Chicken à la King Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Chicken à la King Casserole with this easy baking recipe. A classic comfort dish elevated with a velvety sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables all tucked under a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
6 servings
An overhead shot of a bubbling Chicken à la King Casserole in a rustic ceramic baking dish, capturing the moment it emerges from the oven with its golden-brown puff pastry top cracked in places to reveal the creamy sauce beneath. Soft natural window light highlights the vibrant red and green bell peppers and plump mushroom pieces nestled among chunks of juicy chicken. A wooden serving spoon rests alongside, ready to break through the crisp pastry into the steaming filling. Fresh thyme sprigs and a scatter of cracked black pepper add visual interest, while the warm, inviting colors create a sense of homey comfort with refined elegance.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g cooked chicken, cut into 2.5cm chunks</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sheet (320g) ready-rolled puff pastry</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mushrooms, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 green bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400ml chicken stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150ml double cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100ml dry white wine (or additional chicken stock)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm x 18cm baking dish (approximately 2L capacity)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large saucepan or deep skillet</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator to rest at room temperature while preparing the filling (but not more than 15 minutes before using).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned, stirring occasionally.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they've released their moisture and started to brown slightly. This caramelization adds depth of flavor to your sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some bite. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce beautifully without leaving a floury flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gradually add the white wine (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol while preserving the flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Stir in the cream, nutmeg, thyme, and half the parsley. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more stock.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Fold in the cooked chicken pieces and heat through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - the filling should be well-seasoned as the pastry will be bland in comparison.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Transfer the chicken mixture to your baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before topping with pastry - this prevents the pastry from melting before it can puff up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it over your baking dish. Trim any excess, leaving about 1-2cm overhang which you can tuck down the sides of the dish. For a decorative touch, use the pastry scraps to create leaf shapes to place on top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Brush the pastry thoroughly with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown shine when baked. Cut a small cross in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape (this prevents the pastry from becoming soggy underneath).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Place the casserole on a baking tray (to catch any overflow) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is risen and deeply golden. The filling should be bubbling around the edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4>Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to settle and thicken slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 15</h4>Sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Chicken à la King Casserole?

This classic dish uses cooked chicken chunks, puff pastry, butter, onion, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, flour, chicken stock, double cream, white wine, fresh herbs (parsley and thyme), nutmeg, egg for washing, and seasoning.

How to cook Chicken à la King Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Chicken à la King Casserole by creating a velvety sauce with sautéed vegetables, folding in tender chicken pieces, transferring to a baking dish, topping with puff pastry, and baking until golden. The key is building flavours gradually and allowing the filling to cool slightly before adding the pastry to achieve that perfect crisp top.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes! Prepare the filling completely, cool it, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, transfer to a baking dish, top with fresh puff pastry and bake as directed until golden and bubbling.

What can I substitute for puff pastry in a creamy chicken bake?

Great alternatives include shortcrust pastry for a more substantial topping, mashed potatoes for a cottage pie style dish, or a buttery breadcrumb and herb mixture for a lighter option. For a gluten-free version, try a cornmeal topping or gluten-free pastry.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my chicken and vegetable pastry bake?

Ensure your filling cools before adding the pastry top, create a steam vent in the pastry, avoid an overly wet filling by properly thickening your sauce, and don't overfill the dish. Baking on a preheated tray can also help crisp the bottom of the pastry.

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Season the vegetable mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make roux", "text": "Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce beautifully without leaving a floury flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add wine", "text": "Gradually add the white wine (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol while preserving the flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add stock", "text": "Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish sauce", "text": "Stir in the cream, nutmeg, thyme, and half the parsley. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more stock." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add chicken", "text": "Fold in the cooked chicken pieces and heat through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - the filling should be well-seasoned as the pastry will be bland in comparison." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Transfer to dish", "text": "Transfer the chicken mixture to your baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before topping with pastry - this prevents the pastry from melting before it can puff up." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add pastry top", "text": "Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it over your baking dish. Trim any excess, leaving about 1-2cm overhang which you can tuck down the sides of the dish. 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The sauce is velvety smooth and the flavor balance is perfect. I used leftover rotisserie chicken and it worked beautifully. Will definitely make again.", "name": "Restaurant Quality", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sasha Petrov", "datePublished": "2023-07-02", "reviewBody": "I served this for a dinner party and everyone was impressed! The pastry stayed beautifully crisp on top while the filling was creamy and flavorful. A sophisticated dish that's actually quite simple to prepare.", "name": "Perfect for Entertaining", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Bennett", "datePublished": "2023-07-15", "reviewBody": "I've tried many chicken casserole recipes and this is by far the best! The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that elevates the entire dish. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly.", "name": "Best Chicken Casserole Ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ibrahim Al-Farsi", "datePublished": "2023-07-29", "reviewBody": "This recipe freezes beautifully! I made a double batch and froze individual portions (without the pastry). On busy weeknights, I thaw the filling, top with fresh pastry and bake. Tastes just as good as freshly made!", "name": "Great Make-Ahead Meal", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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