Why You’ll Love this Creamy Chicken a La King
When I’m craving comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this Creamy Chicken a La King always hits the spot.
The velvety sauce, studded with mushrooms and tender chicken chunks, feels like a warm hug on a plate.
You’ll appreciate how versatile it is—serve it over rice, noodles, or even toast points for a retro dinner party vibe.
The half-and-half creates that perfect silky texture without being too heavy, while the touch of lemon juice brightens everything up.
Best of all? You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for Tuesday night?
What Ingredients are in Creamy Chicken a La King?
The beauty of Chicken a La King lies in its perfect balance of creamy comfort and simple ingredients. Most of these items are probably already hanging out in your pantry or refrigerator, making this an excellent option for those nights when you need something satisfying without a special trip to the grocery store.
The combination creates a velvety sauce that coats each bite of tender chicken and vegetables.
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 1/2 cups half-and-half (or light cream)
- 3 beaten egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos
While the recipe calls for cooked chicken, this is where you can get creative or practical. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, saving precious time.
The pimentos add a lovely pop of color and subtle sweetness, but if you can’t find them, roasted red peppers make a fine substitute.
And about those egg yolks—don’t skip them! They’re the secret to creating that luxurious, silky texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Not sure what to do with the leftover egg whites? Save them for meringues or a healthy omelet tomorrow.
How to Make this Creamy Chicken a La King
Making this luscious dish is easier than you might think. Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Sauté these veggies until they’re tender but not browned—we’re going for soft, aromatic vegetables that will complement, not overpower, our creamy sauce. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes, and your kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine.
Now comes the transformation into that velvety sauce we all crave. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika over the vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. This creates the base of our roux. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of half-and-half (or light cream if you’re feeling indulgent), stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. This is where patience pays off—don’t rush this step!
Once thickened, take about a cup of this hot sauce and slowly whisk it into 3 beaten egg yolks. This tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble when added back to the pot. Return this mixture to the saucepan, cooking and stirring until bubbly again. The sauce will coat the back of a spoon beautifully when it’s ready.
Finish the dish by stirring in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors, followed by 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons of diced pimentos. Let everything heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
The magic of Chicken a La King happens in the serving—ladle this creamy goodness over beds of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or even buttery toast points. For a complete meal that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort, add a simple green salad on the side.
And can we talk about leftovers? They might taste even better the next day, after all those flavors have had time to mingle and get cozy with each other.
Creamy Chicken a La King Substitutions and Variations
While this classic recipe is delightful as written, I’ve discovered countless ways to adapt Chicken a La King to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
For a lighter version, swap the half-and-half with evaporated milk or coconut milk.
Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms or tofu for chicken. Not a fan of pimentos? Try roasted red peppers instead.
The vegetables are flexible too. I sometimes toss in peas, carrots, or asparagus tips when they’re in season.
For a gluten-free option, replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Serving suggestions? Beyond rice and noodles, try it over biscuits, toast points, or even baked potatoes.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken a La King
Pairing options for Creamy Chicken a La King extend far beyond the traditional rice and noodles mentioned in the recipe.
I love serving mine over buttery puff pastry shells for an elegant twist that makes weeknight dinner feel fancy. Talk about comfort food elevated!
Crisp toast points or warm biscuits make perfect vehicles for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Sometimes I’ll spoon it over steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a lower-carb option.
My personal favorite? Creamy polenta. The way the corn flavor complements the pimientos is simply divine.
What’s your perfect pairing?
Final Thoughts
After sharing this classic recipe with you, I can’t help but reflect on why Chicken a La King has stood the test of time in home kitchens everywhere. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables create a perfect harmony of flavors that simply satisfies the soul.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even toast points—it transforms humble ingredients into something special.
The recipe isn’t fussy, but the results are restaurant-worthy.
