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
Scale
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
