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep it smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked or leftover chicken is ideal, making the preparation quick and easy while still packed with flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of melted butter as a lighter alternative, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and velvety.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen peas?
Frozen peas work perfectly for this recipe because they retain their sweetness and color after cooking. Fresh peas are delicious too but may require slightly different cooking time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s tricky because the classic sauce depends on butter, cream, and milk, but you can experiment with dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk alternatives to suit your needs.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
Make the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe ahead of time and reheat gently before serving over rice or toast points. Creating a buffet-style spread allows guests to choose their favorite pairing.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of delicious textures and flavors, and perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, tasty bite as much as I do!
Print
Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Chicken a la King is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, peas, and pimientos in a rich, velvety sauce made from a buttery roux, chicken broth, milk, and tempered egg yolks. Perfect served hot over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits, this recipe delivers a delightful, hearty meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauté and Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Add-ins
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced pimientos, drained
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Add Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk while continuously stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and heavy cream. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan into the egg mixture to temper it, preventing curdling.
- Add Egg Mixture to Sauce: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to further thicken the sauce.
- Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken: Stir in frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits for a classic comfort meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- For a thicker sauce, cook the roux a little longer or add slightly more flour.
- Tempering the eggs is crucial to avoid curdling in the sauce.
- Fresh mushrooms can be substituted for cremini or white mushrooms.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may thicken the sauce further.
