Turkey a la King (Leftover Turkey Favorite!)

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Turkey a la King turns leftover turkey into a hearty, 30-minute meal with vegetables and a creamy homemade sauce. It’s an easy one-skillet dinner that gives leftovers a fresh twist, much like my cozy turkey pot pie or creamy turkey casserole, making it the ultimate leftover turkey recipe.

Turkey A La King in the pan with a bowl of biscuits

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Turkey à la King

  • Flavor: Rich, creamy, and savory with earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, mild peppers, and leftover turkey in every bite.
  • Why Make It: Made in one pan with easy clean-up, this recipe uses leftover turkey and a creamy homemade sauce that’s full of flavor.
  • Serving: Spoon it over homemade biscuits, pasta, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes for the perfect meal.

Total Time: 23 Mins Servings: 4 Cooking Method: Stovetop

Ingredients Notes

broth , peas , half and half , sherry , onion , turkey , pepper , butter , flour , garlic powder , mushrooms , pimentos salt and pepper with labels to make Turkey a la King
  • Cooked Turkey: This is the perfect dish for using up leftover roast turkey. Chop or shred it before adding.
  • Brown Mushrooms: Use cremini mushrooms or white mushrooms, opting for pre-sliced mushrooms to save time on prep.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Green peppers add a pop of color and savory flavor. Replace with red peppers for a sweeter substitute.
  • Dry Sherry (optional): While optional, dry sherry adds so much flavor. For an alcohol-free option, try using extra broth with a small squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Half-and-Half: Use half-and-half or light cream for a rich sauce.
  • Frozen Peas: Use frozen peas or swap with a peas and carrots mixture and add directly from frozen so they stay bright and crisp.
  • Pimentos: Add an extra pop of sweetness and color, but can be omitted.

For meal prep, store the turkey mixture separately from the rice, egg noodles, or biscuits.

  • Use a 12-inch skillet to give the mushrooms and sauce plenty of room.
  • Brown the mushrooms before adding liquid for deeper flavor and a thicker sauce.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from separating.
  • Add turkey last and heat just until warm to keep it tender.

Storing Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze the filling in freezer-safe containers or bags for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding additional broth or half-and-half if needed. For single servings, microwave in short intervals, stirring each time.

More Cozy Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Did you make this Turkey a la King recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 23 minutes

  • In a large 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

  • Add the sherry if using, and stir, cooking until most of the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the garlic powder, pepper, and salt.

  • Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. While stirring, gradually add the turkey broth and cream. Turn the heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

  • Add the peas, chopped pimentos, and turkey, cooking until heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or biscuits.

*A dry white wine such as Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc can be used in place of sherry.
To freeze, ladle Turkey a la King into zippered bags or an airtight container. Mark with the date.

Calories: 359 | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 760mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 892IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Entree, Main Course, Turkey
Cuisine American
plated Turkey A La King with pan full and a title
top image: turkey a la king in a skillet with a title bottom image: plated turkey a la king with biscuits

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