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.
My family loves Chicken à la King on lazy Sundays. The warm sauce spooned over crunchy toast always brings back childhood memories of cozy meals at home.
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
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
- Make Roux:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Cook until smooth and thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Chicken & Flavor:
- Add diced chicken, peas, heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast Bread:
- Toast bread and spread each slice with butter.
- Serve:
- Place a slice of toast on each plate and spoon chicken mixture generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Save Some nights, we simply gather in the kitchen, each grabbing a slice of toast and ladling on the savory chicken. It turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken à la King is delicious over toast, but try puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits for tasty variations. Pair with crisp salad or steamed vegetables.
Allergen and Nutrition Info
This dish contains wheat, milk, and chicken. Per serving: 420 calories, 20 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein. Always check labels of bread and broth for extra allergens.
Required Tools
You only need a large skillet, whisk, knife, cutting board, toaster or oven, and measuring cups and spoons to make this easy meal.
Save Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of chicken works best?
Diced cooked chicken breast provides the best texture and flavor, but rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
- → Can I substitute vegetables?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, and onions create the classic balance, but you can experiment with similar veggies to suit your preferences.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
A roux made from butter and flour is cooked briefly, then combined with milk and chicken broth to create a creamy, thick sauce.
- → What bread is recommended for toasting?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread slices work best, providing a sturdy base that crisps nicely with butter.
- → Are there tips for extra richness?
Replacing more milk with heavy cream enhances richness, lending a luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
- → Can this dish be served differently?
Yes, try serving over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits for variety in texture and presentation.