Turkey a la King

Turkey a la king is our favorite riff on chicken a la king, a retro recipe that has endured for decades. Although its specific point of origin is lost to time, we know that chicken a la king was created in the late 19th century and was once a popular dish at posh hotel restaurants throughout North America. Its appeal endured, but never more than following the Thanksgiving holiday.

This turkey a la king recipe is our favorite way to transform leftover holiday turkey into a warm, saucy, comforting meal. Cubed turkey is folded into an easy pan gravy made with vegetables and half-and-half cream. It’s savory, saucy and oh-so-appealing when spooned on top of toast.

Ingredients for Turkey a la King

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• Cooked turkey: Bite-size pieces of cooked turkey are the key ingredient in turkey a la king. They contribute protein and meatiness to the dish. It’s a great way to use leftover roast turkey or roasted turkey breast. Of course, you can always swap in slow-cooker rotisserie chicken or store-bought chicken for a more traditional take.
• Onion, celery and green pepper: This trio of vegetables is also known as the holy trinity in Cajun cuisine. It acts as the foundation of savory flavor in this recipe for turkey a la king.
• Roux: A mixture of equal parts butter and flour (aka roux) thickens the sauce into a creamy gravy.
• Sugar: A spoonful of sugar isn’t enough to really sweeten the dish. Instead, it works to balance the savory flavors of the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Simmered with the roux, chicken broth thickens into a velvety chicken gravy. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
• Half-and-half cream: Half-and-half cream adds body and creamy richness to the gravy.
• Canned mushrooms: Drained of its juice, a can of mushrooms adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the sauce. Feel free to substitute sauteed mushrooms made with button or cremini mushrooms.
• Bread: Toasted slices of white bread soak up the gravy and turn this turkey a la king recipe into something of an open-faced sandwich

Directions 

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

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In a large skillet, saute the onion, celery and green pepper in butter until tender.

Step 2: Make the gravy

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Stir in the flour and sugar until a paste forms. Gradually stir in the broth. Bring the liquid to a boil. Continue to boil until the sauce thickens slightly, about one minute.

Step 3: Finish the gravy

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Reduce the heat. Add the cream, turkey and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Serve the mixture with toast.

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Turkey a la King Variations 

• Trade out the toast: Replace the toasted bread with fluffy biscuits, savory parmesan scones or even a couple of slices of garlic bread. You can also serve this turkey a la king recipe over a bed of cooked rice, egg noodles or pasta.
• Boost the veggies: Increase vegetable content by adding chopped carrots, peas or corn.
• Experiment with different mushrooms: For added flavor and texture, try using a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini or oyster mushrooms.

How to Store Turkey a la King

All the turkey a la king to cool slightly. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the toast in a separate container to keep it from getting soggy.

Can you freeze turkey a la king?

We don’t recommend freezing turkey a la king. Sauces made with dairy can separate in the freezer and gain an unpleasant grainy texture when thawed.

Turkey a la King Tips

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What goes well with turkey a la king? 

Turkey or chicken a la king is a complete meal containing protein, vegetables and starch, so it doesn’t need to be served with a side dish. That said, it is somewhat rich, so bright winter salads or simple roasted vegetable side dishes like roasted carrots and onions might be a nice match.

Can you make turkey a la king with red peppers instead of green peppers?

You can use any type of bell pepper to make this turkey a la king recipe, so feel free to substitute red peppers for green peppers. It will change the profile of the dish, giving the gravy an orange hue and adding a sweeter flavor.

Where did turkey a la king get its name?

There are a few competing legends about how this retro dish got its moniker. Depending on who you ask, you may get a different story. One of the more popular origin stories is that William King created the dish in the 1890s when he was a cook at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. Another possible origin story is that the dish was invented in New York Delmonico’s Restaurant.