Save 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 love making chicken à la king on busy weeknights because the creamy sauce and warm toast always remind me of my grandmother's kitchen. It's so satisfying to use leftover chicken and fresh veggies to create a comforting meal everyone enjoys.
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 Liquid:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Simmer With Chicken:
- 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.
- Serve:
- 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.
Save This dish has always brought my family together for casual Sunday meals. Watching everyone scoop spoonfuls over toast brings back the best kitchen table memories.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken à la king is delicious paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Try serving it over puff pastry shells or fluffy rice for variety.
Nutritional Info
Each serving contains about 420 calories, 20 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein.
Allergen & Diet Notes
Contains wheat, milk, and chicken. Check bread packaging for possible egg. Not vegetarian.
Save Enjoy this comforting chicken à la king over toast as a cozy dinner. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread slices toasted with butter complement the creamy chicken and add a crisp texture.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
While chicken is traditional, tender cooked turkey or a firm white fish can be used as alternatives for variety.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce consistency?
Cooking the roux with flour and butter, then gradually whisking in milk and broth ensures a smooth, thickened sauce.
- → What vegetable choices enhance this dish?
Mushrooms, red bell pepper, peas, and onions add color, texture, and mild sweetness balanced by herbs and spices.
- → Is there an option to add more richness?
Replacing some milk with extra heavy cream enriches the sauce for a more luxurious mouthfeel.