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 remember serving this Chicken à la King for my family on a chilly evening – everyone loved scooping the creamy mixture over warm toast and the house was filled with delicious aromas.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 300 g)
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1/2 cup, thawed
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp for sauce + 2 tbsp for toasting
- All-purpose flour: 3 tbsp
- Whole milk: 2 cups
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Paprika: 1/4 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1/4 tsp
- Bread: 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp chopped for garnish
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.
- Finish sauce and add 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:
- 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 Sharing a platter of Chicken à la King over toast is always a crowd-pleaser at our weekend brunches – everyone can build their own plate just the way they like it.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving Chicken à la King over puff pastry shells, biscuits, or even rice for a tasty variation. Pair with a light green salad and a crisp white wine for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 420 calories, 20 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein. These values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
Allergen & Storage Tips
This dish contains wheat, milk, and chicken. Always double-check labels on bread and broth if food allergies are a concern. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving.
Save This comforting classic is simple yet special – perfect for sharing with friends or family any night of the week.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken in this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken brings extra convenience and flavor. Dice or shred before adding to the sauce.
- → What vegetables work best for this mixture?
Mushrooms, red bell pepper, peas, and onion add classic texture and flavor, but you can customize to taste.
- → Is there a substitute for toast?
Serve the creamy mixture over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits for unique textures and presentations.
- → How do I make the sauce extra rich?
Increase heavy cream or replace some milk for more richness, resulting in a creamier, velvety sauce.
- → Which wine pairs well for serving?
A crisp white like Chardonnay complements the creamy, savory flavors beautifully.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A large skillet, whisk, cutting board, knife, toaster or oven, and measuring cups ensure smooth cooking.