Easy One-Pan Chicken à la King: Your Go-To Recipe for Leftover Chicken & Ultimate Comfort Food
When you’re searching for a simple yet satisfying meal that makes the most of your kitchen staples, look no further than this classic Chicken à la King recipe. This beloved dish is a creamy, comforting masterpiece that comes together with remarkable ease, often utilizing leftover chicken or turkey and common pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or when you want to transform extra poultry into something truly special. Everything simmers in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor, making it a hassle-free, delightful meal ready in around 30 minutes.
Its versatility is unmatched, as it can be served over a variety of bases you likely already have on hand. Imagine spoonfuls of rich, savory chicken à la King nestled atop warm, flaky biscuits, hearty egg noodles, crispy toast, light puff pastry, or even a fluffy baked potato. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a versatile foundation for delicious family dinners, proving that classic comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Enduring Allure of Chicken à la King: A Timeless Classic
Chicken à la King has held a special place in my heart for years. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of hearty, home-cooked meals from childhood. For a long time, I struggled to perfect my own version, until I stumbled upon this incredibly straightforward recipe back in 2016. What made it a game-changer was its ingenious use of leftover meat and readily available frozen vegetables – a true lifesaver for efficient meal planning. Since that discovery, it’s become my reliable go-to, the recipe I consistently return to for its ease and delicious results. Today, this cherished classic is getting a refreshed presentation, ensuring its timeless appeal continues to shine for new generations of home cooks.
What Exactly is Chicken à la King? Deciphering the Delicious Dish
For those unfamiliar with its delightful charm, Chicken à la King is a rich and creamy savory dish featuring tender pieces of chicken (or turkey), often combined with mushrooms, peas, and carrots, all enveloped in a luxurious cream sauce. This flavorful sauce is typically enhanced with a touch of sherry or chicken broth, adding depth and a subtle complexity that truly elevates the dish. While its fancy French-sounding name might suggest European origins, Chicken à la King is, in fact, an American invention. It rose to prominence in the early 1900s as an ingenious and delectable method for repurposing leftover chicken, transforming humble ingredients into an elegant and satisfying meal.
The Intriguing History Behind Chicken à la King
The precise origin of the “à la King” moniker and the dish itself is a subject of culinary debate, adding a touch of mystery to its rich history. Several theories abound: some culinary historians credit its creation to the Brighton Beach Hotel in New York, where it was supposedly named after a patron or chef named King. Other accounts trace its roots to a hotel in Philadelphia, or even to Long Branch, New Jersey. Regardless of its exact birthplace, the “à la King” style, characterized by its creamy, flavorful poultry and vegetable mixture, quickly captivated American palates. It became a household favorite, celebrated for its ability to turn everyday ingredients into a special occasion meal, solidifying its place as a quintessential American comfort food that has remained popular for over a century.
Why This One-Pan Chicken à la King Recipe is a Weeknight Lifesaver
This particular Chicken à la King recipe is a true culinary multitasker, checking all the boxes for a convenient, delicious, and adaptable meal. It’s incredibly pantry-friendly, leveraging ingredients you likely already have, making grocery runs simpler. Its budget-conscious nature means you can feed the family without breaking the bank, especially when utilizing leftover chicken or turkey. It carries that wonderful, old-school charm, reminiscent of the comforting dishes your grandmother might have prepared, but with clever shortcuts perfectly suited for today’s busy lifestyles. The result is a creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced meal, with just the right amount of tender vegetables to complete the experience.
Moreover, its versatility extends beyond just chicken. This recipe performs just as admirably with leftover turkey after holiday feasts as it does with a store-bought rotisserie chicken on an average Tuesday evening. The inherent flexibility of this dish ensures it fits seamlessly into any meal plan, whether you’re aiming for a quick dinner or a creative way to use up ingredients. Its one-pan preparation further enhances its appeal, promising minimal mess and maximum flavor, making it a consistent winner in any kitchen.
This is undeniably one of those sentimental, old-timey recipes that brings comfort with every bite. It’s wonderfully creamy, deeply satisfying, and astonishingly easy to prepare using ingredients you probably already have stocked in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: everything simmers together in a single pan, which means no extra mess, no complicated steps, and less time spent on cleanup. As I mentioned, it’s the ideal meal for a hectic weeknight, offering a quick and fulfilling dinner option. It’s equally perfect when you’re looking to transform holiday leftovers into something fresh and exciting. And truly, the best part is the endless possibilities for serving! Whether you prefer it over crisp toast, your favorite egg noodles, warm and fluffy buttermilk biscuits, elegant popovers, hearty baked potatoes, or delicate puff pastry shells – the choice is yours, and every option is delicious!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken à la King
Crafting this delicious Chicken à la King requires a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or freezer. For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to scroll to the bottom of this post for the complete printable recipe card.
- Cooked Chicken or Turkey: The star of the show! Shredded or diced, either works beautifully. This is where leftover chicken or turkey truly shines, making it an excellent way to reduce food waste and create a new meal. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides the incredibly rich and creamy base for the sauce. In a pinch, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup, though the overall flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Half & Half or Heavy Cream: For an extra layer of decadence and a wonderfully smooth, velvety texture. This enhances the creaminess significantly.
- Cooking Sherry: Adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that is characteristic of classic Chicken à la King. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, an equal amount of chicken broth can be used as a suitable substitute without compromising taste too much.
- Chicken Bouillon: Whether you use granules or paste, this ingredient boosts the savory chicken flavor throughout the sauce, ensuring a robust taste.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: A convenient and colorful addition, these frozen mixed vegetables provide a lovely texture and essential nutrients. Feel free to swap them out for other frozen mixed vegetables you enjoy, or focus on just green peas for a simpler mix. Green bell peppers are another great addition for a slight crunch and fresh flavor.
- Canned Mushrooms: Easy to use and always on hand. If you prefer, fresh mushrooms, sautéed until tender and golden brown, can be used for an even richer mushroom flavor.
- Poultry Seasoning: This aromatic blend is crucial for authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, a homemade mix of dried thyme, sage, and a dash of black pepper will work wonderfully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount of this fermented condiment adds an incredible layer of umami and depth, rounding out the savory notes of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: An optional but highly recommended garnish. Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing, herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- For Serving: The beauty of Chicken à la King lies in its versatility. Prepare a base of warm biscuits, buttered toast, tender egg noodles, elegant puff pastry shells, or hearty baked potatoes to perfectly complement the creamy chicken mixture.
How to Make Chicken à la King: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This Chicken à la King recipe is designed for maximum ease and efficiency, ensuring you can have a comforting and delicious dinner on the table in record time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven, combine all the main ingredients: the cooked chicken (or turkey), cream of chicken soup, half & half or heavy cream, cooking sherry (or chicken broth), chicken bouillon granules or paste, frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots work great), drained canned mushrooms, poultry seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat and Stir: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the sauce appears smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Simmer to Perfection: Once the mixture begins to bubble gently, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes. This crucial simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to that perfect, luscious consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Finish and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the freshly chopped parsley (if using). This adds a wonderful freshness and a pop of vibrant green color. Spoon the warm, creamy Chicken à la King generously over your chosen base – whether it’s flaky buttermilk biscuits, tender egg noodles, hearty baked potatoes, or elegant puff pastry shells.
Slow Cooker Variation: Effortless Elegance with Your Crockpot
For an even more hands-off approach, Chicken à la King can be wonderfully adapted for your slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except for the fresh parsley) directly into your Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1½ to 2 hours. The goal is just to ensure everything is thoroughly heated through and the flavors have had ample time to meld into a harmonious blend.
If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked poultry, the cooking time will be longer. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3½ to 4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it, and then stir it back into the creamy sauce. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley for that final touch of brightness. If you find the sauce has thickened too much in the slow cooker, you can easily thin it down to your desired consistency with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Storing Leftovers: Enjoying Chicken à la King Later
To store any leftover Chicken à la King, first allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might find the sauce has thickened upon cooling; simply add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth as needed to loosen it back to its original creamy consistency.
While this dish is incredibly satisfying when fresh, I generally do not recommend freezing Chicken à la King due to its creamy sauce base. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed, altering the texture. However, given how remarkably quick and easy this recipe is to prepare from scratch, you’ll likely find that making a fresh batch is always the best and most convenient option!
Love this Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as enthusiastic about this easy Chicken à la King recipe as I am, make sure it’s always at your fingertips! Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to save this comforting classic for future meal planning inspiration!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken à la King
- Speedy Prep: To cut down on cooking time even further, opt for pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an absolute dream for this recipe, allowing you to have dinner ready in minutes. Shredded or diced leftover chicken or turkey works equally well, making this a fantastic recipe for reducing food waste.
- Mushroom Mania: If you’re a mushroom lover, don’t hesitate to enhance their presence! Add extra canned mushrooms, or for a deeper flavor, sauté fresh sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil until golden brown before adding them to the sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper with the mushrooms can also introduce a subtle, warming heat.
- Lighter Options: For a slightly lighter version without sacrificing flavor, consider using chicken broth in place of some or all of the cream or half & half. While it won’t be as rich, it will still offer a deliciously savory profile.
- Temperature Matters: When adding your cooked chicken to the sauce, try to ensure it’s at room temperature or slightly warm. This prevents it from significantly cooling down the sauce mixture, which helps maintain a consistent simmering temperature and ensures the sauce thickens evenly.
- Flavor Customization: Poultry seasoning is key, but feel free to adjust it to your personal preference. For an extra layer of savory depth, a small dash of onion powder can truly elevate the creamy chicken mixture. Garlic powder is another excellent addition for more aromatic complexity.
- Beyond the Plate: Creative Serving Suggestions: While classic egg noodles or fluffy rice give it that quintessential comfort food vibe, don’t limit yourself! Serving Chicken à la King over baked potatoes creates a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening. Alternatively, flaky buttermilk biscuits or even toasted English muffins offer a different textural experience that is equally delicious. For an elegant touch, try serving it in individual puff pastry shells.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables you have on hand. Frozen mixed vegetables, diced celery, or even thinly sliced bell peppers can be added for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Add them during the simmering phase to ensure they cook through.
More Comforting Recipes to Love & Meal Planning Ideas
One of my favorite culinary joys is discovering how a single recipe can be transformed into multiple delicious meals throughout the week. This Chicken à la King recipe is a prime example of such kitchen magic! Imagine starting with my fantastic recipe for Homemade Rotisserie Chicken. You could double the batch, enjoy the succulent chicken for dinner one night, then cleverly use the leftovers to whip up this creamy Chicken à la King. And the versatility doesn’t stop there! Later that same week, you can repurpose any remaining Chicken à la King to top fluffy baked potatoes, creating those incredible Chicken à la King Baked Potatoes you see pictured above. It’s a delicious and efficient way to maximize your cooking efforts!
If you’re eager to explore more poultry-packed dishes, you can find all of my chicken recipes here, offering a wide array of options for every occasion. For those seeking quick and easy dinner solutions, be sure to check out my collection of effortless weeknight meals right here. There’s truly no reason to shy away from gathering your family around the table when meals are this simple to prepare and utterly delicious! And if your appetite for comforting, nostalgic recipes isn’t satisfied yet, I encourage you to grab a copy of my cookbook, Savor It. Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of tried-and-true family recipes for both savory meals and delightful desserts, all designed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Chicken à la King remains one of those truly enduring classic comfort foods that never really falls out of style. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to deliver a satisfying, creamy, and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up with a convenient rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, repurposing leftovers from last night’s dinner, or cooking a fresh batch of juicy chicken breasts specifically for this dish, it offers a fantastic way to bring a wonderfully satisfying meal to your table.
This recipe is a definite keeper for any occasion: busy weeknights when time is short, cozy weekends when you crave something warm and familiar, or anytime you need a quick, filling, and utterly delicious meal that everyone will love. Its adaptability and heartwarming taste make it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
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Print Recipe
Chicken à la King
Equipment
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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 granuals
- 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
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In a large saucepan, add the chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream or half & half, cooking sherry, chicken bouillon, frozen vegetables, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Stir everything together and heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
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Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Right before serving, stir in fresh parsley. Spoon over your chosen base. buttermilk biscuits, egg noodles, baked potatoes, or even puff pastry shells all work great!
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, but it’s so easy to make fresh that you probably won’t need to.
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), chicken bouillon, frozen peas and carrots, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of onion powder if you’d like.
- Mix everything gently so the sauce mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or high for 1½ to 2 hours, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded. If you’re using raw chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked chicken, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3½ to 4 hours, then shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on September 11, 2016, as a part of a group called The Secret Recipe Club. It has been updated to improve the user experience and re-shared on August 4, 2025.