If you’re looking for a cozy, classic comfort food that makes the most of holiday leftovers, Turkey À La King is one of my absolute favorite solutions. This creamy, savory dish is perfect for transforming extra turkey into something totally crave-worthy and easy to make.
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Turkey À La King Recipe
Turkey À La King is a traditional American recipe that’s creamy and heartwarming. It’s made by simmering tender chunks of cooked turkey with vegetables, like peas, carrots, and celery, in a rich white cream sauce. The finished mixture is typically served over a starchy base for maximum coziness.
For this dish, you can use the leftover Thanksgiving turkey or just some roast meat from earlier in the week. The velvety sauce brings everything together, giving simple ingredients a luxurious twist. For me, it’s a nourishing and nostalgic dish.
Turkey À La King is beloved for its ability to feed a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s satisfying and can be adapted based on what you have in your pantry or fridge. The leftovers taste just as good the next day.
The dish pairs well with all sorts of bases and side dishes. You can serve it over warm, fluffy biscuits or slices of toasted bread. For a slightly lighter twist, white rice or buttery egg noodles bring a comforting, home-cooked feel. Puff pastry shells are also a good choice.
To balance the savory richness, Turkey À La King can be enjoyed alongside sharp green salads with vinaigrette or simply cooked garlic green beans. Roasted vegetable medleys and mashed potatoes are hearty, satisfying options. For a comforting touch, cheese rolls and crispy roasted potatoes work well.
For drink pairings, try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even sparkling water with citrus. Alternatively, the dish also goes wonderfully with light-bodied Chardonnay or a cold apple cider.
Here’s how to make the Turkey À La King:
Turkey À La King
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey diced (leftover turkey works perfectly)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 green/red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup frozen peas optional
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch paprika optional, for flavor and color
- Cooked rice pasta, or toast points for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in broth and milk. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add turkey, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve hot over rice, egg noodles, or toasted bread.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or even rotisserie chicken.
- For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream.
- The sauce can be refrigerated for 2 days; reheat gently and add a splash of broth or milk if too thick.
- Traditionally served over puff pastry or toast, but egg noodles or rice are more affordable and filling.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
There are many versions of this Turkey À La King with different tastes and flavors. Here are some ideas you can try:
- Mushroom Addition includes sliced mushrooms, adding an earthy flavor and extra heartiness to the sauce.
- Veggie-Loaded Turkey À La King increases the amount and variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, sweet corn, or spinach, for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy Version spices things up with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño for a gentle kick.
- Lighter Recipe uses low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a less rich, but still creamy, result.
- Gluten-Free Turkey À La King replaces the usual flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend so everyone can enjoy.
- Cheesy Turkey À La King stirs in grated cheddar, parmesan, or Gruyère just before serving for an extra layer of creamy, melty goodness.
- Herb-Infused Turkey À La King features extra fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, or parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
- Chicken À La King swaps turkey for cooked chicken, making it just as comforting and adaptable for different leftovers.