Brimming with creamy comfort and pops of vibrant color, this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile! Tender chicken, sweet peas, and a silky sauce dotted with bell peppers and mushrooms all come together for a dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you spoon it over buttery puff pastry, golden toast, or a bed of fluffy rice, every bite wraps you up in warmth and flavor. If you’re craving a timeless chicken dish that’s both easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests, you’ll want to make this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe part of your regular rotation.

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its handful of simple ingredients, each playing an important role in building layers of savory flavor, velvety texture, and pops of bright color. Gather these everyday staples for a Classic Chicken a la King Recipe that tastes like pure comfort!

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and is essential for sautéing the veggies and forming the creamy roux.
Yellow onion: Lends a gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Green bell pepper: Offers a subtle crunch and signature color for classic flair.
Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms provide texture and savory notes that round out the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Key for thickening everything into that luscious, spoon-coating sauce.
Chicken broth: Brings everything together with chicken-forward richness.
Whole milk or half-and-half: Delivers ultimate creaminess; swap in half-and-half for extra indulgence!
Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, it soaks up all the flavors and becomes meltingly tender.
Frozen peas: Little bursts of green that add sweetness and a hint of freshness.
Salt: A small but mighty seasoning to wake up all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth—don’t shy away!
Paprika (optional): For those who love a hint of smoky warmth and a beautiful blush of color.
Chopped parsley (optional): The final green touch that brightens up your plate as a garnish.
Puff pastry shells, toast points, or cooked rice: Choose your favorite base for the perfect way to serve your creamy chicken goodness.

How to Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté them together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and smells incredible. This flavorful mixture forms the backbone of your Classic Chicken a la King Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step creates a roux, which thickens your sauce and adds a subtly nutty flavor, while preventing any floury taste from sneaking in. The base of a classic, velvety sauce depends on it!

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Thicken

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk or half-and-half, making sure to stir and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring as the sauce gently comes to a simmer. In about 3 to 5 minutes, it will thicken into a beautiful, silky base that’s perfect for enveloping the chicken and veggies.

Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Peas

Add your cooked chicken and frozen peas to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika (if you love extra warmth and color). Stir thoroughly to ensure every bite will be full of flavor and creamy sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes, just until heated through and perfectly blended.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the steaming hot Classic Chicken a la King Recipe over your choice of puff pastry shells, toast points, or fluffy cooked rice. For a final touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Now, dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Garnishes

One of the joys of this dish is that extra pop from simple garnishes. Fresh chopped parsley brightens up each plate and adds a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken. If you’re feeling playful, a dusting of paprika on top brings visual flair and a touch of warmth. Don’t underestimate how much a generous sprinkle of herbs can elevate your serving style!

Side Dishes

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. Homemade biscuits or soft dinner rolls make terrific, sopping sides to catch every last bit of that dreamy sauce. If you’re craving old-school comfort, buttery mashed potatoes or pilaf will never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

While the traditional serving is atop puff pastry shells, switch it up for something fun! Try spooning that creamy chicken over garlic Texas toast for true diner-style nostalgia, or serve in hollowed bread bowls for dinner party flair. Petite ramekins or individual vol-au-vent shells turn the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe into bites perfect for brunches or showers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe tastes just as dreamy reheated, so it’s a happy option for make-ahead meals or next-day lunches. Just remember to store the sauce separately from any pastry or toast bases so everything keeps its best texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Scoop the cooled chicken mixture (without puff pastry, toast, or rice) into a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap against the surface to help prevent freezer burn. Store for up to two months. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your Classic Chicken a la King Recipe gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash more milk or chicken broth if needed to keep the sauce silky. Microwave reheating works well for single portions—just use a lower setting and stir halfway for even heating. Serve over fresh pastry, toast, or rice for a meal as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut that’s perfectly suited for the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe. Its already-tender meat drinks up the creamy sauce, and you only need to chop or shred before stirring it in.

What are the best mushrooms to use?

White button mushrooms or cremini are classic choices for their mild flavor and fast cooking, but feel free to try baby bellas or even a mix if you want more depth and earthiness in your sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and serve the creamy chicken mixture over gluten-free toast, rice, or even mashed potatoes. The rest of the ingredients are all naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Diced red bell pepper, carrots, or even a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end are tasty ways to add color, flavor, or nutrition. The Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a little milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy, or use the microwave on half power, pausing to stir. Always heat just until hot; overcooking can dry out the chicken.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat how comforting and delicious this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is—especially when you realize how little time it takes to prepare. Whether you want a nostalgic weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this creamy classic is guaranteed to please. Give it a try and discover why this dish has stood the test of time!

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Classic Chicken a la King recipe, a creamy dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Optional Garnish and Serving:

Chopped parsley for garnish
Puff pastry shells, toast points, or cooked rice for serving

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender.
Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook to form a roux.
Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add Chicken and Peas: Mix in chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer until heated through.
Serve: Serve hot over pastry, toast, or rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

This recipe is versatile and works well with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or a splash of heavy cream in the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American