If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal, look no further than Classic Chicken A la King. This vintage favorite brings together tender chicken, a dreamy, creamy sauce, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all nestled over golden puff pastry, rice, or buttery toast. Each bite is pure nostalgia—the kind of home-cooked hug you’ll want to share with family or serve at a cozy get-together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just finding your way around the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how simple yet deeply satisfying this dish is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Chicken A la King is proof that unfussy ingredients can produce a luxuriously flavorful dish. Every element here has a purpose—from the butter that builds the base, to the pop of parsley at the end. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s going in and why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): This is the rich, silky start to our sauce and delivers that unmistakable buttery flavor.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and depth, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Diced green bell pepper (1/2 cup): Brings a fresh crunch and subtle, grassy note to balance the creaminess.
- Sliced mushrooms (1/2 cup): Earthy mushrooms soak up all the flavors and add a satisfying texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): This is your thickener—essential for that luscious, cling-to-your-chicken sauce.
- Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Delivers savory backbone to the cream sauce, enriching every mouthful.
- Milk (1 cup): Rounds out the sauce, creating a velvety finish. Swap for half-and-half for extra indulgence!
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie, poached, or leftover roast—tender chicken is the star here.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): For sweet pops of color and that classic touch of green.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a little kick to the creaminess.
- Paprika, optional (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, smoky color and hint of flavor—totally up to you!
- Chopped parsley, optional (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, bright finish right at the end.
- Puff pastry shells, toast, or cooked rice (for serving): Choose your favorite base: flaky pastry, crispy toast, or fluffy rice are all perfect canvases for this creamy chicken delight.
How to Make Classic Chicken A la King
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start your Classic Chicken A la King adventure by melting the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything’s softened and the kitchen smells heavenly—this is the flavor foundation you don’t want to rush!
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial: you’re forming a roux, which will give the sauce its creamy body. Keep it moving so nothing burns and the flour gets that gentle, toasty aroma.
Step 3: Whisk in Liquids
Now it’s time to gently whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk. Pour slowly and stir continually to keep your sauce silky-smooth—no lumps allowed! Let the mixture come to a soft simmer, and in just 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll see it start to thicken into that dreamy consistency everyone loves in Classic Chicken A la King.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Stir in your diced or shredded chicken, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and that optional pinch of paprika. Heat everything through, stirring for another 3 to 4 minutes, until piping hot and the peas are just tender. If you want a hit of color and brightness, add chopped parsley right at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the luscious mixture over your choice of warm puff pastry shells, crispy toast, or fluffy rice. Serve immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest and savor that signature Classic Chicken A la King flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Classic Chicken A la King
Garnishes
The right garnish adds both eye appeal and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika looks gorgeous and echoes the herbal brightness or hint of smokiness in the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a few tiny edible flowers make it occasion-worthy!
Side Dishes
Classic Chicken A la King is wonderfully rich, so serve it with light, fresh sides. A simple green salad, buttered green beans, or roasted asparagus does the trick, brightening the meal and providing a nice textural contrast. And don’t forget a glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade for a lovely pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Traditionally, Classic Chicken A la King is served over puff pastry shells, but don’t let that limit you! Try spooning it into vol-au-vents as elegant party bites, stuffing it inside baked potatoes for a modern twist, or even serving it over biscuits or noodles for a homey variation. It’s a flexible dish meant to fit your mood and menu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Classic Chicken A la King keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a dream for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you have extra, you can freeze the filling (just not the puff pastry or toast). Pack it in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months—for best results, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If needed, splash in a bit of milk or broth to loosen things up. Microwave reheating is fine too—just go low and slow to keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Classic Chicken A la King?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is not only a real time-saver but also gives the dish extra flavor and tenderness. Simply shred or dice and add it as directed—it’s the ultimate shortcut for busy nights.
Is it possible to make Classic Chicken A la King gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the roux, and be sure to serve it over gluten-free toast, rice, or potatoes instead of puff pastry.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Of course! Classic Chicken A la King is super flexible. Swap in red bell peppers, diced carrots, or even spinach for a customized veggie mix. Just keep the amounts similar so the sauce stays thick and creamy.
What’s the best way to keep my sauce from getting lumpy?
The trick is to add the liquid slowly while whisking vigorously. If you introduce broth and milk gradually, the texture will stay smooth and silky. And don’t skip stirring—consistency is key for that classic sauce!
Can I make Classic Chicken A la King ahead of time for guests?
You sure can. Prepare the sauce and filling ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat just before serving. For best texture, bake or toast your pastry or bread bases fresh right before assembly so everything is crisp and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Classic Chicken A la King is the sort of recipe that never goes out of style—creamy, comforting, and always crowd-pleasing. It’s wonderful for feeding a family, sharing with friends, or even treating yourself after a long day. Give it a try and bring a little old-school warmth to your table tonight!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken A la King, a creamy mixture of tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce, served over puff pastry shells, toast, or rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken A la King:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For Serving:
- puff pastry shells, toast, or cooked rice
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté until soft.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir to form a roux.
- Add broth and milk: Whisk in broth and milk slowly, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in parsley, if desired. Serve hot over puff pastry, toast, or rice.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (filling only)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
