Pin 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 was one of the dishes my mom made on stormy evenings when we all needed something warm and filling. I remember the aroma as she cooked the mushrooms and onions, and it instantly made our kitchen feel cozy.
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.
- Make the 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.
- Combine and Simmer:
- 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.
Pin This recipe brings our family together. My kids love helping to butter the toast, and we all gather around the table for second helpings.
Serving Suggestions
Try pairing Chicken à la King with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. For brunch, offer fresh fruit on the side.
Nutritional Highlights
Each serving provides about 420 calories, 20 g fat, 32 g carbs, and 28 g protein. It's a satisfying dish that balances comfort and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Pin This creamy chicken à la King makes weeknight dinners feel special. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the final touch.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Cooked chicken breast works best for a tender texture, and rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
- → Can I substitute the toast with other bases?
Yes, try serving the creamy chicken over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits for variety.
- → What vegetables are included in the dish?
It features mushrooms, red bell pepper, peas, and finely chopped onion for balanced flavor and texture.
- → How is the creamy sauce prepared?
The sauce starts with a roux of butter and flour, gradually blended with milk and broth, then enriched with heavy cream and seasonings.
- → Can I adjust the richness of the sauce?
For a richer sauce, replace some of the milk with additional heavy cream according to your preference.