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

Description

A creamy and comforting dish, Chicken a la King is a versatile classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken, mushrooms, peas, and pimientos are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, making it an ideal choice to serve over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the 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

For the Enrichment and Flavor:

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

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Instructions

Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Make the Base Sauce
Stir in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Temper the Egg Yolk Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 large egg yolks and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Incorporate the Egg Mixture
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
Add Final Ingredients
Stir in the frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked chicken. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Notes

Chicken a la King pairs wonderfully with buttered toast, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even puff pastry shells for a fancier presentation.
For a healthier twist, you could substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
Add a dash of paprika or nutmeg to enhance the flavors of the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22
Cholesterol: 140