How to Make Chicken a la King: 7 Tips for a Perfect Creamy Classic

By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 07/16/2025

Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s been an absolute staple in my family for, well, for years. How long can I remember? Is it comforting, it’s creamy, and the kind of thing that just makes you feel good from the inside out? I’m talking about chicken a la king. Isn’t it better than Chicken Pot Pie? Is it even tastier? What are some of the best, crowd-pleasing, weeknight meal ideas? What’s the best part about this recipe?

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What is chicken a la king?

What is chicken a la king? What is a creamy, savory stew featuring tender pieces of chicken, mushrooms, peppers, and onions? Sometimes peas, all swimming in a rich, velvety sauce. What is comfort food in a bowl? What is the origin of the name “Long Island”? Who came up with the idea, they were geniuses. The sauce is the star here, usually made with butter, flour, chicken broth, cream (or sometimes both). What are some of the best sherry flavors? What’s a good way to use up leftovers from preparing burgers?

Why do I love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Chicken a la King recipe is a winner in my book! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of the Savory Chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet peppers, and creamy sauce is simply divine. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). But beyond the flavor, it’s also ridiculously easy to Make. This is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency – you can easily adapt this recipe to use up whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over pretty much anything – toast points for a fancy appetizer, rice or pasta for a hearty dinner, or even inside puff pastry shells for an extra special treat.

How do I make chicken a la king?

Quick Overview

How do you make chicken a la king? I’ll start by sautéing some veggies (like mushrooms and peppers) in butter, then you will make a sauce. I like to make this. How do I make a simple roux sauce? Add chicken broth, cream, sherry (if you’re feeling fancy! ), and your cooked chicken, and let it simmer until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Let it cool completely. Is it really that easy? What are some of the best veggies to cook with this recipe? How do you make your own seasonings? I always add a pinch of cinnamon to mine. It just adds something special.

Ingredients

For Chicken a la King:

How many tablespoons of butter do you
1 cup sliced mushrooms (I prefer cremini, but white button mushrooms work too) 1 tsp.
1 cup chopped onion. 1 tsp.
1 cup chopped green bell pepper.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
3 cups chicken broth. 2 cups water. 1 cup
1 cup heavy cream is enough for 1 person.
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed. 1
Salt and pepper to taste.
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Serving Suggestions

Toast points, cooked rice, boiled pasta, Puff Pastry shells, biscuits.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the mushrooms, onion, and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it really builds the flavor base for the whole dish. Don’t rush it! I always add a little butter to my veggies. I love how it makes them taste.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over cooked veggies and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. What is the base of the creamy sauce? Make sure to cook the flour for a minute or two to get rid of that raw flour taste. I always do this over medium-low heat to prevent the flour from burning.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Then, stir in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. I always use low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level. If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can skip it – the Chicken a la King will still be delicious!

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. How do I make a sauce that is thick enough to coat the back of my spoon? If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s not thick enough, simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Peas

Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed peas. Season with salt, pepper, and ground Black Pepper. How do I cook chicken before serving? And the peas add a nice pop of color and sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot over toast points, cooked rice, pasta, Puff Pastry shells, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. What is Chicken a la King?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best ways to make chicken a la king? For a classic, elegant presentation, serve it over toast points as an appetizer or light lunch. If you want a heartier meal, spoon it over cooked rice or pasta. What is my favorite puff pastry recipe? Is it possible to do it over Mashed Potatoes on a cold night?

What is a Fancy Brunch?Serve over lightly toasted croissants with a side of fresh fruit. Pair it with a crisp, dry white wine or sparkling mimosa.

What is a good cozy dinner?Serve over buttered egg noodles with a side of steamed Green Beans. What are some good ways to soak up the sauce?

For a casual weeknight meal:Serve over white rice with a side salad. My kids love this way!

What are some tips for perfecting chicken a la king?

How can I take my Chicken a la King recipe to the next level?

Use high-quality ingredients: (aThe better the ingredients, the better flavor. I always splurge on butter and chicken broth – it makes a big difference!

Don’t skip the sherry: it’How does sherry add flavor to a cocktail? If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can substitute dry white wine or chicken broth. Is it worth it?

Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Add the chicken to the sauce at the very end and just heat it through.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. I always add a little extra pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

Get creative with the veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to your Chicken a la King, such as carrots, celery, or broccoli. I’ve even added Roasted Red peppers before, and it was delicious!

Make it ahead of time: Chicken a la King is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

I always add just a *touch* of lemon juice for acidity too. Just a dash brightens up the whole dish!

Storing and Reheating Tips

So, you’ve made a big batch of Chicken a la King, and now you have leftovers? No problem! Here’s How to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t suggest it. Bacteria can grow too quickly at room temperature. Play it safe and refrigerate or freeze!

Refrigerator Storage: Store the Chicken a la King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little chicken broth when reheating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the Chicken a la King in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: Not applicable, as this dish doesn’t typically have a glaze.

When reheating, I always add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen it up. It’s almost better the second day, honestly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had good luck with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious. You could even use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener if you prefer.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even some frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure they’re cooked until tender before adding the chicken.

What can I use instead of sherry?

If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can substitute dry white wine or simply use extra chicken broth. The sherry adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s not essential. You could also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami boost.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can! The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. I recommend using whole milk for the best results. You might also need to simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to thicken it up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! Chicken a la King is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends, I truly hope you give this Chicken a la King recipe a try! It’s a classic comfort food for a reason – it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for more easy and comforting recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. And please, let me know in the comments if you try this recipe – I’d love to hear how it turns out! What are your favorite variations? Did you try it over toast, rice, or something else entirely? Happy cooking!

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