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Overhead shot of creamy chicken a la King with mushrooms, peas, and pimientos in a rich sauce.

Classic Chicken a la King

A creamy chicken a la king made in a single saucepan with mushrooms, peas, and pimientos in a rich sauce thickened with flour and egg yolks.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup salted butter 113 g
  • 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced 227 g
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 60 g
  • 2 cups chicken broth 480 ml
  • 1 1/2 cups milk 360 ml
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream 80 ml
  • 1 cup frozen peas 150 g
  • 1 (8 ounce jar) diced pimientos, drained 227 g
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken about 600 g

Instructions
 

  • Sauté Mushrooms:

    In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 cup salted butter. Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they become tender.
  • Make Roux Sauce:

    Mix in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until no dry flour remains. Slowly add 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk while stirring. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low and let it simmer for around 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Temper Egg Mixture:

    In a small bowl, combine 2 large egg yolks with 1/3 cup heavy cream and whisk. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pan to temper the eggs (this avoids curdling). Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to achieve a thicker consistency.
  • Fold in Chicken and Peas:

    Fold in 1 cup frozen peas, 1 (8 ounce jar) drained diced pimientos, and 4 cups shredded cooked chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are hot and the chicken is warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if you like.
  • Serve Over Rice:

    Serve immediately over cooked rice, pasta, toast, or biscuits.
Keyword chicken a la king, chicken recipes