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. Served over rice, pasta, or even buttery toast, Chicken à la King is a versatile and satisfying meal that is sure to please.
Why Your Family Will Love It
- Quick. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Easy. Cook the chicken, saute the veggies, and create a delicious cream sauce to coat it all in.
- Delicious. Flavorful and creamy with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is a meal your family will ask for over and over again.
- Versatile. Switch up the flavors with some of my suggestions below to make this the perfect meal for your family.
Why Is It Called Chicken A La King?
While the exact origins are unclear, here are a few theories that might explain the name:
- Delmonico’s Restaurant - Another 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. The name “Chicken à la King” might have been chosen to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, as the dish is traditionally made with a luxurious cream-based sauce.
Regardless of the origins of its name, Chicken à la King has become a popular and beloved dish in American cuisine. Its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and versatility have contributed to its enduring popularity.
What Is Chicken A La King Made Of?
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Onion
- Peas
- Green bell pepper
- Red bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Chicken A La King
- Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. 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.
- Prepare the Sauce. 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. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. 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.
- 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. Serve the dish hot over rice, pasta, or toast points, and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
- 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. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
- Sauté vegetables for added flavor - 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.
- Simmer for flavor development - Let the chicken and sauce mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps to infuse the chicken with the flavors of the sauce and ensures a harmonious taste throughout the dish.
Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste.
Variations
- 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. Fresh herbs like tarragon or dill can add a delightful and aromatic touch.
What To Serve With It
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. Here are some options to consider:
- Rice - Serve it over steamed white rice or fluffy basmati rice. The creamy sauce of the dish pairs beautifully with the neutral flavor and soft texture of the rice.
- Pasta - Accompany the dish with your favorite pasta, such as egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne. The pasta provides a hearty base and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and flavorful side dish for Chicken à la King. The combination of the creamy sauce and the buttery potatoes is a match made in heaven.
- Biscuits - Serve the creamy chicken and vegetables with warm, flaky biscuits. The buttery and slightly crispy exterior of the biscuits complements the rich and creamy sauce.
- Toasted Bread - Serve slices of toasted crusty bread or garlic bread alongside the Chicken à la King. The bread provides a crispy element and is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
How Long Does It Last?
Allow the Chicken à la King to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the creamy chicken and vegetables in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze It?
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.
Thaw the frozen Chicken à la King in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Craveable Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Arroz Con Pollo
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Biryani
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken A La King | Creamy Chicken And Vegetables
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ▢ 2 tbsp butter
- ▢ 1 cup onion
- ▢ 1 cup Red Bell Pepper
- ▢ 1 cup diced mixed bell peppers
- ▢ 1 cup Mushrooms
- ▢ 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
- ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
- ▢ 1 tsp thyme
- ▢ 1 tsp salt
- ▢ 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. 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.
- Prepare the Sauce. 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. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. 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.
- 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. Serve the dish hot over rice, pasta, or toast points, and enjoy!
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Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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Chicken A La King | Creamy Chicken And Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup onion
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper
- 1 cup diced mixed bell peppers
- 1 cup Mushrooms
- 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. 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.
- Prepare the Sauce. 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. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. 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.
- 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. Serve the dish hot over rice, pasta, or toast points, and enjoy!
Chicken A La King | Creamy Chicken And Vegetables https://twosleevers.com/chicken-a-la-king/
This Tuscan Chicken recipe is creamy, garlicky, comforting chicken perfection! It’s one of those dishes that you won’t be able to stop eating, and it’s low carb as well so you don’t have to feel guilty for doing so!
What Makes This Chicken Recipe So Good?
My friend John, who tests recipes for me, wrote “HOME RUN” on this recipe! “AMAZING FLAVOR” he said! And I trust John, who has been cooking for 40+ years. So let’s trust him with this one and have you make it immediately.
This dish really has a whole depth of flavor to it! From the garlicky goodness to the dash of heat from the red pepper flakes, there is so much flavor in every single bite. It’s so very tasty that you’ll find yourself getting cravings for it.
And the reasons this dish is so amazing doesn’t stop there. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s low carb as well! It’s not often that those of us on a keto diet get to enjoy an Italian dish as delicious as this one as most Italian dishes are loaded with carbs. This dish is sans-pasta, meaning you can enjoy this recipe completely guilt free!
Why Is It Called Tuscan Chicken?
It is called Tuscan Chicken because it is inspired by classic Tuscan cuisine, which is known for being simple, rustic, and full of fresh ingredients.
The dish borrows heavily from Tuscan flavor building. It has creamy sauce, herbs, vegetables, and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter - Provides richness and fat for sautéing. It helps brown the chicken and vegetables, creating flavorful caramelization that becomes the base of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic - Adds bold, aromatic flavor. Garlic is essential for depth, enhancing the savory notes of the sauce and complementing the cheesy cream base.
- 1/2 cup onions - Onions bring sweetness and balance to the richness of the cream and cheese. They soften as they cook, adding body and flavor complexity to the base sauce.
- 1 cup mushroom - Mushrooms add umami and a meaty texture. They absorb the butter and seasonings while cooking, boosting flavor without adding many carbs.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Provides a gentle heat and boosts flavor intensity. Ideal for those who want more spice, but easy to adjust or omit for milder palates.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that gives the dish its signature Tuscan flavor profile. It enhances both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors in the chicken and vegetables. Helps balance the creamy richness.
- 1 teaspoon pepper - Adds warmth and mild spice, complementing the Italian herbs and highlighting the savory elements of the dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs - The protein base of the recipe. It’s juicy, tender, and higher in fat than chicken breast, making it ideal for keto. Cutting into chunks ensures quick, even cooking and more surface area for flavor absorption.
- 4 cups baby spinach - Wilts down into the sauce, adding nutrients, freshness, and color. Helps balance richness while keeping the dish keto-friendly and vegetable-forward.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes - Adds pops of sweetness and acidity to cut through the creamy sauce. Their juiciness brightens the flavor and prevents the dish from feeling heavy.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream - The primary component of the creamy keto sauce. It creates a silky, rich base that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables without needing flour or thickeners.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese - Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth and helping it thicken naturally. Parmesan completes the Tuscan flavor profile and gives the sauce body and richness.
How To Make Tuscan Chicken
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium low heat. Add in garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds to coat the onions with the garlicky butter.
- Add mushrooms, chicken, spinach, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir well.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream and mix. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes, until the chicken has cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, and serve.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your Tuscan Chicken rich, flavorful, and perfectly tender every time you cook it.
- If you don’t mind the carbs, you could certainly serve this over a bed of pasta. If you want to keep this recipe low carb, just enjoy as is or serve it over some zoodles (zucchini noodles).
- The addition of red pepper flakes is completely optional. Feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan of spicy foods.
- This dish tastes just as good, if not better the next day, so feel free to make extra to refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week!
Variations
Here are delicious variations for Tuscan Chicken, each with its own flavor twist while still keeping that creamy, rustic Tuscan feel.
- Dairy-Free Tuscan Chicken - Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative. The flavor stays rich and creamy.
- Tuscan Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Replace or combine cherry tomatoes with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Their tangy sweetness intensifies the sauce beautifully.
- Tuscan Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot - Sear thighs first, then cook under high pressure for 7–8 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan after pressure is released to avoid curdling.
- Tuscan Chicken Breasts (Lighter Version) - Use boneless chicken breasts and reduce cream by half. Add extra chicken broth or a splash of white wine for body without heaviness.
What To Eat With Tuscan Chicken
Here are the best sides to serve with Keto Tuscan Chicken so you can enjoy a complete, low-carb Italian-style meal that soaks up all that creamy sauce.
- Zucchini noodles - Light, tender, and perfect for twirling through creamy sauce.
- Cauliflower mash - A rich, buttery base that mimics traditional mashed potatoes’s comfort.
- Cauliflower rice - Soaks up sauce beautifully while keeping carbs low.
How Long Does It Last?
Keto Tuscan Chicken generally keeps well for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave at low-medium power to maintain the creamy texture and prevent separation.
If the sauce thickens after chilling, a splash of broth or extra cream can bring it back to a silky consistency.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze Tuscan Chicken, and it actually holds up surprisingly well thanks to the richness of the sauce and the tenderness of the chicken thighs.
For best results, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The cream-based sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but it typically comes back together when warmed gently and stirred well. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore smoothness.
Frozen Tuscan Chicken keeps well for about 2–3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium heat.
More Low Carb Italian Recipes
- This Italian Sausage Soup recipe gives you all the flavor of Zuppa Toscana without all the carbs! You can make this delicious recipe in under 30 minutes!
- This Zucchini Lasagna Recipe is so good you won’t even be able to tell that it’s low carb or gluten free! And thanks to your Instant Pot, it’s easy to make!
- These Cauliflower Breadsticks are so good you’ll have a hard time believing that they’re low carb, gluten free and actually made of cauliflower!
- This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is one of the tastiest spaghetti squash recipes out there. And not only is it crazy good, but it’s a great vegetarian side dish that’s easy to make, and makes a beautiful presentation to boot.
Tuscan Chicken Recipe | Keto Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
- 12 inch Skillet
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ▢ 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- ▢ 1 cup Mushrooms , sliced
- ▢ 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes , (optional)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pepper
- ▢ 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs , cut into large chunks
- ▢ 4 cups baby spinach
- ▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes , cut in half
- ▢ 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ▢ 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese , grated
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium low heat. Add in garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds to coat the onions with the garlicky butter.
- Add mushrooms, chicken, spinach, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir well.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream and mix. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes, until the chicken has cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, and serve.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my other Ketocookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
