Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and adds great flavor. It's also a fantastic time-saver. Just remove the skin and bones, then shred or chop the meat. One average-sized rotisserie chicken should yield approximately the 4 cups needed for this recipe.

How can I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding the egg yolks?

The key is tempering the eggs by slowly whisking some of the hot sauce into them before adding them back to the pan. This gradually raises their temperature without cooking them too quickly. After adding the tempered mixture back to the pan, keep the heat low and stir constantly to distribute the heat evenly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or milk if needed to bring the sauce back to the desired consistency. The flavors actually improve after the ingredients have had time to meld.

What can I use instead of pimientos?

If pimientos aren't available, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute. Simply drain them well and dice them to a similar size. You could also use fresh red bell peppers - just sauté them with the mushrooms until soft.

Classic Chicken a la King Recipe

Name: Classic Chicken a la King Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter; 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 large egg yolks; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup diced pimientos, drained; 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

This Classic Chicken a la King is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece. With tender chicken pieces swimming in a velvety sauce, studded with colorful vegetables, this timeless dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saving Wonder: From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something substantial but quick.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, toast, or fresh biscuits – each option creates an entirely different meal experience from the same delicious base.
Budget-Friendly Elegance: Transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for company but won’t break the bank.
Comfort Food Champion: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables create the ultimate comfort food experience that the whole family will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates the rich base for the sauce and adds wonderful flavor. Use salted butter for extra depth of flavor.
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty texture. They absorb all the flavors while adding their own unique taste.
All-purpose flour: Works as the thickening agent for our creamy sauce. Make sure to cook it with the butter to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory foundation of our sauce. Use homemade for extra flavor or a good quality store-bought version.
Milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the sauce lighter than using all cream. Whole milk works best for richness.
Egg yolks: The secret to a silky, luxurious texture. They thicken the sauce without making it gluey or floury-tasting.
Heavy cream: Gives that restaurant-quality richness that makes this dish special. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Frozen peas: Add a pop of color, sweetness, and texture. No need to thaw them beforehand.
Pimientos: These sweet red peppers bring beautiful color contrast and a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Cooked chicken: The star of the show! Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breasts for convenience.

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.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using leftover turkey instead of chicken for a great post-holiday meal. Cooked shrimp or even ham work beautifully too.

Vegetable Additions

Add sautéed celery and onions with the mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Asparagus tips, diced carrots, or even spinach make wonderful additions.

Flavor Boosters

Enhance the sauce with a splash of sherry or white wine added after cooking the mushrooms. A pinch of nutmeg or dash of hot sauce can bring interesting depth.

Special Diet Adaptations

Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free versions can utilize plant-based butter, milk, and cream alternatives.

How to Make Classic Chicken a la King

Step 1: Create the Mushroom Base

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and slightly golden, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release moisture and then begin to brown.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Stir the flour into the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial – cooking the flour eliminates the raw taste and creates the foundation for a smooth sauce. The mixture will become thick and paste-like.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.

Step 4: Add Richness

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan into this mixture to temper the eggs. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the sauce further.

Step 5: Complete the Dish

Stir in the frozen peas, diced pimientos, and cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Gentle Heat: After adding the egg mixture, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.
Quality Matters: Since this is a simple dish, the quality of your chicken really shines through. Use well-seasoned, moist chicken for the best results.
Even Chopping: Cut your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so every mouthful has the perfect balance of sauce and meat.

How to Serve

Classic Serving Options

Traditionally, Chicken a la King is served over something that can soak up the delicious sauce. Buttery toast points create an elegant presentation, while flaky biscuits make for a homestyle comfort meal. Rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, and egg noodles create a heartier dinner option.

Side Dish Pairings

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette brings freshness to balance the richness of the dish. Steamed asparagus or green beans also complement the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Garnishing Ideas

Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of paprika brings visual appeal and a hint of warmth to the finished dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

While cream sauces typically don’t freeze perfectly, this dish freezes better than most. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Leave a little space at the top as the sauce will expand when frozen.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and adds great flavor. It’s also a fantastic time-saver. Just remove the skin and bones, then shred or chop the meat. One average-sized rotisserie chicken should yield approximately the 4 cups needed for this recipe.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding the egg yolks?

The key is tempering the eggs by slowly whisking some of the hot sauce into them before adding them back to the pan. This gradually raises their temperature without cooking them too quickly. After adding the tempered mixture back to the pan, keep the heat low and stir constantly to distribute the heat evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or milk if needed to bring the sauce back to the desired consistency. The flavors actually improve after the ingredients have had time to meld.
What can I use instead of pimientos?

If pimientos aren’t available, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute. Simply drain them well and dice them to a similar size. You could also use fresh red bell peppers – just sauté them with the mushrooms until soft.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken a la King recipe brings elegant comfort food right to your table with minimal effort. It’s one of those magical dishes that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables create a meal that’s sure to impress. Give it a try next time you need a reliable, delicious dinner option that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!