Chicken à la King
There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, hearty dish like Chicken à la King. It’s a timeless classic, and for good reason—it’s rich, flavorful, and so versatile. Whether spooned over buttery biscuits, fluffy rice, or even a baked potato, this dish is a true family favorite in my home.
I love making Chicken à la King because it feels elegant but is incredibly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a more formal occasion. My kids love the creamy sauce, and I love how easily I can customize it with whatever vegetables or toppings we have on hand. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection too!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use leftover chicken or turkey?
A: Absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for using up cooked chicken or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure the broth and other ingredients you use are gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Chicken à la King is delicious over rice, pasta, toast, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it in puff pastry shells for an elegant touch.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, and carrots are traditional, but you can also add bell peppers, green beans, or spinach for a twist.
What You Need to Make Chicken à la King
- For the Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Biscuits, rice, pasta, toast, or puff pastry shells
How to Make Chicken à la King
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Peas:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Chicken à la King over your choice of biscuits, rice, pasta, or toast. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken à la King
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour thoroughly prevents a raw taste in the sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or thyme adds a pop of freshness.
- Thicken as Needed: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
- Customize the Veggies: Add your family’s favorites for a personal touch.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was a hit with my family! We served it over biscuits, and there wasn’t a single bite left.” – Laura
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love how versatile this dish is. I added extra mushrooms and served it over rice—it was delicious!” – Greg
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was my first time making Chicken à la King, and it turned out perfectly. The creamy sauce is so comforting!” – Stephanie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Such an easy and satisfying recipe. I used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, and it was perfect.” – Rachel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. I made it ahead of time and just reheated it for dinner!” – Mike
Printable Recipe
Chicken à la King
Chicken à la King is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory vegetables. Serve it over biscuits, rice, or pasta for a meal your family will love.
Ingredients
- For the Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Biscuits, rice, pasta, toast, or puff pastry shells
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add the Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the Chicken and Peas:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Serve:
- Spoon the Chicken à la King over your choice of biscuits, rice, pasta, or toast. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Chicken à la King is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. If this recipe became a new favorite in your home, share it with friends and family on social media! I’d love to see how you serve it—tag me in your photos so we can celebrate this classic together. Sharing recipes is one of the best ways to connect and spread a little culinary joy, so let’s make someone’s day with this creamy, delicious meal.
