Chicken a la King
Tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a luxuriously creamy sauce, studded with sweet pimentos and green peas. This vintage American classic comes together in one skillet and is pure comfort served over toast, biscuits, or fluffy rice. Ready in 30 minutes, it is the weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the ingredients.
1.Cut chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.2.Slice mushrooms and finely dice the bell pepper.3.Drain pimentos and thaw green peas. - saute · ~6 min
Cook the chicken.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden on the outside and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
TIPDon't crowd the pan — cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear. - saute · ~5 min
Sauté the vegetables.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- mix · ~5 min
Make the roux and sauce.
1.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste out.2.Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.3.Add the water and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.TIPWhisk non-stop when adding milk to keep the sauce silky smooth — lumps form fast. - simmer · ~4 min
Combine and finish the dish.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pimentos and green peas. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
TIPTaste and adjust the salt and pepper right before serving — simple seasoning makes this dish shine. - serve
Garnish and serve hot.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over buttered toast points, warm biscuits, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the silkiest sauce, use room-temperature milk when adding it to the hot roux to reduce the risk of lumps.
- 2Don't skip the 1-minute roux cooking step—it removes the raw flour taste and deepens the sauce's flavor.
- 3If the sauce is too thick at the end, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water instead of extra milk to avoid turning it greasy.
- 4Cook the chicken in a single layer without moving it for the first 2 minutes to get a golden-brown crust.
- 5Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce and chicken separately; combine and reheat gently to keep the peas bright green.
- 6For the best texture, serve immediately—the sauce thickens noticeably as it cools and can become pasty if reheated.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein
Substitute the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons collagen powder or use 1.5 cups of half-and-half with 2 extra tablespoons of milk powder to boost protein without altering texture.
VegetarianVegetarian
Swap the chicken for 1.5 cups of cubed firm tofu (pan-seared until golden) or a mix of oyster mushrooms and chickpeas for a hearty meatless version.
Low Carb / KetoLow-Carb / Keto
Replace the flour with 2 tablespoons of almond flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum, and use heavy cream thinned with water instead of milk to keep the sauce thick and low in carbs.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like rice flour-based) in the roux, and ensure the served toast or biscuits are also gluten-free.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use full-fat oat milk (unsweetened) blended with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to achieve a creamy, lump-free sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken and mushrooms together supply B3, B5, and B6, supporting metabolism and energy production.
Good Source of Fiber
Green peas and bell pepper add dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and steady blood sugar levels.
Low in Added Sugar
This savory cream sauce contains no added sugar, making it a balanced choice for everyday comfort food.
Contains Vitamin C
Pimentos and bell pepper are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and iron absorption.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well—just increase the initial cooking time by about 2 minutes and cut them slightly smaller for even cooking.
