Chicken à la King Toast

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 tasted chicken à la king at a family brunch, and it instantly became a favorite because of how easy it was to put together with leftover chicken. The creamy sauce and buttery toast were a big hit.

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 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 Chicken and Season:

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.

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Our family often enjoys this dish at weekend brunches. My kids love helping butter the toast and topping each slice with the creamy chicken mixture.

Required Tools

Large skillet, whisk, knife and cutting board, toaster or oven, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains wheat and milk, possible egg if bread includes egg. Double-check bread and broth for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 28 g

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Enjoy chicken à la king hot and fresh, with plenty of creamy sauce. Leftovers also reheat beautifully for tasty lunches.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds extra flavor to the dish.

→ What type of bread is best for serving?

Hearty white or whole wheat bread works well, but try puff pastry shells or biscuits for a richer option.

→ How do I thicken the sauce properly?

Cooking the flour and butter together forms a roux, which thickens the milk and broth as you stir.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently. Toast the bread right before serving for best texture.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine such as Chardonnay nicely complements the creamy, savory flavors of this preparation.

→ Are there vegetarian variations?

Substitute cooked mushrooms or chickpeas for chicken to create a flavorful vegetarian version.