Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PrintPrint Pin ItPin It
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 Customary – Metric
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
