Chicken à la King

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Creamy, comforting, and full of cozy nostalgia, Chicken à la King is a dinnertime classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender chicken breast mingles with earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, and vibrant bell peppers, all nestled in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Served over egg noodles or puff pastry, this dish delivers elegance without the fuss.

Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly evening or need a one-pan wonder that feeds the whole family, Chicken à la King rises to the occasion. It’s budget-friendly, comes together in under an hour, and easily adapts to what you already have in your fridge. It’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

If you want a restaurant-style presentation, serve Chicken à la King in flaky puff pastry shells. Store-bought frozen puff pastry works beautifully—just thaw according to package directions and bake until golden. You can also spoon it over toasted brioche, buttery biscuits, or classic egg noodles if puff pastry isn’t your thing.

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Ingredients for the Chicken à la King

Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites.

Mushrooms – Their earthy flavor adds depth and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Green Peas – For sweetness and a pop of color. Frozen peas work great and require no prep.

Carrots – Add a mild sweetness and extra texture. Slice thin for quick cooking.

Butter – Essential for sautéing and creating that smooth, glossy base.

All-Purpose Flour – Used to thicken the sauce and give it structure.

Chicken Broth – Builds flavor and balances out the cream.

Heavy Cream – The ingredient that transforms this dish into something luxuriously rich.

Garlic and Onion – These aromatic staples create the flavorful backbone of the sauce.

Salt, Pepper, and Parsley – For seasoning and a fresh finish.

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How To Make the Chicken à la King

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or deep pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and lightly golden on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more butter if needed, then toss in sliced mushrooms and carrots. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and the carrots are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened. Then add the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until a rich, creamy sauce forms.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the peas. Let everything simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a touch of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over puff pastry shells, egg noodles, or toast points for a comforting and elegant meal.

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How to Serve and Store Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic presentation, spoon the creamy mixture over flaky puff pastry shells or golden toast points. Want something heartier? Pile it onto egg noodles, white rice, or even mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper for that final, elegant touch.

Storing leftovers is a breeze. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut too—just shred and stir in at the end.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add more broth or a splash of milk when reheating. Stir constantly and avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth.

Can this be frozen?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but you can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture before adding the cream. Add cream fresh when reheating.

Are there any vegetarian swaps?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.

What side dishes pair well?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus complement this dish beautifully.

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Want More Creamy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken à la King, here are more cozy, creamy dishes from Life with Jam that you’ll want to try next:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – A one-skillet favorite with bold garlic flavor.

• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce – A fun twist on Philly meets pasta.

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – Lasagna in a bowl with all the cheesy goodness.

• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Comfort food made super easy.

• Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole – Creamy chicken filling baked inside soft crescent rolls.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find next time you need something hearty and comforting.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms or leave them out? Maybe snuck in some white wine?

I love seeing your variations and tips. Share your thoughts or tag me on Pinterest at Life with Jam if you try it!

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