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.
Chicken à la King is a nostalgic favorite I remember enjoying on chilly evenings as a child. Its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients always made dinner feel special, and now my own family looks forward to it during busy evenings.
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
- Cook 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 chicken and peas:
- 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 This dish always brings our family together around the dinner table, especially on chilly evenings. My kids love helping with the toasting, and there are always clean plates at the end.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, knife and cutting board, toaster or oven, measuring cups and spoons
Notes
For extra richness, replace some of the milk with additional heavy cream. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Try serving over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits instead of toast. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 28 g (per serving)
Save Serve Chicken à la King hot for best texture and flavor. Enjoy leftovers reheated within 2 days.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Cooked, diced chicken breast is ideal, but rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience and added flavor.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables in this dish?
Yes, you can swap mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas with other vegetables like green beans or carrots to suit your taste.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce consistency?
Cooking a roux with butter and flour before adding milk and broth helps thicken the sauce to a smooth, velvety texture.
- → What bread types are recommended for toasting?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread works well, providing a sturdy base that crisps nicely when buttered and toasted.
- → Can this dish be paired with beverages?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy and savory flavors beautifully, enhancing the dining experience.
- → Is it possible to make this dish richer?
Try replacing some milk with extra heavy cream for a more indulgent and creamy sauce.