Chicken à la King is a timeless comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by generations. This creamy and flavorful concoction is made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce. This keto chicken ala king recipe offers a low-carb version of this classic dish, perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. It’s chicken baked in a creamy parmesan sauce that is rich and delicious and doesn’t use canned cream of chicken soup! One of things I love about low carb recipes is the freedom to use dairy products like cream and cheese. These keto recipes are so tasty and comforting to me.
Why Keto Chicken Ala King?
This recipe is a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes. It’s easy to make, delicious, flavorful, creamy, and features tender, perfectly seasoned chicken. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to switch up the flavors to make it the perfect meal for your family.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable keto-friendly dish:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (cut into long strips)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut to ½-inch cubes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup peas
- 1 2-ounce jar diced pimientos (drained)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Optional: Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
These are simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. You can use bone in chicken pieces if you like, it just may take more time to cook. You can substitute with canned chicken, rotisserie chicken breast, or pre-cooked shredded meal prep chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a flavorful and satisfying Keto Chicken Ala King:
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Preparing the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Alternatively, cube the chicken into ½-inch pieces before cooking.
Crafting the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the diced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms before adding them to the sauce will help enhance their natural flavors and add depth to the dish. Cook them until they are tender but still retain some texture. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour the cream and broth into the skillet. Mix in cream cheese.
- Add Vegetables: Add peas and pimentos.
- Simmer: Bring sauce to a simmer and maintain for 6 minutes until the peas are cooked through and the sauce reduces. Let the chicken and sauce mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Baking Instructions (Alternative Method)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a baking or glass casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a sauce pan, add the cream, cream cheese, Better than Bouillon and spices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and whisk until everything is well combined. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken to a large baking pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and cook for 45 - 60 minutes until cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pieces. Mine took the full 60 minutes.
Combining and Serving
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until it is well coated. Allow the chicken and sauce mixture to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the Chicken à la King to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken à la King is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve warm over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Low-Carb Biscuits: Keto drop biscuits are a great accompaniment.
- Vegetables: Serve this with steamed green vegetables( like green beans, broccoli or Brussels sprouts) as the parmesan cream sauce is very rich and flavorful.
Tips and Variations
- Cook the chicken properly: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience and quick cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it to enhance the flavor.
- Add vegetables: Customize your Chicken à la King by including additional vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or corn. Simply stir them into the sauce along with the chicken.
- Spice it up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy twist: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herbaceous flavors: Experiment with different herbs to elevate the taste of your Chicken à la King.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerating: Allow the Chicken à la King to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you don't plan to consume the Chicken à la King within 3-4 days, you can also freeze it for longer storage. When properly frozen, it can last for 2-3 months. Simply transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing any excess air, and label them with the date.
A Brief History of Chicken à la King
The origins of Chicken à la King are debated, but several theories exist:
- Delmonico's Restaurant: One theory connects the name to the famous Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City. It is believed that the chef at Delmonico's, Charles Ranhofer, created the dish in the late 19th century and named it after a patron or a prominent customer with the last name "King."
- Elegance and Sophistication: The term "à la King" in French cuisine is associated with dishes prepared in a rich, creamy sauce, often with mushrooms and other ingredients.
Regardless of the origins of its name, Chicken à la King has become a popular and beloved dish in American cuisine.
Nutritional Information
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Please note that the nutritional value will change if you substitute ingredients.
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