I’ve been making Turkey Ala King for years, and it’s still a family favorite. This creamy, savory dish is a staple in our household, and I love it because it’s so easy to make and always impresses our guests.
The dish originated in the United States in the early 20th century, and its name comes from the French phrase ‘à la reine,’ meaning ‘in the style of the queen.’ The recipe typically consists of sautéed turkey, mushrooms, and pimientos in a rich cream sauce served over rice or noodles.
I like to serve it with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. My kids love helping me prepare this recipe because it’s so hands-on – they get to chop the veggies, stir the sauce, and add their own special touches to make it their own.
As for me, I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy – we use lean turkey breast and plenty of vegetables to make it a guilt-free option for our family dinners. Whether we’re hosting a holiday party or just need a quick weeknight meal, Turkey Ala King never fails to deliver.
Turkey a la King
4.6 from 854 votes
A creamy, comforting dish made with leftover turkey, tender vegetables, and a rich sauce served over puff pastry, rice, or toast. This classic American recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal perfect for using holiday leftovers.
1Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
4Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
5Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then add the heavy cream.
6Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and stir in the frozen peas, diced turkey, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
8If using, add the sherry for extra depth.
9Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is heated through and the peas are tender.
10The sauce should be creamy and slightly thick.
11While the turkey mixture simmers, prepare the puff pastry shells according to package directions, or cook the rice.
12To serve, spoon the hot turkey a la king over the warm pastry shells or rice.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-sodium chicken broth. This dish also works well with leftover rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast.
Watch Video Of How Turkey a la King Works
In conclusion, Turkey Ala King is an excellent choice for any occasion whether you’re hosting dinner party or need quick weeknight meal.
The recipe works well for family gatherings too as everyone loves helping out while preparing this dish.
To store leftovers place them in an air-tight container refrigerate within two days; reheating instructions are simple just reheat on low heat until warmed through then serve over rice noodles pasta etc.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey a la King
Q1: What is Turkey Ala King?
A1: Turkey Ala King is a creamy, savory dish made with sautéed turkey, mushrooms, and pimientos in a rich cream sauce served over rice or noodles.
Q2: What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
A2: The key ingredients include lean turkey breast, button mushrooms, pimientos, onions, garlic, all-purpose flour, butter or oil for sautéing, chicken broth or white wine for added flavor, heavy cream or half-and-half for creaminess, salt and pepper to taste.
Q3: Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
A3: Yes – you can use boneless chicken breast instead of turkey if you prefer; replace pimientos with diced bell peppers or other vegetables; swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option; use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition.
Q4: How long does this recipe take to prepare?
A4: Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes – including chopping veggies and stirring sauce – which makes it perfect for weeknight meals when everyone’s schedule can be unpredictable. Cook time is about 20-25 minutes – which depends on your stovetop performance!
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: Yes – you can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it until you’re ready to serve. Then simply reheat on low heat until warmed through.
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