Are you looking at that container of leftover chicken or turkey and wondering how to transform it into something truly special? Look no further! Chicken à la King is the ultimate answer—a wonderfully comforting, creamy, and undeniably satisfying meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly. This classic dish is a culinary embrace, perfect for those evenings when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss. Everything you need simmers harmoniously in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze, and its versatility means you can serve it over almost anything you have on hand, from flaky biscuits and soft egg noodles to crisp toast, light puff pastry, or even a warm, fluffy baked potato. It’s a complete, flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes, crafted from simple, everyday pantry staples.
For many, Chicken à la King holds a special place in their hearts, evoking memories of childhood dinners and cozy gatherings. Personally, it has always been a beloved comfort food, yet for years, mastering its creation felt elusive. That changed dramatically when I discovered this incredibly simple recipe back in 2016. What made it a game-changer? Its clever use of leftover cooked meat and convenient frozen vegetables, streamlining the process without compromising on flavor. Since then, this particular rendition has become my steadfast go-to, a dependable recipe I return to time and again. Today, we’re giving this treasured recipe a fresh perspective, highlighting its ease, adaptability, and timeless appeal, ensuring it continues to be a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.
Unveiling the Classic: What Exactly is Chicken à la King?
You might be pondering the origins and precise components of a dish with such an elegant, French-sounding name. At its heart, Chicken à la King is a rich, creamy, and deeply savory dish featuring tender pieces of cooked chicken (or sometimes turkey), generously mingled with sautéed mushrooms, vibrant peas, sweet carrots, and often other delightful vegetables like bell peppers. All these elements are enveloped in a luxuriously thick, velvety cream sauce, frequently enhanced with a touch of sherry or a savory chicken broth to deepen its flavor profile. Traditionally, it’s spooned over a comforting base, making it a truly satisfying meal. Common choices include fluffy egg noodles, crisp buttered toast, light and airy biscuits, or even pastry shells.
Despite its sophisticated French moniker, Chicken à la King is, in fact, an ingenious American culinary invention. It soared to popularity in the early 1900s, praised as an exceptionally delicious and inventive method for transforming humble leftover chicken into a gourmet experience. The exact story behind its regal name, “à la King,” remains a delightful culinary mystery, sparking various theories. Some food historians suggest it was first created at New York’s Brighton Beach Hotel, named in honor of a distinguished patron or a talented chef named King. Other accounts trace its origins to an esteemed hotel in Philadelphia, or even to the coastal charm of Long Branch, New Jersey. Regardless of its precise birthplace, the “à la King” style—characterized by its luscious, flavorful poultry in a rich cream sauce—has undeniably cemented its place as a cherished household favorite across America ever since its inception, continually delighting palates with its timeless appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken à la King Recipe
This Chicken à la King recipe truly checks every box for a perfect family meal. It’s remarkably pantry-friendly, utilizing ingredients you likely already have stocked, making it an excellent choice for a budget-conscious approach to meal planning. Its adaptability is another major selling point; it welcomes various substitutions and modifications, ensuring it can always fit your tastes and what’s available. This dish carries that wonderful, nostalgic charm of a meal your grandmother might have lovingly prepared, yet it incorporates modern shortcuts that make it incredibly accessible and easy enough for even the busiest weeknight dinner. The result is a creamy, savory masterpiece, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of tender vegetables. Moreover, its versatility shines brightest when considering your protein: it’s equally delightful made with leftover holiday turkey as it is with a convenient rotisserie chicken picked up on a regular Tuesday night. It truly is a meal that adapts to your life, offering comfort and flavor without compromise.
This is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey back to those cherished, old-timey meals that evoke warmth and contentment. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors are developed from ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now, eliminating the need for a special grocery run. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: everything simmers together in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and no complicated steps. As I mentioned, it’s the quintessential meal for transforming holiday leftovers into something fresh and exciting, but it’s also perfectly suited for a hectic weeknight. And the absolute best part? Its incredible flexibility when it comes to serving. You can spoon this rich, savory mixture over anything your heart desires: golden-brown toast, silky egg noodles, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, elegant popovers, hearty baked potatoes, or delicate puff pastry shells—the possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your meal every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken à la King
Crafting a delicious Chicken à la King begins with a straightforward list of accessible ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete printable recipe card at the conclusion of this article. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- Cooked Chicken or Turkey: The star of the show! Use about one pound of shredded or diced cooked chicken or turkey. This is where your leftover rotisserie chicken, holiday turkey, or even pan-fried chicken breasts truly shine, making this an excellent way to repurpose meals.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the creamy base and is a fantastic shortcut for a rich, flavorful sauce. In a pinch, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup, though the overall flavor profile will subtly change.
- Half & Half or Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that signature velvety texture and added richness that elevates the sauce from good to truly luxurious.
- Cooking Sherry: This ingredient adds a wonderful depth and subtle complexity to the sauce, enhancing the savory notes. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, an equal amount of chicken broth can be used as a simple and effective substitute.
- Chicken Bouillon: Whether in granular or paste form, chicken bouillon intensifies the savory chicken flavor throughout the dish, ensuring a robust taste in every spoonful.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: A convenient blend that adds color, sweetness, and essential vegetable goodness. Feel free to use any frozen mixed vegetables you prefer, or swap for fresh alternatives like diced bell pepper or other favorite green vegetables.
- Canned Mushrooms: Sliced canned mushrooms are a quick and easy addition, bringing an earthy umami flavor. If you have fresh mushrooms on hand, a quick sauté before adding them will yield an even richer taste and texture.
- Poultry Seasoning: This aromatic blend of herbs, typically including thyme, sage, and marjoram, is crucial for giving Chicken à la King its distinctive, comforting aroma and taste. A mix of dried thyme, sage, and a pinch of black pepper can also work wonders.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash of this savory condiment provides an extra layer of umami and depth, rounding out the flavors of the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley: While optional, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley stirred in just before serving or as a garnish adds a vibrant burst of color and a refreshing, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- For Serving: The canvas for your masterpiece! Choose from warm biscuits, crispy buttered toast, tender egg noodles, elegant puff pastry shells, or hearty baked potatoes to complete your meal.
Simple Steps to Crafting Creamy Chicken à la King
One of the greatest joys of this Chicken à la King recipe is how incredibly quickly and easily it comes together, allowing you to have a warm, satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful meal that tastes like it took hours, but only requires minutes of active preparation.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven, combine your cooked chicken (or turkey), cream of chicken soup, cream or half & half, cooking sherry (or chicken broth), chicken bouillon, frozen peas and carrots, canned sliced mushrooms, poultry seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure all ingredients are added, creating a vibrant mix of flavors and textures right from the start.
- Gentle Heating: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the soup base begins to incorporate smoothly with the other components. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently warm the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to bubble around the edges. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil; a gentle simmer is key to prevent scorching and keep the sauce smooth.
- Simmer to Perfection: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture continue to cook at a gentle simmer for 15 to 30 minutes. This crucial simmering period allows all the wonderful flavors to fully meld together, deepening the overall taste, and also gives the creamy sauce time to thicken to that perfect, luxurious consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Finishing Touch & Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous brightness that complements the rich sauce. Spoon this luscious Chicken à la King generously over your chosen base—whether it’s warm buttermilk biscuits, tender egg noodles, fluffy baked potatoes, or delicate puff pastry shells. Serve immediately and enjoy!
To Make Chicken à la King in the Crockpot (Slow Cooker Method): This hands-off method is perfect for busy days! Begin by combining all the ingredients (except the fresh parsley) directly into the bowl of your slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly heated through and the flavors have beautifully melded. If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked chicken, place them whole into the sauce, then cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3½ to 4 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and stir it back into the creamy sauce. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley. If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, simply thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth or a little milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storing Leftovers: Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your Chicken à la King for days to come. Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Once sealed, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, a small splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth will help loosen it back to its original creamy texture. It’s generally not recommended to freeze this dish due to the cream-based sauce; freezing and thawing can often alter the sauce’s consistency, making it less appealing. However, since this recipe is so wonderfully easy and quick to prepare, making a fresh batch is always a delightful option!
Love it? Pin it for Later!
If you’re already envisioning this creamy, comforting Chicken à la King on your dinner table, don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! Make sure to save it by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, it’ll always be easy to find whenever that craving for a quick, delicious, and easy meal strikes!
Top Tips & Clever Tricks for the Easiest Chicken à la King:
Making Chicken à la King is already simple, but these tips and tricks will elevate your experience, ensuring a perfect, flavorful dish every time:
- Speedy Protein: For an even quicker meal, opt for pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice; simply shred or dice it. Similarly, any leftover chicken or turkey from a previous meal can be diced or shredded and works wonderfully, reducing cooking time significantly.
- Mushroom Power: If you’re a mushroom lover, consider enhancing their flavor. Add extra canned mushrooms or, for a gourmet touch, sauté fresh sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil until golden brown before adding them to the pan. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper during sautéing can introduce a subtle warmth without making the dish spicy.
- Lighter Alternative: While cream or half & half provides a rich texture, you can achieve a slightly lighter version by substituting some or all of it with chicken broth. This will result in a thinner, less decadent sauce but still maintain the essential savory flavors.
- Temperature Matters: When incorporating your cooked chicken into the sauce, try to ensure it’s at room temperature or even slightly warm. Adding cold chicken can significantly drop the sauce’s temperature, extending the heating time and potentially affecting the sauce’s consistency.
- Seasoning Customization: Poultry seasoning is a key flavor component, but don’t hesitate to adjust it to your taste. For an extra layer of savory depth, a small dash of onion powder or garlic powder can further enhance the creamy chicken mixture, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Serving Variety: While egg noodles offer that classic comfort food experience, explore other serving options. Spooning Chicken à la King over a warm, fluffy baked potato creates a hearty, satisfying meal on its own. Alternatively, serve it with homemade buttermilk biscuits for a delightful, southern-inspired twist that soaks up every drop of that delicious sauce.
- Consistency Control: If your sauce is too thick for your preference, a splash of milk or chicken broth can help thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.
Expand Your Culinary Horizons with More Delicious Recipes
One of the most rewarding aspects of cooking is the ability to take a single recipe or ingredient and transform it into several distinct and equally delicious meals. This concept of culinary repurposing is a true joy, and Chicken à la King exemplifies it beautifully. Consider this meal-planning strategy, for example: begin with my recipe for Homemade Rotisserie Chicken. Double the batch, and savor the first portion as a standalone meal. With the delicious leftovers, you can effortlessly create this creamy Chicken à la King recipe. Then, later in the week, take that very same Chicken à la King and spoon it over warm, fluffy baked potatoes, creating those stunning Chicken à la King Baked Potatoes you see pictured above. It’s a testament to smart cooking and maximizing flavor!
For more poultry inspiration, you can explore all of my chicken recipes here, each designed to bring flavor and ease to your kitchen. And if you’re constantly seeking quick and satisfying dinners, discover my curated collection of easy weeknight meals right here. There’s truly no reason to compromise on deliciousness when gathering your family around the table, especially when meals are this simple and satisfying! If your appetite for comforting, time-honored dishes is still growing, be sure to grab a copy of my cookbook, Savor It. Much like this recipe, it’s packed with nostalgic, comforting meals and delightful desserts—all tried-and-true family favorites designed to create lasting memories in your home.
In conclusion, Chicken à la King stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comfort foods, a dish that truly never goes out of style. Whether you’re utilizing a convenient rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, smartly repurposing leftovers from last night’s dinner, or cooking up a fresh batch of juicy chicken breasts specifically for this recipe, it offers a fantastic and effortless way to bring a creamy, deeply satisfying meal to your table with minimal effort. Its rich flavors, combined with its quick preparation and customizable serving options, make it a true winner. This recipe is undoubtedly a keeper, perfect for those demanding busy weeknights, relaxing cozy weekends, or any time you’re seeking a meal that is both quick to prepare and incredibly filling. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of homemade Chicken à la King, a simple pleasure for any occasion.
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Print Recipe
Chicken à la King
Equipment
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken or turkey diced or shredded
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup cream or half & half
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1 12 ounce package frozen peas & carrots
- 1 4 ounce can sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream or half & half, cooking sherry, chicken bouillon, frozen vegetables, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently around the edges.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to a perfect consistency.
- Right before serving, stir in the fresh parsley. Spoon generously over your preferred base: buttermilk biscuits, egg noodles, baked potatoes, or even puff pastry shells all make excellent choices!
Notes
Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce base, as freezing and thawing can significantly alter its consistency and texture. However, it’s so easy to make fresh that you probably won’t need to worry about freezing.
How to Make Chicken à la King in the Slow Cooker
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken or turkey, cream of chicken soup, half and half or heavy cream, cooking sherry (or chicken broth if preferred), chicken bouillon, frozen peas and carrots, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of onion powder (optional, for extra depth).
- Mix all ingredients gently until the sauce mixture is as smooth and well-combined as possible.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1½ to 2 hours, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have fully melded. If you’re using raw chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked chicken, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3½ to 4 hours. Afterwards, shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
This recipe for Chicken à la King was originally published on September 11, 2016, as a proud contribution to The Secret Recipe Club. It has since been thoroughly reviewed and updated to enhance the user experience, featuring clearer instructions and additional tips, and was re-shared on August 4, 2025, to continue inspiring delicious, easy meals in your home.