Turkey a la King Recipe (2024)

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Turkey a la King is similar to a pot pie and is a great way to give new life to Thanksgiving leftovers! A great meal in less than 30 mins! If you have a ton of leftovers, make my Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Recipe!

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What is Turkey a la King?

This dinner recipe is great for using your leftover turkey and turning it into a fresh meal…a fresh meal in under 30 minutes?! Yes, please! You’ve likely heard of chicken ala king, but let me introduce you to Turkey à la King! The term “a la king” refers to a dish made of a basic white sauce (béchamel sauce) combined with veggies. Turkey breast or leftover chicken is usually chopped and added too. This makes for a great throw the leftovers together meal!

My mom used to make these all the time for us kids growing up because it was so darn easy and we all loved it. Plus, they look fancy because I used puff pastry shells. Look near all the other puff pastry items in the freezer section of your grocery store.

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Main Ingredients Needed

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Turkey a la King:

  • Whole Puff Pastry Shells- used as a crust for the filling.
  • Minced OnionOr Shallot- for flavor.
  • Fresh Mushrooms- classic veggie in a la king
  • All-purpose Flour + Chicken Broth + Heavy Cream- together, creates the white creamy sauce
  • Ground Thyme + Poultry Seasoning- herbs and seasonings that pair well with turkey.
  • Leftover Thanksgiving Turkeyor Chicken– white or dark meat is fine to use.
  • Vegetables Of Your Choice– I like to use a bag of frozen peas and then add fresh diced carrots and celery. You could also add green pepper, red peppers or green beans. Whatever your veggie preferences are will work in this dish.
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Puff Pastry Shell Alternatives

If you don’t have puffy pastry shells on hand or are having a hard time locating some, I have good news for you! You can use biscuits, either store-bought biscuits or homemade is fine. Instead of the puff pastry being like a cup to hold the filling, you’d pour your creamy turkey mixture over the biscuits. You can also use croissants or toast the same way-spoon the turkey mixture over the top. A pie crust might also be a good option. You’d be creating more of a pot pie.

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How to Make Turkey a la King

This turkey ala king recipe comes together in a cinch! Start by baking the shells in the oven and then make the filling. Did I mention I use leftover turkey meat and frozen vegetables? Once everything is cooked, you scoop out the center to your shell, fill it with this creamy turkey filling and then dig in! That’s it! Easy as pie!

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step directions to making this recipe:

Bake Puff Pastry Shells

Bake puff pastry shells according to package directions.

Next, Make the Filling

In a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté onions, celery, carrot and mushrooms until tender, 12-15 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Let the sauce come to a boil to thicken. Reduce heat to medium-low heat and stir in heavy cream, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, turkey, and frozen peas. Keep warm on the stove top until ready to serve.

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Serve + Enjoy

To serve, remove the center of a puff pastry shell and pour the mixture overtop allowing to spill over the sides. Use the pasty center as a top for the gravy mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

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Storing Leftover Turkey a la King

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and into the fridge for 3-4 days. I would store the puff pastry and filing separately in airtight containers if possible.

To freeze: The filling freezes pretty well! Store in a freezer safe/ airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight.

To reheat– microwave or stove top in a saucepan are both great ways to reheat turkey a la king. Heat until warm throughout.

FAQ

I can’t find puff pastry shells anywhere! What can I do instead?

You can use biscuits or croissants and pour the creamy turkey filling over the top, similar to biscuits and gravy….you could also cook egg noodles, rice, or an healthier option…cauliflower rice. 🙂

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Store in a freezer safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge.

Would this recipe work with leftover ham?

Yes! Diced ham, canned chicken, rotisserie chicken would all be fine substitutes.

More Easy Turkey Recipes to Try!

  • Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
  • BBQ Turkey Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Leftover Turkey Casserole

I hope this creamy dish helps freshen up and give new life to your Thanksgiving sides and turkey leftovers! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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4.70 from 13 votes

Turkey a la King

Let me introduce you to Turkey a la King! A homemade mushroom cream sauce filled with turkey and other veggies served on top of puff pastry shells is the perfect Thanksgiving leftovers recipe.

servings 6 servings

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 6 Puff Pastry Shells
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter 1/2 stick
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup celery diced, including leaves
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp celery salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt or more, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp pepper or more, to taste
  • 3 cups turkey cooked
  • 1/2 cup peas frozen
  • fresh parsley for garnish

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Bake puff pastry shells according to package directions.

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and butter. Saute onions, celery, carrot and mushrooms until tender, 12-15 minutes.

  • Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Increase heat to medium high. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Let the sauce come to a boil to thicken, stirring constantly.

  • Reduce heat to medium low and stir in cream, celery salt, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, turkey, and peas. Keep warm on the stove top until ready to serve.

  • To serve, remove the center of a puff pastry shell and pour the mixture overtop allowing to spill over the sides. Use the pasty center as a top for the gravy mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2155IU | Vitamin C: 13.9mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: leftover, turkey a la king

Turkey a la King Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is turkey a la king made of? ›

This turkey à la king recipe features turkey, peas, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce served over puff pastry boats, biscuits, toast, or rice.

Who invented turkey a la king? ›

Where does Turkey a la King come from? There are many origin stories for this recipe, but the original version was probably Chicken a la King, not turkey. It may have originated in lower Manhattan at Delmonico's restaurant. Or, it might have been created at Claridge's Hotel in London.

What does a la king mean in cooking? ›

/ˌæ lə ˈkɪŋ/ cut into small pieces and cooked in a sauce that contains cream and vegetables: This restaurant serves a wonderful chicken à la king. They cooked turnips à la king.

What is turkey hash made of? ›

This turkey hash recipe follows that resourceful formula, featuring diced turkey, onion, and potatoes along with celery, bell pepper, and parsley. It's made even more delicious with turkey gravy and will quickly use up any leftovers from your big holiday meals.

What is the difference between Tetrazzini and a La King? ›

It turns out the difference is that Chicken Tetrazzini has cheese in it and Chicken à la King does not. In the 1950s, you would open a can of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, a package of frozen peas, carrots, a can of sliced mushrooms, some Velveeta cheese, and chicken or turkey and voila...an abomination!

Where did turkey a la king come from? ›

Many believe it to be an American invention, as in chicken or turkey a la king. Historical accounts are rich on this subject. According to one source, the dish originated at the original Delmonico`s restaurant in lower Manhattan back in the 1880s.

Why is it called a LA King? ›

The origin of chicken à la king's name is a subject of debate. Some say it was created at New York's Brighton Beach Hotel in the 1890s and named after its proprietor E. Clark King II. Some claim it originated in England, while others say it's from Philadelphia.

What is Ala King sauce made of? ›

Ingredients. Corn starch, Wheat flour, Salt, Modified milk ingredients, Dehydrated vegetables (onion, carrot, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic), High oleic sunflower oil, Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, Natural flavour, Spices and herbs, Citric acid.

What is the meaning of a la king? ›

à la king in American English

(ˌɑː lə ˈkɪŋ, ˌæ lə) adjective. (of cooked fowl, fish, etc.) diced and served in a cream sauce containing mushrooms, pimiento, or green pepper.

What country is chicken à la king from? ›

1890s – Chef George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, Brighton Beach, New York, created it in 1890s. He was an excellent cook and liked to prepare new dishes for his favorite customers. One summer afternoon, he prepared a special chicken dish for Mr. and Mrs.

Why is chicken à la king? ›

Another account claims chef George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel in Brighton Beach created it in 1898, naming it after patron E. Clarke King II and his wife. Another account is that chicken à la King was created in the 1890s by hotel cook William "Bill" King of the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.

Is hash illegal in turkey? ›

Cannabis is illegal in Turkey for recreational use, but allowed for limited medical and scientific purposes. The Turkish term for cannabis is kenevir.

What is the most expensive hash in the world? ›

Loud Dream

In 2022, the cannabis strain was selling for an average of $800 per ounce. It has a number of unique attributes inherited from its parent plant, the popular Blue Dream strain.

Can you freeze cooked turkey after 4 days? ›

If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it's best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine.

What are turkey burgers made of? ›

The good news is that making turkey burgers from scratch is quite easy. All you need is ground turkey, onion, bread crumbs, eggs, and some seasonings and you're good to go. Simply combine your ground turkey, diced onion, bread crumbs, egg whites, garlic, parsley, salt, and ground pepper in a bowl.

What is the liquid packet inside the turkey? ›

Giblets generally include the liver, and can include the gizzard, neck, kidneys and heart. More often than not, your butcher may have already gathered them inside a little bag within the bird's cavity, which makes finding and using them considerably easier — just don't forget to remove the bag before cooking.

What is chicken a la king made of? ›

Also known as King-Style Chicken, Chicken a la King usually consists of cooked, diced chicken in a cream sauce (or a chicken gravy) that is often served over bread, pasta or noodles. The sauce most often has mushrooms and vegetables. This dish is also known for using pimientos.

What is the liquid bag that comes with a turkey? ›

Turkey giblet bags aren't the same as they were decades ago. "Giblets" once described all poultry offal—the feet, wing tips, head, gobbler red co*ckscomb, and the neck. Today's giblet bags are simpler. “Butterball includes the turkey heart, gizzard, and liver in its giblet bag.

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