Save 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.
I first made Chicken à la King over toast on a chilly evening when my family wanted something hearty yet simple. It instantly became a favorite thanks to its rich sauce and the nostalgic combination of tender chicken and buttery toast.
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
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Instructions
- Sauté the 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.
- Create the roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Make the sauce:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth stirring until smooth and thickened about 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken and seasonings:
- 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 the bread:
- Meanwhile toast the bread slices and spread each with a little butter.
- Assemble and 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 Pin This cozy dish never fails to bring my family to the table with smiles. Sharing a platter of toast piled high with saucy chicken feels like a little celebration at home.
Serving Ideas
Chicken à la King is traditionally served over toast but it's excellent with puff pastry rice or biscuits. Add a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Adjustments & Substitutions
Swap out the mushrooms or peas for other favorite vegetables or use turkey instead of chicken for a tasty variation. For extra richness increase the cream and reduce the milk slightly.
Allergen & Dietary Information
This dish contains wheat dairy and chicken. For special diets check labels carefully and substitute as needed for bread or milk-based ingredients.
Save Pin A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crisp salad go perfectly with this dish. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread is best for serving?
Hearty white or whole wheat bread works well as it holds up nicely under the creamy topping when toasted and buttered.
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken are ideal shortcuts that maintain tenderness and flavor.
- → How is the creamy sauce thickened?
A roux made from butter and flour is whisked with milk and broth to create a smooth, thickened base before adding other ingredients.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to butter for toasting?
Margarine or olive oil can be used for toasting bread, though butter adds richness and flavor.
- → Can this dish be served over other bases besides toast?
Yes, alternatives like puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits provide tasty variations to the traditional presentation.
