Pin Recipe 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.
The first time I made chicken à la king was for a casual weekend brunch with family. Seeing everyone come back for seconds made me realize how timeless and crowd-pleasing this creamy dish can be.
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.
- Form 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 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.
- Prepare toast:
- Meanwhile, toast the bread slices and spread each with a little butter.
- Assemble and 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.
Pin Recipe My kids especially love piling the creamy chicken mixture high on their toast. It is always a hit for cozy family gatherings when the weather turns chilly.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, knife and cutting board, toaster or oven, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bread, flour), milk (butter, milk, cream), possible egg (if bread contains egg), chicken. Double-check bread and broth ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 28 g
Pin Recipe This creamy chicken à la king is delicious whether served for brunch or dinner. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Cooked chicken breast, either freshly prepared or rotisserie, provides tender, lean protein that absorbs the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, bell pepper, peas, and onions can be varied depending on availability and preference without losing the dish’s balance.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy and smooth?
Start with a butter and flour roux, then gradually whisk in milk and broth, cooking gently until thickened for a velvety texture.
- → What bread is ideal for serving?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread works best, toasted with butter to provide a crispy, flavorful base.
- → How can I add extra richness?
Swap some of the milk for additional heavy cream to create a richer, more indulgent sauce.
- → Are there good serving alternatives to toast?
Puff pastry shells, steamed rice, or fluffy biscuits can be used instead of toast for a varied presentation.