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 always loved making chicken à la king on chilly evenings: the creamy sauce comes together fast, and the aroma as it simmers makes the kitchen feel especially inviting. Each bite brings back memories of cozy family meals around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 300 g)
- Mushrooms: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup diced
- Frozen peas: 1/2 cup, thawed
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp (for sauce), 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
- Bread slices: 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (optional for garnish)
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 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.
- Prepare toast:
- Meanwhile, toast the bread slices and spread each with a little butter.
- 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 This is the dish my kids request when they want something cozy: buttery toast topped with rich chicken sauce always brings everyone together for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving chicken à la king over biscuits, puff pastry shells, or steamed rice for a tasty twist.
Tools Needed
You'll need a large skillet, whisk, knife, cutting board, toaster or oven, and measuring cups for this recipe.
Nutrition
One serving provides about 420 calories, 20 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein.
Save This creamy chicken à la king delivers homestyle comfort that's always a crowdpleaser. Serve hot and enjoy every bite.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Cooked diced chicken breast is ideal, but rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables in the sauce?
Yes, mushrooms, red bell peppers, peas, and onions provide a balanced flavor, but you can experiment with similar veggies like green beans or carrots.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce texture?
Creating a roux with butter and flour before adding milk and broth helps thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety consistency.
- → What bread types work well for serving?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread slices toasted with butter complement the creamy topping perfectly.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors.