There is something truly comforting about a warm, creamy dish that feels like a hug on a plate, and the Classic Chicken A la King Recipe delivers exactly that. This dish beautifully combines tender chunks of chicken with vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce that brings everything together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re looking to impress family or just crave a nostalgic meal with layers of flavor and texture, this recipe is a timeless favorite that feels both special and wonderfully approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to making the flavors of this dish pop. Each component plays its part, creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color that makes Classic Chicken A la King Recipe so beloved.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth base for sautéing vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a pop of red for visual appeal.
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms: Contribute earthy depth and meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, providing that luscious, creamy consistency.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Infuses savory flavor and keeps the sauce light.
- 1 cup whole milk: Brings creaminess while balancing richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Lends a luxurious smoothness to the sauce’s body.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded: The hearty protein star of the dish, tender and adaptable.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness that brightens the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Provides warmth and a subtle smoky nuance.
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional): Offers a sophisticated depth for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Freshens and adds a lively green finish to the dish.
How to Make Classic Chicken A la King Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by melting the butter along with olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once fragrant, add the finely chopped onion and let it cook until it softens, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a sweet base that’s crucial for the dish. Next, toss in the green and red bell peppers along with the sliced mushrooms. Let these cook until tender, roughly 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so the veggies release their natural juices that will mingle beautifully with the sauce later.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins to build the sauce’s lovely thickness. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream in a steady stream to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. This luscious sauce will coat every ingredient perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the tender chicken to take center stage. Stir in the cooked chicken breast along with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned. If you’re using dry sherry, this is the moment to add it, which will introduce a delightful layer of complexity. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors marry and the chicken warms through beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once the sauce is thick, creamy, and brimming with flavor, turn off the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Classic Chicken A la King Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only makes the dish pop visually but adds a mild, fresh herb flavor that lightens the richness. You could also consider a dash of paprika or finely sliced green onions for extra color and zing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy puff pastry shells or warm buttery biscuits that soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, serving it over steamed rice or toasted bread enhances both texture and flavor, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic Chicken A la King Recipe is versatile and elegant enough for different presentations. Try serving it over baked potatoes, spoon it on crostini as an appetizer, or pile it high over a bed of buttery noodles. Each adaptation brings a unique twist while keeping the heart of the recipe intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Classic Chicken A la King Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this creamy delight again quickly without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. Place it in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. When properly frozen, it should maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Just be aware some cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after freezing, but reheating with gentle stirring will help.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to restore the smooth, creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating helps revive the sauce’s original lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this Classic Chicken A la King Recipe?
Yes! Using leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that saves time while still delivering fantastic flavor and texture.
Is dry sherry necessary? Can I omit it?
Dry sherry adds a lovely depth of flavor, but it’s completely optional. You can omit it without losing the essence of the dish — it will still be wonderfully tasty.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the dish, substitute some or all of the heavy cream with milk or additional chicken broth. This reduces fat without sacrificing too much richness.
What can I serve instead of puff pastry shells?
If puff pastry isn’t your thing, try biscuits, rice, toast, or even buttered noodles — all of these options complement the Classic Chicken A la King Recipe beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture beforehand and then reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to heat it gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Chicken A la King Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm embrace from the kitchen. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful veggies come together in a way that’s both elegant and comforting. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a perfect balance of easy prep and impressive flavor that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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: Nut-Free
Description
Classic Chicken A la King is a creamy, comforting American main course featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a rich sauce of butter, bell peppers, mushrooms, cream, and a hint of sherry. This skillet-cooked dish is perfect served over puff pastry shells, biscuits, rice, or toast for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the green and red bell peppers along with the sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and release their moisture.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux and remove any raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, then add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry sherry if using. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Chicken A la King warm over puff pastry shells, biscuits, rice, or toast as desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, increase the amount of heavy cream.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds flavor.
- To lighten the dish, substitute milk for the cream or use all chicken broth instead of cream and milk combined.
