Chicken à la King Toast Recipe
Introduction
Chicken à la King Toast is a comforting classic featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy, savory sauce served over buttery toasted bread. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or cozy dinner that feels both elegant and homey.

Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons butter for toasting
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Step 2: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the diced cooked chicken, thawed peas, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: While the sauce simmers, toast the bread slices until crisp. Spread each slice with butter while warm.
- Step 6: Place one slice of buttered toast on each plate. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture generously over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute milk and cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables for extra depth.
- Try different herbs like tarragon or chives to customize the flavor.
- Serve over steamed rice or buttered noodles instead of toast for a hearty twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture. Toast fresh bread before serving for the best experience.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, frozen mushrooms can be used if fresh are unavailable. Thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a small amount of melted butter to add richness. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
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Chicken à la King Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken à la King Toast is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered with sautéed vegetables in a rich, velvety sauce. Served atop crispy buttered toast and garnished with fresh parsley, this classic American recipe is perfect for an elegant yet easy meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken à la King
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
For Serving
- 4 slices hearty white or whole wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons butter for toasting
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Prepare roux: Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step ensures the sauce will thicken properly.
- Add liquids and thicken: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine chicken and seasonings: Add the diced cooked chicken, thawed peas, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Toast bread: While the chicken mixture simmers, toast the 4 slices of bread until crisp. Spread each warm toast slice evenly with butter.
- Serve: Place one slice of buttered toast on each plate. Spoon the creamy chicken à la King mixture generously over the toast. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute the peas with other vegetables like diced carrots or green beans if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and omit heavy cream; however, it will alter the richness of the sauce.
- Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great option for using up cooked poultry.
- Whole wheat or multigrain bread adds more fiber and nutrition while keeping a hearty texture.
- Ensure constant stirring after adding liquids to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken à la King, Creamy Chicken, Chicken Toast, Classic American Recipe, Comfort Food, Chicken with Vegetables, Easy Dinner

