If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, rich, and packed with flavor, then this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those timeless meals that brings a warm, homey vibe to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m excited to share how I make this creamy, mushroomy chicken dish come to life—it’s perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a cozy dinner with your family.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, Velvety Sauce: The combination of butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk creates a luscious base that’s rich without being heavy.
Balanced Freshness: Mushrooms add earthiness, peas bring a pop of color and sweetness, and pimientos layer in subtle tang and brightness.
Tender Chicken: Using shredded cooked chicken keeps the protein juicy and perfectly mingled with the creamy sauce.
Quick to Make: You can whip this up in about 25 minutes—great for busy weeknights yet special enough for guests.

Classic Chicken a la King, Chicken a la King, creamy chicken dish, comforting chicken recipe, mushroom chicken dinner - A wooden spoon lifts a creamy soup filled with visible layers of texture and color: soft white sauce mixed with small green peas, bright red bell pepper pieces, and slices of brown mushrooms. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, and ground black pepper is scattered over the surface, adding texture and dark specks. The dish is held over a white marbled surface, showing more of the creamy soup below with the same mix of vegetables and sauce, creating a rich, hearty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. I always recommend using fresh mushrooms for their deep flavor and a good quality chicken broth for a rich sauce base. It really elevates this dish.

Classic Chicken a la King, Chicken a la King, creamy chicken dish, comforting chicken recipe, mushroom chicken dinner - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, sliced white mushrooms, bright green frozen peas, diced red pimientos, golden egg yolks, creamy heavy cream, whole butter block, fresh milk poured in a small glass jug, and a small bowl of rich chicken broth, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms to bring out their natural umami.
Mushrooms: I prefer cremini for their robust flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well.
All-purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener, turning the sauce silky and smooth.
Chicken Broth: The backbone of the sauce; choose a low-sodium version to control saltiness.
Milk: Adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
Egg Yolks: They enrich the sauce and help it thicken to that classic, velvety texture.
Heavy Cream: A little indulgence here for extra creaminess and richness.
Frozen Peas: Sweetness and a delightful pop of green color.
Diced Pimientos: For a mild tang and beautiful bursts of red that look fantastic in the dish.
Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or roast your own; shredded to blend easily into the sauce.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making this recipe your own. Sometimes I swap out mushroom varieties or use almond milk for a lighter touch. Feel free to tweak the creaminess level or add in your favorite herbs to adjust the flavor profile. The beauty of this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is how flexible it is while still being so satisfying.

Mushroom Variety: I’ve tried shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper earthy flavor—totally worth experimenting!
Herb Addition: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish nicely.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, swap out butter for olive oil and milk/cream for coconut or almond milk.
Protein Swap: Leftover turkey or even cooked tofu cubes can work if you want to change up the protein.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms to Deepen Flavor

First things first, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and let them cook, stirring every now and then, until they’re soft and just a bit golden—this usually takes about 5 minutes. I like to get a little caramelization on them because that adds a rich, savory depth to the dish that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Make a Smooth Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and forms the base of your sauce. Keep an eye on it to avoid browning too much—you want a pale roux here for a creamy white sauce.

Step 3: Slowly Add Liquids and Thicken

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Increase the heat until it boils, then reduce to low and simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Don’t rush this step—it’s crucial to get that perfect velvety texture without lumps.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly whisk about half a cup of the hot sauce into the egg mixture to temper it. Then, pour it back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for another 2 minutes—you’ll notice the sauce gets thicker and silkier. This step gives the dish that classic luxurious feel.

Step 5: Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken

Stir in the peas, drained diced pimientos, and shredded cooked chicken. Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes. At this point, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is what turns the sauce into a hearty meal—with the sweet peas and tangy pimientos balancing the rich creaminess.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Classic Chicken a la King hot over rice, buttered toast, biscuits, or even pasta. I personally love it spooned over buttery biscuits for a comforting, weekend brunch vibe.

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Pro Tips for Making Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Don’t Rush Tempering the Eggs: Temper the yolks slowly to ensure your sauce stays silky, not scrambled—patience here wins the day.
Sauté Mushrooms Thoroughly: Give the mushrooms time to develop color for deeper flavor—it’s worth those extra few minutes.
Use Warm Broth and Milk: Adding cold liquids can cause lumps—warm them up a bit before mixing to keep the sauce smooth.
Don’t Overcook Once Chicken is Added: Since the chicken is already cooked, just warm it through to keep it tender and juicy.

How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Classic Chicken a la King, Chicken a la King, creamy chicken dish, comforting chicken recipe, mushroom chicken dinner - A large white pan filled with a creamy mixture that has three visible layers: the base is a thick white sauce with small green peas scattered evenly, the middle layer is mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, and the top layer has sliced brown mushrooms and a sprinkle of black pepper. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the creamy mix, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a tan cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbal hint that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sometimes, a few extra diced pimientos on top look pretty and add that little zing.

Side Dishes

Classic Chicken a la King pairs so well with steamed white rice, buttery egg noodles, or warm biscuit sides. If you want something lighter, I often serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in puff pastry shells or vol-au-vents—making individual “little nests” that impress every time. It turns a retro comfort food into an elegant appetizer or main course with minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Chicken a la King a few times with decent results—just cool it fully and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce might separate slightly, but a good whisk or gentle reheating brings it back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore the creamy texture if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the sauce to split.

FAQs

Can I make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe with leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here. Just shred or chop it before adding to the sauce, and you’ll have a quick and delicious meal ready in no time.
What can I serve with Chicken a la King for a complete meal?

It’s fantastic over rice, buttered noodles, or toasted bread. I also love serving it with biscuits or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Using full-fat dairy helps achieve the classic texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling in the sauce?

Tempering the egg yolks by slowly whisking in some of the hot sauce before adding them back to the pan is key. Stir constantly and keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and swap milk and cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings back memories of cozy family dinners and simple, satisfying comfort food. I love how it manages to feel a little fancy yet is so easy to put together. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to recipes when you want something delicious and fuss-free that everyone will enjoy.