Classic Chicken A la King is the kind of timeless comfort dish that instantly transports you to cozy family dinners and special gatherings. Creamy, savory, and loaded with tender chicken, sweet bell pepper, mushrooms, and peas, this meal is the very definition of hearty satisfaction. Whether you serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery noodles, or inside golden puff pastry shells, each bite is pure nostalgic joy. If you’ve never made this before, you’re in for a real treat—and if you have, this version might just become your forever favorite.

Classic Chicken A la King Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Classic Chicken A la King is how it’s crafted from staple ingredients that work together to create something honestly spectacular. Each component brings its own flavor, texture, or splash of color, so you end up with a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and sets the stage for sautéing the veggies and creating a silky sauce.
Onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
Green bell pepper: Adds color and a mild crunch that brings freshness.
Mushrooms: Infuse earthiness and soak up all the creamy goodness.
Garlic: Lends depth and an irresistible savory note.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully and gives it body.
Chicken broth: Delivers complexity and a wonderful savory backbone.
Whole milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and helps balance the richness.
Heavy cream: Makes the dish extra luscious; you may swap with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat without extra spice.
Paprika: Lends a soft warmth and a little color.
Dried thyme: Infuses a subtle herbal note that lifts everything up.
Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken both work perfectly—just dice it up!
Frozen peas: Pop in sweetness and another splash of green.
Pimentos: Tiny jewels of color and tang, they’re a signature touch in Chicken A la King.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of freshness and extra color.
Cooked rice, puff pastry shells, or noodles: Your vehicle for serving! Pick your favorite for maximum comfort.

How to Make Classic Chicken A la King

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling slightly, toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Let them cook together for 6 to 7 minutes until everything is softened and the kitchen starts to smell amazing. Stir in the garlic and cook for just one minute more, being careful not to let it brown. This base gives Classic Chicken A la King its irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables and stir until everything’s coated. You’ll notice the mixture thickening up a bit—this is exactly what you want! The flour forms the roux, which helps your sauce become thick and velvety later on.

Step 3: Stir in the Liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter touch). Keep whisking to avoid lumps and make sure the sauce stays smooth. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme for balanced flavor and a gentle warmth.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring your bubbling pot to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and enjoy watching the transformation into a creamy, dreamy base for your chicken.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Peas, and Pimentos

Stir in the cooked diced chicken, frozen peas, and the chopped pimentos, making sure everything is nestled into your creamy sauce. Let it all gently simmer for about 5 more minutes so the chicken warms through and the flavors meld beautifully. The peas and pimentos will keep their color and brightness, making each spoonful special.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal finish. Now, spoon the Classic Chicken A la King generously over rice, inside puff pastry shells, or atop hot buttered noodles—whatever feels right for your mood and the occasion!

How to Serve Classic Chicken A la King

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over Classic Chicken A la King right before serving makes the dish pop visually and adds that final burst of freshness. If you like, a crack of black pepper or a pinch of paprika can give it a little extra flair. For a restaurant-style look, you can even add a twist of lemon zest for brightness.

Side Dishes

This creamy classic is definitely the star of the table, but it plays nicely with sides! Steamed green beans or a bright leafy salad can lighten things up. Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes also work if you want extra comfort. And don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to swipe up the last drops of the sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Classic Chicken A la King is as versatile as it is delicious. For a retro feel, spoon it into stores of crisp puff pastry shells and serve as an elegant starter or main course. Try filling individual ramekins and topping with pastry for an easy pot pie twist, or ladle it into hollowed bread bowls for hearty, handheld comfort food on a chilly night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Classic Chicken A la King to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy sauce keeps well for up to three days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or savvy meal preppers.

Freezing

If you want to stash a batch away for the future, let the dish cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep its flavor and creamy texture for up to two months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the portion you want to a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so the sauce doesn’t separate or scorch. A splash of milk or broth can help re-loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works too—just go slow and stir every minute for best results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in Classic Chicken A la King?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a real timesaver and adds extra flavor and juiciness. Just dice or shred it and stir into the sauce as directed.

Is there a way to make Classic Chicken A la King lighter?

Yes, for a lighter version, use half-and-half or more milk in place of heavy cream, and opt for a bit less butter. You’ll lose a little silky richness, but the flavors will still shine.

Does Classic Chicken A la King freeze well?

It freezes surprisingly well thanks to the creamy sauce. Let it cool completely before packing and freezing—just remember to thaw and reheat gently to prevent the sauce from splitting.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even corn if you like. Classic Chicken A la King is deliciously flexible and can adapt to whatever you have on hand.

What’s the best way to reheat Classic Chicken A la King?

For best results, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works, too, as long as you stir every minute.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this dish stands the test of time! Classic Chicken A la King is pure comfort—creamy, satisfying, and so adaptable to your mood or pantry. Give it a try for your next family dinner; it truly might become your new signature recipe. Enjoy every spoonful!

Classic Chicken A la King Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy dish, Classic Chicken A la King is a timeless favorite featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect served over rice, puff pastry shells, or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 (2-ounce) jar pimentos, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

Cooked rice, puff pastry shells, or noodles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
Make Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish Dish: Stir in the chicken, peas, and pimentos. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, puff pastry shells, or noodles.