Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade Chicken a la King recipe. Featuring tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy gravy and served over fluffy biscuits, this easy weeknight dinner promises to be on your table in just 30 minutes!
There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic dish that instantly brings warmth and satisfaction. For my family, this homemade Chicken a la King is precisely that dish. From the moment my husband and I first embarked on our culinary journey together, this recipe became a cherished staple. Even today, the mere mention of it for dinner brightens his day, a testament to its enduring appeal and delicious flavor. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, perfect for any occasion.
This recipe truly shines as a fantastic weeknight dinner solution. Its most impressive feature? The ability to go from pantry to plate in an incredible 30 minutes! This speed makes it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. While it’s certainly a popular choice as the weather cools and comfort food cravings begin, its versatility and delicious taste ensure it’s a welcomed meal in our home all year round. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a mild summer night, this Chicken a la King consistently delivers on flavor and ease.
What is Chicken a la King? A Culinary Classic Explained
Chicken a la King, often referred to as King-Style Chicken, is a classic American dish renowned for its rich and creamy texture. At its heart, it features succulent pieces of cooked, diced chicken enveloped in a luxurious cream sauce or a savory chicken gravy. This delectable mixture is traditionally served over a variety of bases, including toasted bread, steaming pasta, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles. What truly distinguishes Chicken a la King is the harmonious blend of ingredients within its sauce, which typically includes earthy mushrooms, vibrant peas, and the distinctive sweet-tart flavor of pimientos. These small, red peppers are a hallmark of the dish, adding both color and a unique taste dimension.
The precise origins of Chicken a la King are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with several delightful stories vying for credit. Most accounts place its creation somewhere between the late 1880s and early 1890s, suggesting its birthplace was likely in a prestigious American hotel or restaurant. Regardless of its exact inception, the dish steadily grew in popularity, becoming a widespread favorite in the mid to late 20th century. It graced countless dinner tables, luncheons, and banquet menus, cementing its status as a beloved comfort food icon.
While various serving traditions exist, my personal preference, and indeed the most popular way I’ve encountered this dish, is with warm, flaky biscuits. The soft, buttery texture of a split biscuit provides the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of that irresistible, savory chicken gravy. It transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that truly elevates the dish.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Chicken a la King
Crafting the perfect Chicken a la King begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its signature flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:
- Biscuits: The foundation of this comforting meal! For years, I relied on the convenience of canned, refrigerated biscuits, and they work perfectly fine, especially for a quick meal. However, if you have a little extra time, I highly recommend making homemade Buttermilk Biscuits. Their tender, flaky layers truly elevate the dish to another level of deliciousness. If you opt for refrigerated biscuits, remember to start baking them before you begin the gravy, ensuring everything is piping hot and ready at the same time. Homemade biscuits can also be prepared in advance to streamline your dinner prep.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil is perfect for sautéing our vegetables. Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil; canola, vegetable, or even avocado oil would also work well. The goal is a neutral or complementary flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add an earthy depth to the gravy. While I adore them, I understand not everyone is a fan. If mushrooms aren’t to your taste, you can simply omit them, or swap them out for another vegetable like diced celery, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for this recipe, allowing me to control the overall saltiness. However, given that you’ll season the gravy to taste at the end, using salted butter won’t significantly impact the final outcome. Just be mindful when adding extra salt later.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the crucial thickening agent for our rich, velvety gravy. Do not skip this! The flour creates a roux with the butter, forming the base that gives the sauce its body and luxurious consistency. While I’ve only used all-purpose flour, it’s a reliable choice for achieving the desired thickness.
- Chicken Broth & Milk: A strategic combination of liquids is key to a flavorful and creamy gravy. Chicken broth infuses the sauce with savory depth, while milk (whole milk for extra richness is recommended) contributes to its silky smoothness and lighter color. This balance ensures a gravy that’s both robust in flavor and beautifully creamy.
- Cooked Chicken: The ultimate time-saver! This recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, making it incredibly fast. Utilize leftover roasted chicken, diced or shredded chicken you’ve prepared in advance, or even a convenient rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. If you’re looking to master meal prep, my guide on How to Make Shredded Chicken is a fantastic resource for always having cooked chicken on hand for various recipes.
- Peas: Frozen sweet peas are my personal favorite for their vibrant color and tender texture, requiring minimal cooking time. However, fresh peas, when in season, or even canned peas (drained and rinsed) can be used. Just ensure they are heated through.
- Pimientos: These little red wonders are a defining ingredient in Chicken a la King. Pimientos (sometimes spelled pimentos) are actually a type of mild chili pepper, typically sold in small jars, already diced and ready to use. They add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. If you can’t find them or prefer a substitute, finely diced and sautéed red bell pepper can offer a similar visual appeal and a slightly different, yet complementary, flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are paramount! They are essential for enhancing all the flavors in your gravy. Remember to taste and adjust at the end of cooking to ensure your Chicken a la King is perfectly balanced and never bland. A good pinch of freshly ground black pepper can make a world of difference.
How to Make Chicken a la King: A Quick and Easy Guide
Making this comforting Chicken a la King is remarkably straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully for even heating and a nice sear. Add your sliced mushrooms and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and developed a lovely golden-brown color. This step enhances their earthy flavor. Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside, then give your skillet a quick wipe clean.
- Prepare the Roux Base: Return the cleaned skillet to medium-low heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk and cook this mixture for about one minute. This step, known as making a roux, is crucial as it cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the thickening base for your gravy.
- Create the Creamy Gravy: Gradually and slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously as you add the liquid. Consistent whisking is key here to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a perfectly smooth gravy. Increase the heat to medium and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Simmer: Once the gravy has reached its luscious thickness, reintroduce the sautéed mushrooms along with the pre-cooked chicken, frozen peas, and drained pimientos. Stir everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season to Perfection: Now is the time to taste your gravy and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, proper seasoning is vital for bringing out the best flavors in the dish. Continue to simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, or until all the ingredients are thoroughly heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
To serve, simply split a warm, freshly baked biscuit in half and generously spoon the hot, creamy Chicken a la King mixture over each half. Prepare for a truly comforting and satisfying culinary experience!
Watch How to Make Chicken a la King
For those who prefer a visual guide, this short video demonstrates each step of making this delightful Chicken a la King, ensuring your cooking process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Tips, Tricks, and Creative Variations
One of the beauties of this Chicken a la King recipe is its incredible adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes and whatever fresh produce you have on hand. While we adore the classic combination of mushrooms, peas, and pimientos, feel free to experiment:
- Vegetable Swaps: Don’t be shy about customizing your veggies! Diced onions or shallots can be sautéed with the mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Broccoli florets, cauliflower pieces, diced carrots, or even a handful of fresh spinach or asparagus can be wonderful additions. Simply cook harder vegetables until tender before adding them to the gravy.
- Protein Alternatives: While chicken is traditional, you can certainly explore other proteins. Cooked turkey (especially leftover holiday turkey) or even shrimp could make delicious variations. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery in a mushroom-based gravy.
- Serving Suggestions Beyond Biscuits: While biscuits are my ultimate comfort pairing, this versatile gravy is fantastic over many other bases. Consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white or brown rice, wide egg noodles, or even short pasta shapes like penne or rotini. For an elegant twist, spoon the Chicken a la King into pre-baked puff pastry shells, creating a delightful individual pot pie feel. Toast points or slices of crusty bread are also excellent choices for soaking up every drop of that savory sauce.
- Flavor Enhancements: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the rich gravy. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary added with the flour can also introduce a subtle complexity to the sauce. For a touch of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be a pleasant surprise.
- Gravy Consistency: If your gravy turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can create a quick slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then gradually whisking it into the simmering gravy until it thickens.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Chicken a la King is not only quick to prepare but also wonderfully convenient for meal planning and enjoying delicious leftovers. The creamy chicken gravy can be made entirely ahead of time, offering a significant advantage for busy schedules. Simply prepare the gravy as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Any leftover gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the gravy stores beautifully, it’s best to store freshly baked biscuits separately at room temperature in a bread box or on the counter, covered, for optimal freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat the gravy, I prefer to gently warm it on the stove-top over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents sticking. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until heated through. If the gravy appears too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk during reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
- Reheating Biscuits: For the best results, reheat biscuits briefly in a toaster oven or a regular oven until warmed and slightly crispy on the exterior. A quick zap in the microwave will also work, though they may be softer.
Having a batch of this comforting Chicken a la King gravy ready in the fridge means you’re just minutes away from a wholesome and satisfying meal, perfect for those unpredictable weeknights.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you love this Chicken a la King, be sure to check out some of my other popular chicken dishes perfect for any occasion:
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie
- Authentic Butter Chicken
- Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Flavorful Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
- Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas
- Easy Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Comforting Poppy Seed Chicken
- Broccoli Chicken Divan
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Chicken a la King
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Ingredients
- 8 large biscuits* baked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 12 oz cooked shredded chicken (can also use cubed)
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 1 (2 oz) jar diced pimientos, drained
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened and browned. Remove to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
- Return the skillet to the stove and place over medium-low heat. Add the butter and melt. Add the flour and stir, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly add the broth and the milk, whisking constantly. Continue to cook until the mixture boils and thickens. Once thickened, stir in the chicken, peas, mushrooms and pimientos. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
- To serve, split the biscuits in half and place on serving plates. Spoon the hot chicken mixture over the biscuits.
Video
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 374kcal (19%),
Carbohydrates: 39g (13%),
Protein: 18g (36%),
Fat: 16g (25%),
Saturated Fat: 8g (50%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 39mg (13%),
Sodium: 882mg (38%),
Fiber: 3g (13%),
Sugar: 10g (11%)