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 first discovered chicken à la king as a quick fix when I had leftover chicken and a craving for something cozy. Now it's my go-to for those rushed nights when we need a warm, feel-good meal that everyone loves.
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 (plus 2 tbsp for toasting bread)
- 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
- Hearty bread (white or whole wheat): 4 slices
- Parsley (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh
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.
- 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:
- 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 We love sharing this dish on busy family nights – it never fails to please everyone at the table, and there are rarely leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Try serving chicken à la king over toasted bread, warm biscuits, puff pastry shells, or steamed rice for a different take.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat (bread, flour), milk (butter, milk, cream), and chicken. Always double-check bread and broth ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 20 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein.
Save This chicken à la king brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for serving?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread slices toasted with butter complement the creamy chicken perfectly, providing a crisp base.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
While diced chicken breast is traditional, cooked turkey or even firm tofu can be used for variation, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- → How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Ensure the roux cooks properly before adding liquids and simmer gently to reduce. Adding a little extra flour mixed with butter can help thicken as well.
- → What are good side options to accompany this dish?
Light green salads, steamed vegetables, or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay pair well with the creamy elements on toast.
- → Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
The sauce and chicken mixture can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving on freshly toasted bread for best texture.