Pin it A classic, creamy chicken dish with mushrooms, peppers, and peas, served warm over crisp buttered toast. Comforting and full of flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual brunch.
I first tried chicken à la king when cooking for my family on a busy night. The mix of creamy sauce and crisp toast was such a hit that it's now requested for weekend brunches as well.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 300 g)
- Vegetables: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced, 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed, 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Toast: 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread, 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
- Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add the onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Make Roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Add the diced chicken, peas, heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Toast Bread:
- Meanwhile, toast the bread slices and spread each with a little butter.
- To Serve:
- Place a slice of toast on each plate and spoon the chicken à la king generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pin it Serving chicken à la king always brings back memories of cozy Sunday lunches with my children and their laughter at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Try chicken à la king served over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits for a delicious twist.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, knife and cutting board, toaster or oven, measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 28 g
Pin it This is a great recipe to warm up a weekday or share with friends whenever you crave classic comfort food.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Cooked, diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken are ideal choices, providing tender, flavorful meat that blends well in the creamy sauce.
- → Can I substitute the bread for something else?
Yes, alternatives like puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits can be used to serve this dish while maintaining its comforting texture and flavor profile.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce uses a roux made from butter and flour, then combined with milk and chicken broth, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- → What herbs and spices enhance the flavor?
Salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme add depth and subtle earthiness that complement the creamy base and vegetables.
- → Is it necessary to toast the bread before serving?
Toasting the bread with butter provides a crisp, buttery base that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken mixture on top.