Chicken A La King Recipe – Creamy Classic Chicken Dinner

Introduction

Chicken A La King is a timeless comfort food classic featuring tender chicken, savory mushrooms, sweet peas, and colorful pimentos in a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty dish has been a family favorite for generations thanks to its satisfying flavor and versatility. Whether served over fluffy rice, buttered noodles, toast points, biscuits, or crisp puff pastry shells, Chicken A La King transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons butter (½ cup)
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 7 ounces diced pimentos, well drained
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for Serving

• Cooked rice
• Egg noodles
• Toast points
• Biscuits
• Puff pastry shells

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms become golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and dry mustard, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously and cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the half and half, frozen peas, drained pimentos, and cooked chicken.

Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add chicken broth ¼ cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serve hot over rice, egg noodles, toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.

Conclusion

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Chicken A La King is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and rich homemade sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving guests at a special gathering, this versatile dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it over your favorite base and savor every creamy, delicious bite.