Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Chicken à la King is the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth to your dinner table. This hearty meal combines tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious, creamy sauce served over pasta, rice, or biscuits. It’s a classic that never goes out of style and is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a comforting dinner for one, this recipe is endlessly flexible and incredibly satisfying. From its savory richness to the colorful medley of peas, carrots, and mushrooms, every bite is balanced and full of homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken à la King

This recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. You can serve it over whatever you have on hand—noodles, rice, toast, or even puff pastry shells for a touch of elegance.

It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie meat, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. Plus, the rich cream sauce is highly adaptable—you can lighten it up or load it with your favorite veggies.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for Chicken à la King. You can also use pre-cooked or leftover chicken for an even quicker version. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here—shredded or chopped into bite-size pieces, it soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully without overcooking.

If you’re feeling fancy, roasted or grilled chicken adds an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure whatever chicken you use is tender and not overly seasoned, so it blends well with the creamy base.

Ingredients for the Chicken à la King

Each ingredient in this comforting dish plays a crucial role in building its creamy, savory flavor:

Chicken breasts or thighs: These provide the protein base and become incredibly tender when simmered in the sauce.
Butter: Essential for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
Garlic and onion: These aromatics form the flavor foundation and enhance the savory depth.
Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Carrots and green peas: Add color, texture, and a touch of natural sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious.
Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs: For seasoning and bringing everything together.
Cooked pasta or rice: The perfect base to soak up all that creamy goodness.

How To Make the Chicken à la King

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add mushrooms, carrots, and peas. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and the carrots begin to soften.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add the Liquid

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream

Add the heavy cream and stir gently. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Chicken à la King over pasta, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with herbs or a sprinkle of pepper if desired.

Serving and Storing Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is best served warm over a starchy base like egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or even flaky puff pastry shells. It makes a full meal that serves approximately 4 to 6 people generously.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing—a quick stir while reheating usually brings it back together.

What to Serve With Chicken à la King?

H3: Flaky Biscuits

Classic buttery biscuits are a popular and delicious base for soaking up the creamy sauce.

H3: Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich textures and flavors of this dish.

H3: Buttered Egg Noodles

A traditional choice that blends perfectly with every creamy spoonful.

H3: Steamed Asparagus

The light, earthy flavor of asparagus adds balance and a pop of green.

H3: Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit.

H3: Green Salad

A crisp, fresh salad with vinaigrette helps lighten up the meal.

H3: Garlic Roasted Broccoli

The bold flavor of roasted broccoli adds depth and contrast.

H3: Sautéed Spinach

A simple side of wilted spinach adds color and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works beautifully in this recipe and is a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Can I freeze Chicken à la King?
You can, but note that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Stirring it while reheating usually fixes the texture.

What vegetables can I swap in?
You can use bell peppers, corn, or green beans as alternatives or additions to the peas, carrots, and mushrooms.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken à la King reheats wonderfully. Make it a day ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat gently when ready to serve.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it over noodles, biscuits, or something unique?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest at Life With Livia.

Conclusion

Chicken à la King is a comforting classic that’s stood the test of time for good reason. With its creamy texture, colorful veggies, and tender chicken, it’s an easy and elegant dish that can be customized to your taste and pantry. Whether you’re making it from scratch or giving leftovers a delicious makeover, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table every time.

Chicken à la King

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Rich, creamy, and filled with comforting flavors, this Chicken à la King is an easy dinner idea that’s perfect for weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a velvety sauce come together in under an hour. This is a quick dinner, hearty enough to satisfy the whole family, and perfect if you’re looking for budget-friendly, homemade food ideas. Serve it over pasta, rice, or biscuits for an effortless crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those classic, easy recipes that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Great for using up leftover chicken and packed with dinner inspiration!

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.

2. Add diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add mushrooms, carrots, and peas. Cook until mushrooms are browned and carrots are starting to soften.

4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Add heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir and let simmer until creamy and fully heated through.

7. Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version of this dish.

If sauce gets too thick when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream.

For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: chicken à la king, easy dinner, creamy chicken, quick meal, comfort food