Name: Chicken à la King
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup chopped carrots; 1/2 cup green peas; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cups cooked egg noodles or puff pastry shells (for serving)

When I think of comfort food that comes together effortlessly but still feels like a warm hug in a bowl, Chicken à la King is at the top of my list. This creamy, savory dish is loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a velvety sauce, all served over a bed of egg noodles or puff pastry. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually incredibly easy to whip up on a weeknight.

What I love most about Chicken à la King is its timelessness. It carries a bit of nostalgia with it—like something your grandmother might have served for Sunday dinner—but it fits perfectly into modern kitchens. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner idea, an easy recipe for guests, or just a way to use up leftover chicken, this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken à la King

This dish is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, yet it doesn’t take hours to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, sweet peas, and a well-seasoned cream sauce is unbeatable. It’s versatile, affordable, and incredibly cozy. Plus, it can be served over anything from rice to toast to pasta, making it a recipe you can customize based on what you have on hand.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use whatever cooked chicken you have—leftovers from a roast, poached chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tender texture, but breasts work just as well. Just make sure your chicken is cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best parts about Chicken à la King is how forgiving it is. Don’t have mushrooms? Swap them with zucchini or bell peppers. No peas? Try corn or green beans. You can use cream, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk for the sauce. And if you’re dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk with a splash of nutritional yeast can create a surprisingly rich alternative. Gluten-free? Serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients for this Chicken à la King

Cooked Chicken: The protein base of this dish. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great.
Butter: Adds richness and is used to sauté the vegetables and form the base of the roux.
Flour: Combines with butter to make the roux that thickens the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth and thins out the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates a smooth, luscious texture and enhances the richness.
Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they balance the creaminess with their umami.
Carrots: Add sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Green Peas: Give a pop of color and light sweetness.
Onion: Builds the flavor base and brings a mellow savory note.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that ties the creamy elements together.
Pasta, Toast, or Puff Pastry: The classic bed for serving Chicken à la King.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop your carrots, onions, mushrooms, and mince the garlic. If using fresh peas, blanch them briefly. Sauté the onions and garlic in melted butter over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Carrots

Add the mushrooms and carrots to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove its raw taste, creating a golden roux base.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy sauce, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Fold in the Chicken and Peas

Stir in your pre-cooked, chopped chicken and green peas. Add dried thyme, adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and let the whole mixture heat through on low for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot Chicken à la King mixture over egg noodles, toasted bread, or puff pastry shells. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

How Long to Prepare Chicken à la King

Prep Time: The preparation is fairly quick. Chopping vegetables and prepping the cooked chicken takes around 10–15 minutes. If your ingredients are pre-cooked or pre-chopped (like using rotisserie chicken and frozen peas), it speeds things up even more.

Cook Time: The dish comes together on the stovetop in about 20–25 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables, building the roux, and thickening the sauce all happen in one pan. From start to finish, you can have this comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken à la King

Use room temperature cream to avoid curdling when adding it to the sauce.
Don’t rush the roux; cook it slowly to remove any raw flour taste.
Let the sauce simmer gently to develop flavor, but avoid boiling once cream is added.
Taste and adjust salt as needed after adding the chicken and broth.
Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg for a bright flavor lift.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the roux step: This causes the sauce to be runny or separate.
Adding cold dairy directly: This may cause the cream to break or curdle.
Overcooking the chicken: If using already cooked chicken, add it only at the end to warm through.
Using high heat: Once the cream is in, keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
Under-seasoning: The cream and broth need seasoning to balance richness. Taste often.

What to Serve With Chicken à la King?

1. Egg Noodles

A classic and traditional base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.

2. Puff Pastry Shells

Adds a flaky, elegant touch. Great for entertaining or a weekend dinner.

3. Steamed Rice

Simple and satisfying. White or brown rice works as a neutral base.

4. Mashed Potatoes

Rich meets rich. Creamy mashed potatoes and this sauce are a comforting combo.

5. Buttery Toasted Bread

Spoon it over thick-cut toast or crusty bread for a diner-style presentation.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container. It will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to keep the sauce from separating.

Freezer: While you can freeze Chicken à la King, the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream. Thaw overnight in the fridge and finish the sauce fresh before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 4 servings total)

Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the origin of Chicken à la King?

It’s a classic American comfort dish, believed to have originated in the early 1900s, despite the French name.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Just store it without the pasta or bread base to prevent sogginess.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and serving over gluten-free bread or rice.

Can I add cheese?

While traditional Chicken à la King doesn’t include cheese, a bit of Parmesan or Gruyère can add extra richness.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Chicken à la King proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy sauce, savory vegetables, and tender chicken, it brings together warmth and flavor in every bite. Whether served over noodles, toast, or pastry, this dish offers versatility, ease, and a touch of nostalgia — all in under an hour.