Turkey a la King is an easy one-pot meal that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s a deliciously creamy Leftover Turkey Recipe that you’ll want to make all year.
Turkey a la King is a quick and easy comfort dish meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Leftover Turkey a la King is a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, and the ways to serve it is endless.
This family favorite uses ordinary ingredients and is a perfect answer for when they ask “what’s for dinner?”!
Growing up, Turkey ala King would have been considered a foreign dish.
We were a meat and potatoes family with all of the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables you can find in a Midwest agricultural community.
What does a la king mean?
Simply, the definition of à la king means “served in a cream sauce with mushrooms and pimiento or green peppers”.
In our opinion, à la king means easy comfort food. It’s like a pot pie without the crust.
This Recipe for Turkey a la King is a favorite in our kitchen and believe it will be yours for the following reasons:
- Uses ordinary ingredients.
- Versatile ingredients make it a recipe your family will love.
- Perfect for using leftovers.
- Tastes just as good the second day as the first.
- One-pot recipe.
- Done in less than 20 minutes.
We make this recipe a lot after Thanksgiving when we’re going through our leftover turkey recipes such as our Leftover Turkey Casserole.
You know, when you don’t dare serve one more turkey sandwich? The flavors in this Turkey a la King converts turkey into a brand new meal.
It’s also great for converting dry turkey into a creamy dish that the whole family will love.
How to make Turkey a la King
There are basically three steps in making the easy Turkey a la King recipe.
- Chop and saute the vegetables.
- Create the cream sauce using flour and stock or broth followed by cream.
- Add turkey.
I told you it was easy right?
Variations you can make to this Turkey a la King Recipe
The definition in this recipe states that it’s made with mushrooms and pimentos.
We didn’t use pimentos because I rarely have them on hand. We love mushrooms in this recipe so always get some when I do my holiday shopping for our leftover recipes.
Vegetables – We’ll also include celery, onions, carrots or green or red peppers. You can clean out the vegetable drawer with this recipe!
Butter – We used unsalted but you can use salted. If you do taste the dish before salting it further. You can substitute the butter for cooking oil.
Turkey – This recipe is delicious with leftover chicken too. Grab a rotisserie chicken on the way home from work for an Easy Chicken a la King dinner.
Stock or Broth – Here’s another great way to use leftovers! Use leftover turkey stock or thin your turkey gravy to a stock-like consistency. The flavor will be over the top!
Cream – Just a little bit really adds a richness and velvety smooth texture to the dish. You can substitute the cream for half-and-half or even milk. Any variety will do.
That makes it perfect at any time of year! It’s warm comfort food in the winter and quick enough to make that it will not heat up the kitchen in the summer.
How to Serve Turkey a la King
- Leftover Turkey a la King is delicious served over leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, or dressing!
- Spoon it over baked puff pastry or refrigerator biscuits for a semi-homemade meal.
- Rice is delicious and adds whole grain to your meal.
- Noodles make Turkey a la King a kiddo favorite. We love the wide noodles because they hold up well with this dish.
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Any dish that calls for cooked chicken or turkey is perfect for using leftover turkey. Here are a few you may enjoy. When we have leftovers, our go-to dinners include Chicken Pot Pie, Turkey and Cheese Rolls, and Turkey Stew. What are your favorite recipes to make with leftovers?
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
Turkey a la King
Equipment
- 12″ Skillet (or braiser)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter salted or unsalted
- 1/4 cup red pepper green or other colors work too
- 1/4 cup green onions may substitute other variety
- 1 cup mushrooms I use portobella but any variety will work
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth 14.5 oz can works
- 1/2 cup cream half-n-half or milk will work
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2½ cups turkey cooked, shredded or diced
Instructions
- In the bottom of a large skillet, melt the butter. Chop and add the red pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Saute until al dente or 5 minutes on medium-high.
- Stir in flour. Continue stirring until smooth. Add the chicken stock.
- Slowly drizzle in the cream, and stir using a spatula until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add the cooked turkey. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!
Jo
Friday 6th of October 2023
I just made this recipe. It turned out wonderful! I did use less butter though. One thing, you forgot to mention to chop the peppers, onions and mushrooms before sautéing. Thank you.
Julie Menghini
Saturday 7th of October 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jo. Thank you so much for the heads up. I'll head over there and add that.
Carolyn
Tuesday 29th of November 2022
I want to add the pimentoes. How much did the original recipe call for, please?
Julie Menghini
Tuesday 29th of November 2022
The original recipe calls for 1/4 cup of diced pimentos. If you buy canned, drain them first.
JimmyB
Thursday 28th of April 2022
I made this last night and it was absolutely delicious! Even my picky eater commented this morning on how good it was. I followed the recipe almost exactly. I have given up on keeping fresh red peppers as they are expensive and often spoil before I use them. So I use red peppers out of a jar. I used Vidalia onions. I used a 10 oz. jar of mushrooms. I used half & half and the turkey was a mix of light and dark meat. I served this over toast points and the flavors of each complimented one another. I will be making this again, probably with chicken if it is not right after a holiday. The only change I can think of is I might try to get by with a little less butter. Thank you for posting such an EZ and Yummy recipe.
Julie Menghini
Thursday 28th of April 2022
Thank you, Jimmy, for your breakdown of what worked for you in this recipe. It can be tough getting the kiddos to eat, and I sure would have loved being at your table for that amazing meal. Good to know that you think the butter is a little heavy. I'm sure our readers will love knowing that.
Jennifer Stewart
Thursday 10th of September 2020
The epitome of comfort food! My mom used to make this growing up and now I can make it like she did!
Julie Menghini
Thursday 10th of September 2020
I agree! Thanks, Jennifer!
Michaela Kenkel
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
I used this recipe for leftover baked chicken we had Sunday -- served it over biscuits and we LOVED it!
Julie Menghini
Wednesday 9th of September 2020
That's one of our favorite ways too, Michaela! Thank you.