Can I make Chicken a la King ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors actually develop nicely when made a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. This makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

What can I substitute for pimientos if I can't find them?

Roasted red bell peppers make an excellent substitute. Simply dice them to a similar size as pimientos would be. They provide the same sweet, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful red color that brightens the dish.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Turkey works wonderfully in this recipe, making it a perfect way to repurpose holiday leftovers. The sauce complements the flavor of turkey just as well as chicken, and the cooking method remains exactly the same.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can adapt this recipe using dairy-free alternatives. Use plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk, and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. For the egg yolk enrichment, you can either omit it or use a commercial egg replacer that's suitable for sauces.

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Name: Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup diced pimientos, drained; 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded; Salt and pepper, to taste

This Classic Chicken a la King is a timeless comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables come together to create a versatile dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Comforting: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have much time.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits – each version brings its own character to the dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: The rich, creamy sauce and tender chunks of chicken appeal to everyone from kids to grandparents.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand, and stretches chicken into a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates the rich base for the sauce and adds wonderful flavor when cooking the mushrooms.
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture – they’re like little flavor sponges soaking up all the goodness.
All-purpose flour: Works with the butter to create a roux, thickening the sauce to that perfect, velvety consistency.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce – use homemade for extra flavor if you have it.
Milk: Brings creaminess without being too heavy – whole milk works best, but you can use what you have.
Egg yolks: The secret ingredient! They enrich the sauce with a silky texture and golden color that’s irresistible.
Heavy cream: Adds that final touch of richness that makes this dish truly special.
Frozen peas: Bring a pop of color, sweetness, and texture – no need to thaw first.
Pimientos: These sweet red peppers add beautiful color contrast and a subtle sweetness.
Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poach some chicken breasts specifically for this dish.

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.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

Add sautéed celery, carrots, or asparagus for extra vegetables and flavor. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds color and nutrition.

Wine Enhancement

Replace ¼ cup of the chicken broth with dry white wine for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Herbal Notes

Fresh herbs make a wonderful addition – try a tablespoon of fresh tarragon, parsley, or thyme stirred in just before serving.

Seafood Switch

Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crabmeat for an elegant seafood version.

How to Make Classic Chicken a la King

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and starting to brown. They’ll release moisture at first, then start to take on color as that moisture evaporates.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the foundation for your sauce. The mixture will look quite thick and paste-like – that’s perfect!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. Here’s the crucial step: slowly add about half a cup of the hot sauce to this mixture while whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs so they won’t scramble when added back to the main pot. Pour this mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Add the peas, pimientos, and chicken to the sauce. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle this luscious mixture over your choice of rice, pasta, toast points, or freshly baked biscuits.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking – this dish comes together quickly once you begin.
Perfect Roux: Cook the flour and butter mixture until it smells slightly nutty for the best flavor in your sauce.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of warm milk or chicken broth.
Chicken Options: For the juiciest chicken, use dark meat or a combination of white and dark meat.
Seasoning Balance: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed – the right seasoning makes all the difference.

How to Serve

Classic Pairings

Traditionally served over toasted bread points, buttery biscuits, puff pastry shells, rice, or egg noodles.

Side Dish Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas

For dinner parties, serve in individual ramekins with puff pastry tops or in bread bowls for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze without the starch base (rice/pasta) for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken a la King ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors actually develop nicely when made a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. This makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
What can I substitute for pimientos if I can’t find them?

Roasted red bell peppers make an excellent substitute. Simply dice them to a similar size as pimientos would be. They provide the same sweet, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful red color that brightens the dish.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Turkey works wonderfully in this recipe, making it a perfect way to repurpose holiday leftovers. The sauce complements the flavor of turkey just as well as chicken, and the cooking method remains exactly the same.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can adapt this recipe using dairy-free alternatives. Use plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk, and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. For the egg yolk enrichment, you can either omit it or use a commercial egg replacer that’s suitable for sauces.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King strikes that perfect balance between everyday comfort food and special occasion indulgence. The creamy sauce wrapping around tender chunks of chicken, mushrooms, and bright vegetables creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how adaptable it is – sometimes I serve it over biscuits for Sunday brunch, other times over rice for a quick weeknight dinner. Give this timeless recipe a try, and I’m certain it will earn a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire!