Classic Chicken à la King

The Story Behind the Recipe

Classic Chicken à la King- Some dishes never go out of style — they live in our memories, tucked between laughter, family dinners, and the smell of butter sizzling in a pan. Classic Chicken à la King is one of those treasures. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like Sunday dinners, cozy evenings, and the golden glow of nostalgia.

When I was growing up, my grandma would make Classic Chicken à la King every winter, right around the time when the first chill hit the air. I can still see her standing by the stove, stirring that creamy sauce until it shimmered, then gently folding in tender chicken, sweet peas, and mushrooms. She always served it over warm buttered toast — simple, hearty, and pure comfort.

She used to say, “This is the kind of meal that feeds the soul, not just the stomach.” And she was right. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy sauce, soft chicken, and the way that first bite melts in your mouth. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough for an ordinary Tuesday.

Today, I’m sharing that same Granny’s Lil Kitchen recipe with you — full of love, tradition, and that unmistakable old-fashioned goodness that feels like home.

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What Makes This Classic Chicken à la King Recipe Special

What sets Classic Chicken à la King apart is how it manages to be both rich and comforting without being complicated. It’s a dish that feels fancy but cooks like a dream.

Here’s why it’s special:

• A timeless classic: Originating in the early 1900s, this dish has graced countless dinner tables — and for good reason.
• Creamy and luxurious: The sauce is buttery, silky, and perfectly coats every bite of chicken.
• Full of flavor: Tender chicken, mushrooms, pimentos, and peas create the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, toast, puff pastry, biscuits, or noodles — it’s delicious every way.
• Quick comfort: Takes less than 40 minutes to make but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside — warm, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken à la King

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, for color and sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great!)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup chopped pimentos (or roasted red peppers)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry or white wine (optional but recommended)

For Serving

• Buttered toast points, puff pastry shells, cooked rice, or egg noodles
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Granny’s Tip: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe faster without losing that homemade flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Granny’s Secret: Don’t rush the mushrooms — browning them brings out that deep, earthy flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Kitchen Note: The mixture should look like thick paste — this is your flavor base and the secret to that silky-smooth sauce.

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Step 3: Add the Liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream (or half-and-half).

Stir and cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Granny’s Tip: The key to the perfect Classic Chicken à la King sauce is patience — let it thicken slowly for that velvety texture.

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Step 4: Add the Flavor

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and sherry (if using).

Taste and adjust seasoning — a little more salt for depth, or lemon for brightness.

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Step 5: Add the Chicken and Veggies

Fold in the cooked chicken, peas, and pimentos. Stir gently to combine, letting everything heat through for 3–4 minutes.

The sauce should be creamy, rich, and dotted with beautiful pops of color.

Comfort Moment: When you see the steam rising and that creamy sauce bubbling gently — that’s the heart of Granny’s Lil Kitchen right there.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Classic Chicken à la King over toast, noodles, rice, or puff pastry shells. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Granny’s Serving Tip: My grandma always used toasted white bread triangles — simple, buttery, and perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with both simple and fancy sides.

🍞 Classic & Cozy

• Buttered toast points (traditional style)
• Fresh baked biscuits or puff pastry shells

🍝 Hearty & Comforting

• Egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
• Garlic butter pasta

🥗 Light & Fresh

• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or asparagus

🍷 Drinks

• A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling cider complements the creaminess perfectly.

Granny’s Note: This meal has a quiet elegance — perfect for family dinners or cozy nights when you want something a little extra special.

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Customization & Variations

Once you master Classic Chicken à la King, you’ll realize how flexible it is. Here are a few delicious ways to customize it:

🍗 Turkey à la King

Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers — just swap turkey for chicken.

🥦 Veggie Delight

Skip the chicken and load up on mushrooms, peas, and broccoli for a creamy vegetarian version.

🧄 Garlic Lovers

Add a roasted garlic clove or two for deeper, mellow flavor.

🧀 Cheesy Twist

Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for richness.

🌶 Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for gentle warmth.

🥕 Extra Veggies

Diced carrots or celery add sweetness and color — sauté them with the onions at the start.

Granny’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment — this creamy base makes everything taste like comfort.

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin the sauce if needed.

❄️ Freezing

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly.

Granny’s Trick: Cream-based sauces can thicken as they chill — just stir in a little cream or butter when reheating to bring it back to life.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

(Serves 4–6)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 510mg

Hearty, balanced, and full of protein — this Classic Chicken à la King is true comfort food that nourishes body and soul.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes — rotisserie or any cooked chicken works beautifully.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! It reheats perfectly for up to 3 days.

3. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes — it’ll be lighter, but still creamy and delicious.

4. Can I skip the mushrooms?

Sure — but they add great flavor. You can replace them with diced carrots or corn.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes — use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for the roux.

6. Can I use turkey instead?

Definitely — it’s a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

7. What’s the best way to serve it?

Traditionally over toast points or puff pastry, but rice and noodles are just as good.

8. Can I add cheese?

Yes — a sprinkle of Parmesan adds great depth.

9. Can I make it without wine?

Of course — just replace with extra broth or a splash of lemon juice.

10. Can I freeze it?

Yes — cool it first, then freeze in portions for quick meals later.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s a reason Classic Chicken à la King has stood the test of time. It’s more than just a creamy chicken dish — it’s comfort in its purest form. Every spoonful feels like coming home.

It’s the taste of Sunday dinners in a cozy kitchen, the laughter of family around the table, and the aroma of butter and cream filling the air. It’s simple ingredients coming together in harmony — the way only old-fashioned recipes can.

So next time you’re craving something hearty, nostalgic, and full of love, make this Classic Chicken à la King. Serve it to the people you care about, and watch their faces light up with that first, comforting bite.

Because in Granny’s Lil Kitchen, food isn’t just something you eat — it’s something you feel.

💛 Tried This Recipe?

If you make Classic Chicken à la King, I’d love to see your cozy, creamy creations! Tag your photos and follow me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — where every recipe is made with warmth, comfort, and a sprinkle of old-fashioned love.