A very old fashioned recipe that I remember my mother making for parties, chicken a la king is actually quite easy to put together and tastes amazing. The patty shells are not only impressive but delicious and so easy to do!
Once you have your ingredients ready, it go together quickly. This mixture reheats well and can be made ahead.
You could, if you really wanted to, cut down the fat by adding an extra tbsp. of flour for thickening and substituting milk for the cream. You could also sauté the vegetables in oil, not butter, though I have not tried that.
I discovered the method for the patty shells when reheating some patty shells and realized that they were so much better that way – browner and crispier. The first baking can be done well ahead of time if you wish.
I have used this recipe for leftover turkey with rave reviews.