If you’re craving a comforting classic that’s creamy, flavorful, and downright satisfying, this Chicken a la King Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious sauce made with mushrooms, peas, pimentos, and a dreamy blend of half and half and stock, all cozying up underneath a golden, flaky biscuit. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight feast, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken a la King Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful color contrast that makes this dish so irresistible. From the juicy chicken breasts to the bright peas and sweet pimentos, each element is essential for that classic taste.
- 2 medium chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The tender protein base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken nicely without sticking.
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness and a silky smooth texture to the sauce.
- 1 shallot (finely diced): Offers a mild onion flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms (sliced): Bring earthiness and a meaty texture to the dish.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Provides a punch of aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra to season the chicken): Enhances all the flavors to make everything pop.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus extra to season the chicken): Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its creamy body.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses savory goodness and keeps the sauce light.
- 1 cup half and half: Creates the rich, creamy consistency that defines Chicken a la King.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Brings a pop of color and a sweet bite.
- ⅓ cup pimentos (drained and chopped): Adds a touch of tangy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 8 baked biscuits (for serving): The perfect base to scoop up every delicious bite of sauce and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for serving): A fresh, herbal finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season them generously with salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it develops a nice golden surface. Stir occasionally but not too much—the goal is that wonderful sear that locks in juices. Once browned but not fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms
Drop the butter into the skillet and melt it down. Next up, add the finely diced shallots and sliced mushrooms. Cook these together, stirring occasionally, until the shallots have softened and turned translucent, and the mushrooms release some of their moisture while picking up a bit of buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Now it’s time for a touch of garlic magic. Add the minced garlic along with another pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir this fragrant trio for about 30 to 60 seconds—just enough to wake up the garlic’s robust aroma without burning it.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir thoroughly to combine it with all the buttery goodness and softened veggies. Keep stirring until the flour is fully incorporated and you don’t see any dry streaks. This mixture, called a roux, is the secret behind that wonderful creamy texture in your sauce.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Half and Half
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the broth is fully blended in, add the half and half. Keep stirring as the sauce begins to thicken and turn silky smooth—it’s a beautiful process that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 6: Return the Chicken and Simmer
Carefully add the browned chicken back into the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step cooks the chicken through fully while allowing the sauce to thicken just enough to coat every tender bite.
Step 7: Add Peas and Pimentos
Stir in the frozen peas and chopped pimentos, cooking until they are warmed through, which usually takes about 5 more minutes. The peas bring a lovely sweetness and pop of green, while the pimentos add subtle tang and color contrast that make the dish feel extra special.
Step 8: Serve with Biscuits and Parsley
Your Chicken a la King Recipe is ready to shine! Scoop generous portions over warm biscuits and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like. This final touch elevates the presentation and freshens up each bite beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic parsley garnish is unbeatable for freshness, you can also try a sprinkle of chopped chives or a light dusting of paprika for a little smoky color. These touches add a burst of brightness and create a mouthwatering first impression.
Side Dishes
Chicken a la King pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creamy richness. Alternatively, steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes can soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try spooning the Chicken a la King into puff pastry shells or hollowed-out bread bowls. It instantly becomes an impressive, cozy meal that’s perfect for entertaining or making a weeknight dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken a la King Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of half and half or broth if it looks too thick. This will restore the creamy texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-pan taste.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred it and add it during the step when you add the peas and pimentos, warming it gently in the sauce.
Can I substitute half and half with milk or cream?
You can use milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream will make the sauce richer and thicker if you prefer a decadent version.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this Chicken a la King Recipe?
Yes! Swap out chicken for diced tofu or extra mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter, and substitute half and half with coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of biscuits work best for serving?
Flaky, buttery biscuits—whether homemade or store-bought—are ideal because they soak up the sauce beautifully and provide a soft textural contrast to the creamy Chicken a la King.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken a la King Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining comfort, elegance, and simplicity all in one. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, it’s sure to become a dependable favorite that you’ll return to again and again. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Print
Chicken a la King Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken a la King is a classic American comfort food featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce with peas and pimentos. Served over warm baked biscuits, this dish combines rich flavors and a velvety texture that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt (to season chicken), to taste
- Black pepper (to season chicken), to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup butter
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ⅓ cup pimentos, drained and chopped
To Serve
- 8 baked biscuits (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in an even layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, stir in the diced shallots and sliced mushrooms. Cook while stirring occasionally until the shallots become translucent and the mushrooms soften.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic along with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain, forming a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, followed by the half and half, ensuring the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook completely.
- Add Peas and Pimentos: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped pimentos. Continue cooking until they are heated through, about 5 more minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the Chicken a la King over warm baked biscuits, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use low-fat half and half or milk instead of full-fat half and half.
- Homemade biscuits or store-bought baked biscuits work well for serving.
- This dish can also be served over rice or egg noodles as an alternative to biscuits.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink inside for food safety.
