Chicken a la King is a delicious combination of chicken, mushrooms, onions, peas, green peppers and pimentos in a rich creamy sauce. Serve it over rice, noodles, toast or puff pastry shells. This delectable recipe comes together quickly using baked rotisserie chicken.
This is one of my favorite comfort food meals. It reminds me of the wonderful creamy one pots meals that I enjoyed with my brothers and sisters. It is amazing how food can be so nostalgic. Chicken a la king is a super easy heartwarming satisfying meal. It is quick to come together making it a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe calls for already baked rotisserie chicken. You can pick one up any club warehouse and most grocery stores. Leftovers warm up easily right on the stovetop.
What is Chicken a la King?
It is a creamy one pot comfort food dish made with chicken, mushrooms, peas, onions, green bell peppers and pimentos. It is traditionally served over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or puff pastry shells. For an equally delicious change of pace substitute cooked tuna or salmon for the chicken.
How do you make Chicken a la King?
Melt several tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a heavy stockpot or dutch oven. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Then add the onion and green pepper cooking until they start to soften. Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Blend in the flour gently stirring for one to two minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Mix in the milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Simmer gently for about ten minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the peas, pimentos, chicken, and cream. Continue cooking until everything is hot. If too thick, add one-quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach the desired thickness. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or puff pastry shells.
What is the best chicken?
My personal favorite is baked rotisserie chicken which is available almost anywhere these days. You can pick them up at club warehouses, grocery stores, and almost every Walmart. However you can use any baked, poached or roasted chicken. In addition to that, you can also use cooked skinless thigh and wing meat.
Can you freeze this dish?
Chicken a la King is best fresh out of the pot but I know that sometimes there is just too much to eat especially if you are cooking for one. Once the dish is fully cooled pack in freezer bags removing as much air as possible. Lay flat on a baking sheet and freeze. Once fully frozen stack as desired and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat defrost in the refrigerator and then remove from the bag and place contents in a saucepan on low. Stir frequently until it reaches desired temperature. Likewise pour the contents in a microwaveable bowl and reheat in the microwave for 1 minute intervals at 50% power until desired temperature.
Helpful recipe hints and tips
- Take the time to brown the mushrooms. They taste better that way and the dish is more visually appealing.
- Don’t get too hung up in the blending of the flour with the mushrooms, onions and peppers. It will all work out when you add the broth and the milk.
- Drain the pimentos well because you don’t want the juice that they are packed in flavoring or coloring your dish.
- Frozen peas are best in this dish. They retain their color, shape and flavor during the simmering process much better than canned or fresh.
- For a lower fat version cut the butter and cream in half. It will still be delicious just not as rich.
- If the mixture gets too thick simply add one quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach desired thickness.
This truly delectable Chicken a la King is the ultimate in comfort food and a family favorite. So if you love delicious easy chicken recipes all made in the same pot than you must give this one a whirl.
More comfort recipes you will love!
- French Onion Soup
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Smothered Pork Chops
- Salisbury Steak
- Irish Stew
- Creamy Gnocchi Pasta
This post was originally published August 1, 2015 and was republished January 19, 2021 with new content.
PrintChicken A La King
Chicken a la king is a hearty creamy dish with chicken, peas, peppers, mushrooms, and pimentos. Serve over a bed of rice or flaky biscuits for a rich and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main meal
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 3–4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 jar (8 ounce) pimentos well drained.
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium high heat in a heavy stockpot or dutch oven.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add green pepper and onion; cook for 5-7 minutes or until soft.
- Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour while continuing to stir. Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Mix in the milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the chicken, cream, peas and pimentos. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice, noodles, toast, biscuits or pastry puff shells.
Notes
- Take the time to brown the mushrooms. They taste better that way and the dish is more visually appealing.
- Don’t get too hung up in the blending of the flour with the mushrooms, onions and peppers. It will all work out when you add the broth and the milk.
- Drain the pimentos well because you don’t want the juice that they are packed in flavoring or coloring your dish.
- Frozen peas are best in this dish. They retain their color, shape and flavor during the simmering process much better than canned or fresh.
- For a lower fat version cut the butter and cream in half. It will still be delicious just not as rich.
- If the mixture gets too thick simply add one quarter cup of chicken broth at a time to reach desired thickness.
Keywords: what is chicken a la king, easy chicken a la king, how to make chicken a la king, old fashioned chicken a la king
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Rebecca Allen
Are you sure it’s 8oz of pimento. My grocery store has a small jar which is 2 ounces in a larger jar which is for. So I buy two of the larger jars?
Beth Pierce
Yes it is 8 ounces of pimentos. If they are pricey you could get by with 4 ounces. I like pimentos so I put in a healthy amount.
Krystle
I grew up with this comfort food served over toast. Love this version with the heavy cream and rotisserie chicken!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Krystle! We love it too! Thanks for stopping by.
Maggie
I grew up with this also, I loved it but my mom always put chopped up hard boiled eggs in hers and no pimentos but I love it either way thanks for sharing this recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Maggie! I hope you enjoy it!
Stacie
I need to make this. I used to make Chicken a la King all the time, but I haven’t in a long time. I love this idea of serving it over biscuits. It looks really good.
★★★★★
Heather
I’ve never tried anything like this before. I think my family might really enjoy it.
CherishingFlo
I’ve never heard of Chicken A La King! It sounds delicious! I may have to experiment and try it out! It luckily doesn’t seem super difficult
Emmanuel Damian
Chicken a la King is so delicious! I’m craving for it right now. I hope I can cook it soon.
★★★★★
Subhashish Roy
A wonderful dish by the looks of it. And seeing the ingredients makes me believe it should be awesome too. I would give it a try this weekend.
Porsha carr
You’ve done it again with a delicious 5 star recipe my goodness 🙂
★★★★★
Amanda
This looks so tasty thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Clyde
I have already heard this one, but never tried to cook it myself. It looks delicious though and not so difficult to cook, I think.
Beth Pierce
No it is not difficult to cook at all! I hope you enjoy it!!
Ronnie
This looks like such a delicious combination of tastes! I’d love to try this and I’m sure even the cooking is enjoyable. 🙂
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Ronnie! I am sure you will enjoy it!
Pat
Do you add any cheese?
Beth Pierce
No Pat, I do not.
Nancy
What can you use instead of heavy cream!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
What about half n half?
Betty Gammey
Love it .
I went to my recipe box and found my recipe it could be a northern thing but mine doesn’t call for pimento and green peppers it calls for onion mushrooms celery carrot and peas. But like I said could be a northern thing but yours is GREAT.
Thank you for the differt recipe to add to my box.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Betty! Yes there is sometimes much variation between the north and the south. You should see the comments when I post my southern style green beans. LOL! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!
Steve Nadeau
I have been wanting to make Chicken a-la king for a long time since it is one recipe I never saw my Dad make back in the 60’s or 70’s, we used to have it on either egg noodles or mashed potatoes thanks for this recipe
★★★★★
Steve Nadeau
Also could cream of condensed chicken soup be used instead of making the rue?
Beth Pierce
I believe that would work just fine! 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks Steve! Sorry about the delay! Crazy busy day!! I hope you enjoy it!
Scott Gordon
This was spectacular! I tried this with my wife and wasn’t let down! I followed your recipe to the T and added a lil bit of Cajun seasoning to my plate for that extra bazaaz! Thank you for this easy and delicious recipe
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is great Scott! So glad to hear that you and the wife liked it. I love adding Cajun spice. It really perks up a lot of dishes!
Marion royal
What do u do with. The extra. Whip cream? Freeze it. Ty
Beth Pierce
We are always cooking something around here so it never goes to waste but here is an article on freezing whipping cream here
Lily
I loved this over puff pastry, I would have never thought to serve it that way, pure genius. This was such a comforting meal, and the chicken was so tender and amazing, thank you!
★★★★★
Kristyn
Love the flavors in this comforting dish! It’s delicious over pasta, rice, or alone. It’s so hearty!
★★★★★
Trang
I’m reading all the comments how people grew up eating this. I wish I did! Ive never even heard of this dish until now and it’s delicious, especially with a puff pastry like you suggested!
★★★★★
Ashley F
This is so good! We love this classic recipe and how easy it is to make!
★★★★★
Krissy Allori
This looks so good. I haven’t had this dish in years. It’s high time I fixed that. Putting this on the menu for next week. Comfort food at it’s finest.
★★★★★
Eden
This was fantastic! Full of flavor and SO good! Can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
What a hearty and flavorful dish! Definitely looking forward to giving this a try; looks too good to pass up!
★★★★★
Vikki
So tasty and creamy~ my whole family loved it!
★★★★★
Toni
I love how flavorful and comforting this is!! So yummy!
★★★★★
Kevin
Wow! The flavors in this dish are spot on!
★★★★★
Catalina
Oh my goodness! This is one of my favorite dish! I should make it!
★★★★★
Cathy
Chicken a la King is one of our favorite comfort foods! Love the peas in this recipe!
Monica
I’ve never had Turkey a la king before but my husband asked for it when we smoked a turkey. This recipe is phenomenal. Absolutely delicious. A keeper for sure!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Monica! Yes turkey a la king is delicious!
Jacque Hastert
This sounds like one hearty and comforting chicken dinner! I love all the fresh flavors and that sauce has me drooling!
★★★★★
Lauren k
This is in our regular rotation. The whole family loves it!
★★★★★
Toni
My kids really loved this! A new favorite meal at my house!
★★★★★
Ashley
Perfect for dinner! We will definitely make it again.
★★★★★
Beth
Such a tasty, easy and flavorful recipe! I love that this can be served over so many different variations, but I think the biscuit version will be our favorite!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Chicken a la King is is seriously making me hungry!
★★★★★
Dorothy Reinhold
This looks like an amazing meal! It hits all the right notes. I love that you used Rotisserie chicken!
Kerri
I’m always a fan of a creamy dinner! Cannot wait to try this!
katerina @ diethood.com
This is such a fantastic dish! I bet it tastes amazing!!
★★★★★
Tara
I’m a sucker for comfort food, and this Chicken a la King definitely hit the spot with my family! It was absolutely scrumptious served over biscuits!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
This is my kind of comfort food! Looking forward to enjoying this for dinner tonight; looks too good to pass up!
★★★★★
Cathy
One of our favorites! Love the addition of peas!
Radwa
Looks delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to try it.
Katie
Looks so good! I know my family would love this.
★★★★★
Ashley F.
This is so tasty! We love the chicken and veggies over the biscuits! Delicious!
★★★★★
Lily
This was amazing so comforting and creamy, this was the perfect recipe for any weekday.
★★★★★
Lily
This was so creamy, it will make for the best addition to Sunday night dinner, I can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
Melissa
Great recipe – delicious and so packed with flavor!
★★★★★
Kimberly
I adore creamy chicken dishes like this, I can’t wait to try it, it looks so good!
★★★★★
Elaine
Now that is a fantastic combination of the ingredients. I love them all, and I am sure I will love this chicken a la king. I don’t recall making anything like this before! 🙂
★★★★★
Wanda
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Never heard of it before and it looks so delicious!
★★★★★
Ashley
What a perfect comfort food! The chicken was so flavorful and reminded me of a fancier deconstructed chicken pot pie!
★★★★★
rika
I think my kids are going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to make it.
★★★★★
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious
I’ve never heard of Chicken-a-la-king but this looks delicious and perfect for leftovers!
★★★★★
Barbara Fisher
Can you freeze this in single serving size?????
I love to freeze larger meals into single servings.
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Evette! I sure hope you enjoy it!
Alison
It’s also terrific with left over turkey!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So true! Thanks for the reminder!
Melissa
Wow – your recipe turned out great! My family really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
Natalie
Comfort food at its finest!! One pot meals are the best! Easy to clean up & easy to make!
★★★★★
Kristyn
Wow, the flavors in this are so good!! It is hearty & hits the spot!
★★★★★
Donna
Looks and tastes like I remember. I’ll definitely make this again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Donna! So glad that you liked it!!