Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring a touch of vintage charm and cozy comfort to your dinner table, this Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, rich, and packed with tender chicken, vibrant peas, and colorful pimientos nestled in a luscious mushroom sauce, this dish is a celebration of simple, satisfying flavors. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with a timeless favorite, it’s easier to make than you might think and absolutely delightful from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this comforting dish.
- Salted butter: Adds a rich base for sautéing mushrooms and creates a silky sauce foundation.
- White or cremini mushrooms (8 ounces): Provide earthiness and a tender bite to the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Essential for thickening the sauce into that classic silky texture.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Brings savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Lightens the sauce and adds creaminess without overpowering.
- Large egg yolks (2): Create richness and help smooth out the sauce when tempered properly.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Adds luxury and a velvety finish to the sauce.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Bring pops of bright color and gentle sweetness.
- Diced pimientos (1 cup, drained): Add a lovely red hue and mild peppery flavor to the dish.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups, chopped or shredded): The hearty star of the dish that makes it incredibly satisfying.
How to Make Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms
Start by melting the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, add your sliced mushrooms and gently sauté them for about 5 minutes. This softens the mushrooms and unlocks their deep, savory flavor, forming the delicious base that will infuse your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a smooth roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully without lumps.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring to keep everything wonderfully smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat to let it simmer for about 3 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken into a creamy base perfect for the next steps.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. To avoid scrambling the eggs, gently whisk about half a cup of the hot sauce into this mixture. This tempering process ensures the sauce stays silky and rich once the eggs join the pan.
Step 5: Add Egg Mixture to Sauce
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan while whisking vigorously. Keep cooking for another 2 minutes; this final thickening step gives you that luxurious, velvety sauce that defines the Classic Chicken a la King Recipe.
Step 6: Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken
Finally, fold in the frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked chicken. Warm everything through for 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are tender and the chicken is heated, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Now your dish is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and add a fresh brightness, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. A few extra pimiento pieces on the side can also create an eye-catching pop of color and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when spooned over warm, fluffy rice or buttered noodles, which soak up all that creamy goodness. Toast or buttery biscuits also create a wonderful base, perfect for scooping up every last bite of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Classic Chicken a la King Recipe inside hollowed-out puff pastry shells or over toasted English muffins for individual portions that look as stunning as they taste. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes to make a hearty, comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after a day, making it an even more satisfying meal the next time around.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a smart option for meal prep. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency without making it too thick or dry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will add a lovely sweetness and slight crunch. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the recipe to maintain their bright color and tender texture.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breasts both work wonderfully. The key is that the chicken is already cooked and chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based milk and cream substitutes, you can enjoy a dairy-free version. Just be mindful of the thickening and tempering steps to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, sliced celery, or even cooked asparagus tips can complement the dish nicely. Just sauté or cook them beforehand so they’re tender before combining with the sauce.
What should I pair with Classic Chicken a la King Recipe for a full meal?
Pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken a la King Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to for both special occasions and cozy weeknights. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own wonderful memories around this classic comfort food!
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Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic Chicken a la King is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, peas, and pimientos in a rich white sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, and a touch of cream. Perfectly seasoned and served hot over rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits, this recipe is a timeless favorite for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Butter and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced pimientos, drained
Sauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Main Protein
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup salted butter over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened.
- Make the Roux: Stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is fully incorporated and no visible specks remain. This creates the base for the sauce.
- Add Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk while continuously stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large egg yolks and 1/3 cup heavy cream. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling and gently raise the temperature of the eggs.
- Add Egg Mixture to Sauce: Pour the tempered egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to further thicken the sauce without boiling it.
- Add Peas, Pimientos, and Chicken: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, 1 cup diced pimientos, and 4 cups cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken a la King hot over cooked rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for convenience.
- Make sure to temper the egg yolks with hot sauce to avoid curdling in the sauce.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas when in season for a sweeter taste.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end based on your preference.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
