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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey à la King Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A white plate filled with creamy turkey a la king, featuring visible chunks of turkey, peas, and carrots in a rich sauce.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6

Tips for success

For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat condensed cream of chicken soup. The low-fat version can be thinner and less rich. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For a thinner sauce, add a little more broth. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

For a touch of richness, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or a pat of butter just before serving. You can also add a splash of dry sherry or white wine for a more sophisticated flavor, if you like.

Variations

  • Mushroom Turkey à la King: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the turkey and vegetables for an earthy flavor. Sauté them in butter first for extra richness, or add them raw to the slow cooker. The mushrooms will release moisture and blend into the sauce.
  • Herbed Turkey à la King: Add 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary along with the poultry seasoning. Or stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a garden-fresh note.
  • Spicy Turkey à la King: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a subtle kick. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for those who want more heat. This variation adds warmth without overwhelming the classic flavor.
  • Turkey à la King with Peppers: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color) along with the peas and carrots. The peppers add crunch and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor. Cook as directed; the peppers will soften but retain a little texture.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezer
Freeze cooled turkey à la king in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly. Add a little broth or water if the sauce is too thick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.

You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

If starting from cold, you may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, cook the full recipe, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving ideas

Serve turkey à la king over steamed white rice, egg noodles, or toasted bread. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or puff pastry shells. A side salad or steamed green beans completes the meal. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color and a hint of freshness. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but it also works well as a filling for crepes or a topping for baked potatoes.

Leftovers make a great lunch the next day, served over a baked potato or in a warm tortilla.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Cut them into 1-inch chunks and follow the same cooking times. Chicken thighs will be especially tender and moist. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How can the sauce be thickened if it is too thin?
If the sauce is thinner than desired after cooking, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir the mixture into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mash a few of the cooked vegetables to naturally thicken the sauce.
Can frozen turkey be used in this slow cooker recipe?
No, it is not safe to cook frozen turkey in a slow cooker. Always thaw turkey completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can keep the meat in the danger zone too long, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
What can be served with turkey à la king?
Turkey à la king is traditionally served over toast, but it also pairs well with rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or puff pastry shells. For a lighter option, serve it over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. A simple green salad completes the meal.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup and ensure the poultry seasoning and broth are gluten-free. Serve over rice or gluten-free pasta. Check all labels to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are present, as some broths and seasonings may contain gluten.
Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey à la King

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6
A white plate filled with creamy turkey a la king, featuring visible chunks of turkey, peas, and carrots in a rich sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb turkey breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Place the turkey chunks in the slow cooker insert in an even layer. The raw turkey should cover the bottom of the pot. No need to brown it first; the slow cooker will do the work.
  2. Scatter the frozen peas and diced carrots over the turkey. They will soften as they cook and add color and sweetness to the dish.
  3. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning over the turkey and vegetables. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything gently so the seasoning coats the turkey and veggies.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture over the turkey and vegetables, making sure everything is coated.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the turkey is cooked through and tender.
  6. After the minimum cooking time, check the turkey by cutting into a large chunk. It should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Stir the turkey à la king gently to combine the sauce. Serve hot over rice, noodles, biscuits, or toast, if desired.
Contains: gluten, milk, celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
320
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
12 g
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/creamy-slow-cooker-turkey-a-la-king/part-3