Quick and Easy Chicken à la King Dinner Recipe

Chicken a la King is similar in flavor to pot pie but a bit easier to put together. Get in your veggies with chicken and biscuits for dinner.

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When I was growing up, my grandparents would make their recipe creation we called Chicken a la Gurnham. There was a specific ingredient we needed that they stopped selling in stores around us. We had to change up the recipe, so it’s now more of a traditional Chicken a la King.

Chicken a la King has similar flavors to a chicken pot pie. The difference is in the way it’s all put together. For chicken a la king, all of the “filling” is cooked together. Then that’s scooped into a serving bowl and topped with a baked biscuit.

As always, by making a recipe at home, you can change what you want. If you don’t like some of the vegetables in my base recipe, you can switch them out for something else.

Traditional Chicken à la King vs Shortcut Chicken à la King

Traditional chicken à la king is made with a homemade cream sauce created from butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream. The classic version often includes mushrooms, peas, and diced pimentos for both flavor and color. While homemade versions are rich and flavorful, many families prefer a shortcut chicken à la king recipe made with cream of chicken soup because it saves time without sacrificing comfort-food appeal.

Using cream of chicken soup creates a creamy sauce in just minutes and makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. The condensed soup provides a consistent texture and rich flavor while reducing the number of ingredients needed. Whether you choose the traditional method or the shortcut version, both deliver the warm and comforting flavors that have made chicken à la king a family favorite for generations.

What Is Chicken à la King?

Chicken à la King is a classic American dish known for its creamy, comforting qualities. Traditionally, it consists of diced chicken in a rich, velvety sauce made from a roux, cream, and broth, often accompanied by vegetables like mushrooms, peas, and pimentos. This dish is versatile and can be served over various bases such as rice, toast, egg noodles, or puff pastry. Its origins are debated, but it remains a beloved comfort food in many households.

Why Use Cream of Chicken Soup in Chicken à la King

One of the easiest ways to make chicken à la king is by using cream of chicken soup as the base for the sauce. The soup adds savory chicken flavor and creates a creamy consistency without requiring a separate roux. This shortcut allows dinner to come together quickly while still producing a rich and satisfying meal.

Cream of chicken soup also works well with additional ingredients such as celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, and pimentos. The result is a smooth, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. For an even richer dish, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

The Best Chicken to Use

This chicken à la king recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to the protein. Fresh chicken breasts work well because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Rotisserie chicken is another excellent option and can significantly reduce preparation time.

Leftover roasted chicken or turkey can also be used, making this recipe a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it after the sauce is prepared and simmer until heated through. This prevents the meat from becoming dry or overcooked.

Optional Ingredients for a More Traditional Flavor

Many classic chicken à la king recipes include vegetables that add texture, color, and flavor. Mushrooms are one of the most common additions and provide a savory depth that complements the creamy sauce. Sweet peas add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, while diced pimentos contribute to the traditional appearance associated with old-fashioned chicken à la king.

If your family enjoys extra vegetables, consider adding carrots, onions, or red bell peppers. These ingredients blend well with the creamy sauce and make the dish even more hearty and satisfying.

What to Serve with Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King is traditionally served over toast points, but there are many delicious ways to enjoy it. Fluffy biscuits remain one of the most popular serving options because they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. White rice is another classic choice that allows the rich flavors to shine.

For a heartier meal, serve chicken à la king over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or puff pastry shells. Each option creates a slightly different experience while still highlighting the creamy chicken mixture. If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, try serving it over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

How to Make Chicken à la King Ahead of Time

This recipe is ideal for meal prep because the filling can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. Simply cook the chicken mixture according to the recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, gently reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of milk or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency. Bake fresh biscuits while the filling reheats for an easy make-ahead dinner.

Can You Freeze Chicken à la King?

Chicken à la King can be frozen, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing. For best results, cool the mixture completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stir the mixture frequently while warming and add a little milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy texture. It is best to freeze the filling separately and prepare fresh biscuits, rice, or noodles when serving.

Troubleshooting Chicken a la King

If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually stir in additional milk or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency. If the sauce seems too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes so excess liquid can evaporate.

To avoid overcooking the chicken, remove it from the heat as soon as it is fully cooked through. If using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, add it near the end of cooking and heat just until warmed. Season with additional black pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs if you would like a stronger flavor.

A Note About Chicken a la King Ingredients

Chicken

I used chopped fresh chicken breasts in my recipe, but you can also substitute that for a few other options. Try making this with leftover chicken, pre-cooked chicken, or rotisserie chicken. For those who prefer dark meat, this can also be made by cutting up chicken thighs. 

Other Substitutions

To get a creamier sauce, try replacing the milk with heavy cream. If it gets too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or chicken stock to thin out your cream. 

In place of the melted butter, try sauteeing the celery and green bell peppers in some white wine. 

Serving Suggestions

We always serve this with cooked biscuits on top. But if you want a different taste, you could forgo the biscuits and serve the creamy chicken dish over a bed of prepared egg noodles. 

Instead of biscuits, you could also cover the dish with puff pastry while it bakes.

Add-Ins

Since celery and green bell peppers are the only add-ins, you could add extra veggies if you’d like. It’s a great way to get a few more nutritious ingredients in your meal. These are my suggestions:

• Diced carrots
• Fresh mushrooms such as baby bella mushrooms or white mushrooms
• Red peppers or red bell pepper
• Green peas or sweet peas
• Green beans
• Cooked corn
• Pimento peppers
• Minced garlic or garlic powder

Tips for the Best Chicken à la King

• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of flour used in the roux.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like carrots or celery.
• To make the recipe ahead of time, prepare the sauce and store it separately from the base. Reheat and combine before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.

Common Variations of Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King has several variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:

• Classic Version: The traditional recipe includes chicken, mushrooms, peas, and pimentos in a creamy sauce, served over toast or rice.
• Casserole Style: This variation combines the Chicken à la King mixture with cooked pasta or biscuits, then bakes it in the oven for a comforting casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb alternative, serve the dish over steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Chicken a la King FAQ

Chicken a la King Step by Step

Ingredients

• 1 can buttermilk biscuits
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/4 green pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Prepare biscuits as directed.

Saute chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through.

In a separate large skillet, saute the celery and green pepper in butter until crisp-tender over medium-high heat.

Stir in the soup, milk, and pepper.

Add the tender chicken and reduce to medium heat.

Simmer uncovered for 4-6 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Serve chicken and sauce over biscuits.

Chicken a la King Leftovers

Storage: If you have leftovers, I suggest storing the filling in a separate container from the biscuits. The filling can go in the refrigerator and will stay good for 2-3 days. The biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. 

Reheating: I like to reheat the filling on the stovetop until warm, then top with a biscuit.

Recipe

Chicken a la King

Chicken a la King is similar in flavor to pot pie but a bit easier to put together. Get in your veggies with chicken and biscuits for dinner.

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

biscuits

|

chicken

|

vegetables

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Nut-Free

Meat:

Chicken/Turkey

Servings: 8

5 from 12 votes

Ingredients

• 1 can buttermilk biscuits
• 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1/4 green pepper (diced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Recommended Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Skillet

Instructions

• Prepare biscuits as directed
• Saute chicken until cooked through
• In a separate large skillet, saute celery and green pepper in butter until crisp-tender
• Stir in the soup, milk, and pepper
• Add the chicken and reduce the heat
• Simmer uncovered for 4-6 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally
• Serve chicken and sauce over biscuits

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Nutrition Facts

Chicken a la King

Amount Per Serving (1 each)

Calories 390 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Fat 19g29%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Monounsaturated Fat 7g

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 1187mg49%

Potassium 456mg13%

Carbohydrates 35g12%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 353IU7%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 85mg9%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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