If you’re craving something truly comforting yet timeless, this Classic Chicken A la King Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and mushrooms, all perfectly seasoned to bring out a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of cozy dinners past. This dish has a wonderful balance of textures and colors, making it as inviting to the eye as it is to your taste buds. It’s a hearty, delicious meal that delivers warmth and delight with every bite, and I can’t wait to share all the secrets to making it perfectly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient here plays a key role in crafting the velvety texture, fresh flavors, and classic appearance this recipe is known for. From the buttery base to the fresh herbs, let’s take a closer look at what goes into this delicious dish.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The foundation for sautéing your vegetables and building a luscious sauce.
- Yellow onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Green bell pepper (1/2 cup, chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly tangy crunch and brightens the dish visually.
- Sliced mushrooms (1/2 cup): Brings earthiness and umami, balancing out the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 3/4 cups): Creates a flavorful base keeping the dish light yet savory.
- Whole milk or half-and-half (1/2 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): The hearty centerpiece bringing protein and substance.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Pops of sweetness and a vibrant green color brighten every spoonful.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the dish’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle kick.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a hint of smoky, mild spice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect fresh garnish that lifts and freshens the final presentation.
How to Make Classic Chicken A la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in your chopped onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook these gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release their delicious aromas. This step builds the foundational flavors and gives a lovely, tender texture to your vegetables.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over your softened vegetables. Stir to coat everything thoroughly, cooking for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. This roux is the magic that will thicken your sauce and give it that classic creamy consistency we love so much.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then stir in the milk or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens up beautifully. This step transforms your skillet into a decadent sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Fold in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, stirring gently. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors marry and the dish heats through evenly. Your Classic Chicken A la King Recipe is now ready to serve, creamy and comforting.
How to Serve Classic Chicken A la King Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of color but also brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes. It’s the little finishing touch that makes your Classic Chicken A la King Recipe look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over warm buttered toast or flaky biscuits for a nostalgic feel. Alternatively, puff pastry shells add a fancy retro touch, while egg noodles or fluffy rice make it a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning the Classic Chicken A la King Recipe into small ramekins topped with puff pastry for individual pot pies. Or turn it into a comforting casserole by layering it over cooked pasta and baking with a cheese crust. These ideas make your meal both aesthetically pleasing and exciting to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Classic Chicken A la King Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The creamy sauce holds up well, making it perfect for quick lunches or re-heated dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too. Cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Classic Chicken A la King Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that velvety texture without separating. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works wonderfully in this Classic Chicken A la King Recipe, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. It’s a great way to use holiday leftovers too.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep the sauce creamy while making the dish dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even corn for extra color and texture. Just be sure to sauté any additional veggies until tender to maintain the dish’s perfect consistency.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for this recipe?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart against the grain, ensuring tender, bite-sized pieces that absorb the sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. Even the sauce base can be made in advance and gently reheated with the chicken and peas right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the satisfying goodness of this Classic Chicken A la King Recipe when you want a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables is sure to become one of your cherished favorites too. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this timeless dish as much as I love preparing it for my family and friends.
Print
Classic Chicken A la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Classic Chicken A la King is a creamy and comforting American main course featuring tender cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. This retro skillet dish is perfect served warm over toast, biscuits, puff pastry shells, egg noodles, or rice, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour flavor, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the milk or half-and-half, stirring to combine the sauce smoothly.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas into the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken A la King warm over your choice of toast, biscuits, puff pastry shells, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken for quicker preparation.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce.
- This dish also works well with cooked turkey instead of chicken.
