Keto Skinny Chicken A La King

If you’ve ever had one of those days where you just want dinner to feel like a hug in a bowl, this creamy Keto Chicken Ala King is exactly that. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet pops of peas, and the gentle tang of pimentos all wrapped in a silky cream sauce. Best part? It’s a one-pan wonder and comes together in about 30 minutes — perfect for a midweek family meal or when you’re cooking just for yourself and still want something special.

Why This Dish Always Wins at My Dinner Table

I first stumbled across Chicken Ala King in an old spiral-bound church cookbook my aunt passed down to me. The pages were stained, corners folded, and the recipe looked like it had been made a hundred times over the years. Back then, it was thickened with flour and often spooned over puff pastry — delicious but not exactly keto-friendly.

Now I make it with cream cheese for that velvety body and skip the carb-heavy sides. Trust me, it’s still every bit as rich and satisfying. This version has become my “comfort food for a rainy day” recipe. My kids love it over cauliflower mash, and I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the skillet before calling everyone to the table.

My Favorite Kitchen Tips for Making It

• Prepping the chicken – If I have fresh chicken breasts, I cube them while they’re still slightly chilled. It makes cleaner cuts and keeps them tender when cooking. On busy nights, I’ve been known to use leftover roast chicken or even canned chicken — still tastes amazing.
• Room temperature cream is your friend – Cold cream straight into a hot pan can split the sauce. If I forget to take it out early, I warm it in my hands for a minute before pouring it in.
• Veggies that hold their bite – Mushrooms and bell peppers can go limp if cooked too long. I sauté them just until fragrant so they still have a little life in them once the sauce is done.
• Pimentos make it pop – They’re not just for color — that slight sweetness balances the creaminess. If you can’t find them, chopped roasted red peppers are a great stand-in.

What You’ll Need from the Pantry and Fridge

• Butter – I love salted butter here for a bit of extra depth.
• Mushrooms, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic – This combo gives a savory base you’ll smell from the next room.
• Chicken – Fresh breast meat, rotisserie leftovers, or even the quick canned option work.
• Salt and pepper – Season along the way, not just at the end.
• Heavy cream – Adds that luxurious mouthfeel we all love.
• Chicken broth – I keep a jar of stock concentrate in the fridge for quick dishes like this.
• Cream cheese – The keto thickener that never fails.
• Peas – Just half a cup adds sweetness without blowing the carb count.
• Pimentos – The little red jewels of this dish.

How I Cook It, Step by Step

1. Sauté the veggies – Butter in the skillet, heat medium. Add mushrooms, onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until you can smell that mix working its magic.
2. Add the chicken – Fresh cubed chicken? Sauté until the edges brown. Pre-cooked? Just toss it in to warm through.
3. Season early – Salt and pepper now so it soaks into the chicken.
4. Make the sauce – Pour in cream and broth, then stir in cream cheese until smooth.
5. Final touches – Add peas and pimentos, then let everything simmer for 6 minutes until the sauce thickens and the peas are tender.

Serving Ideas I Actually Use

I’ve spooned this over:

• Cauliflower rice for a quick, light base.
• Zucchini noodles when I want extra veg.
• Keto drop biscuits on a Sunday night — highly recommend.
• Or just on its own in a deep bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Leftovers That Taste Just as Good

This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. I store it in a glass container and reheat it gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It also freezes decently — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

A Quick Tip Before You Cook

If you’re making this for guests, cook the base (veggies, chicken, sauce) ahead of time, then just reheat and stir in peas and pimentos right before serving. They’ll stay bright and fresh, and you’ll look like you’ve been calmly waiting in the kitchen all along.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

What can I use instead of pimentos?
Roasted red peppers are a great option. They have a similar sweetness and work perfectly with the sauce.

Are peas really keto-friendly?
In small amounts, yes. This recipe uses just half a cup spread across multiple servings, so the carb impact is minimal.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli florets or spinach stirred in at the end work beautifully.

Can I make it in advance?
Yes, and it reheats really well. Just add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to keep it silky.

Final Thought

Every time I make this Keto Chicken Ala King, I’m reminded that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy on carbs. It’s the kind of recipe that feels old-fashioned in the best way — rich, filling, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or just want something cozy for yourself, this one’s a keeper.

Also try these Keto Chicken recipes:-

• Keto Chicken ala King
• Keto Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Chick-fil-A Style
• Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters