Introduction

Chicken à la King is a creamy, savory dish made with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a velvety sauce, traditionally served over toast points, rice, or pasta. In this version, we serve it over fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits, which soak up the rich sauce beautifully.

This dish has roots in early 20th-century fine dining but quickly became a beloved home-cooked comfort food. It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and hearty satisfaction.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something truly comforting and indulgent about Chicken à la King, and when served over warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits, it becomes a meal that feels like a special treat. What I love most about this recipe is how it combines tender chunks of chicken with a rich, creamy sauce loaded with colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet peas. Every bite is a perfect blend of savory flavors and velvety texture, making it a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

The buttermilk biscuits add another layer of comfort—they’re soft, buttery, and perfectly absorb the creamy sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures in every bite. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into a classic, homey dish that’s perfect for family dinners, brunch, or even a cozy weekend meal.

For me, this dish is a must-have because it’s more than just chicken and biscuits—it’s a nostalgic, comforting experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flaky biscuits make it a meal that everyone looks forward to, and it’s a dish that often becomes a family favorite, requested time and time again.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Chicken à la King over Buttermilk Biscuits is a timeless comfort food that deserves a spot on your table. Here’s why you should give it a try:

1. Rich and Creamy Comfort – The velvety sauce coats tender chicken and vegetables perfectly, creating a luxurious, satisfying bite every time.
2. Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits – Soft, buttery biscuits soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, adding a delightful texture that complements the richness of the dish.
3. Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor – Using accessible pantry staples, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that feels elegant, hearty, and indulgent.
4. Family & Crowd Favorite – Perfect for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit and often requested repeatedly.
5. Versatile & Adaptable – You can tweak the vegetables, herbs, or even the type of cheese in the sauce to suit your taste, while keeping the classic comforting essence intact.

Trying this recipe guarantees more than just a meal—it delivers a creamy, flavorful experience that warms the heart and brings everyone together around the table.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~540 kcal per serving (including biscuits)

Ingredients

For the Chicken à la King:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) white mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth (warm)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Buttermilk Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in buttermilk and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle, and fold it over itself twice.
6. Cut biscuits with a round cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush tops with buttermilk and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken à la King

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are tender and liquid evaporates.
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in warm chicken broth until smooth.
6. Add milk, cream, salt, pepper, and paprika; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
7. Stir in chicken, peas, and parsley; cook until heated through.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

• Split warm biscuits in half, spoon chicken mixture generously over the bottom half, and place the top biscuit on (or serve open-faced).

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.
• Great with a side salad or steamed green beans for balance.
• Works well for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Additional Recipe Tips and Variations

• Use turkey — perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Add spice — a pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce gives it a little kick.
• Make ahead — prepare the chicken mixture in advance and reheat before serving over fresh biscuits.
• Vegetarian option — replace chicken with sautéed cauliflower, chickpeas, or tofu.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store biscuits separately.
• Freezer: Chicken à la King freezes well for up to 2 months (without biscuits). Biscuits can be frozen unbaked or baked and reheated.
• Reheat: Warm chicken mixture gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk. Reheat biscuits in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Biscuit cutter (or round glass)
• Baking sheet
• Whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will taste better.

Q2: Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Absolutely — it makes the dish faster without sacrificing much flavor.

Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for both sauce and biscuits.

Q4: Can I make the sauce without cream?
Yes, substitute half-and-half or all milk, though it will be less rich.

Conclusion

Chicken à la King over Buttermilk Biscuits is the ultimate combination of creamy comfort and flaky, buttery bliss. It’s hearty, homey, and easy to adapt for any season or occasion. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your favorites.