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 making chicken à la king for the first time during college, amazed that a timeless dish could come together in just 40 minutes. Now, it's my go-to for sharing comfort with friends, or when I want something cozy with minimal effort.
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 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 My family requests this recipe on chilly Sundays and it always brings everyone to the table with smiles. We love making extra for easy leftovers the next day.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, knife and cutting board, toaster or oven, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, chicken, and possible egg. Read labels to confirm allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 28 g
Save Serve Chicken à la King warm over crisp toast and enjoy a comforting meal that feels special but is effortless to make.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Hearty white or whole wheat slices are ideal, toasted with butter to add crispness and richness that balance the creamy topping.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, diced cooked chicken breast, including rotisserie, is perfect for quick preparation and retains great flavor.
- → How can I thicken the sauce properly?
Start by cooking flour with butter to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring until the sauce thickens smoothly.
- → What vegetables complement the chicken in this dish?
Mushrooms, red bell pepper, peas, and finely chopped onions provide a mix of sweetness, earthiness, and texture.
- → Are there seasoning tips to enhance flavor?
Light seasoning with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme brings warmth and depth without overpowering the creamy base.