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 love how this recipe brings a touch of elegance to a simple, comforting meal, making any dinner feel a bit special.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 300 g)
- Vegetables: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Vegetables: 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- Vegetables: 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Sauce: 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Sauce: 2 cups whole milk
- Sauce: 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Sauce: 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Sauce: 1/2 tsp salt
- Sauce: 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sauce: 1/4 tsp paprika
- Sauce: 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Toast: 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread
- Toast: 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 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 Ingredients:
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
For extra richness, replace some of the milk with additional heavy cream. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Try serving over puff pastry shells, rice, or biscuits instead of toast. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Whisk, Knife and cutting board, Toaster or oven, Measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (bread, flour), Milk (butter, milk, cream), Possible Egg (if bread contains egg). Contains: Chicken. Double-check bread and broth ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 28 g.
Save This chicken à la king reminds me of cozy Sundays at my grandmother's house, a true taste of childhood comfort.
Save This easy-to-make dish promises to be a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast, either freshly poached or rotisserie, offers the right texture and mild flavor for this dish.
- → Can I use other vegetables?
Feel free to substitute vegetables such as green peas, carrots, or spinach to suit your preferences and seasonal availability.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
To make a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cream substitute.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter completely and add liquids gradually, stirring continuously for a smooth sauce.
- → What can I serve instead of toast?
Puff pastry shells, biscuits, or cooked rice are excellent bases for the creamy chicken mixture and offer a tasty variation.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
The chicken and sauce mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated. Toast fresh bread for serving when ready.