A one-skillet wonder with tender turkey, sweet peas, and bell peppers in a rich, creamy sauce served over biscuits or toast—perfect for using up leftovers with flair and a little Southern sass!

Let Me Set the Table for You, Sug…

Now close your eyes and imagine this: velvety cream sauce bubbling gently in a heavy-bottomed skillet, cloaking tender chunks of turkey like a warm Sunday hug. Bright flecks of green peas and red peppers peek through like confetti at a baby shower, and the aroma? Lawd have mercy—it smells like Thanksgiving dinner and a potluck picnic had a glorious, gravy-drenched baby.

Spoon it over a split biscuit, fluffy rice, or even toast if you’re in a pinch, and honey, you’ve got a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing louder than the choir at First Baptist.

A Dash of History, a Pinch of Tradition

Back in the day, my Great-Aunt Ethel—who always wore pearls to do the laundry—would whip this up the day after Thanksgiving when the fridge was full of leftovers and the house was full of company. The original Turkey à la King may have come from some fancy chef up North in the early 1900s, but let me tell you, when it hit Southern kitchens, we gave it a full makeover—extra cream, extra love, and always served with a side of sass.

Now I make this dish whenever I need a little comfort, a lot of flavor, and an easy clean-up. It’s elegance in a skillet, honey. And the best part? It’s done in 30 minutes flat. That means more time for porch sittin’ and sweet tea sippin’.

Creamy Turkey à la King Skillet

Serves: 4–6 lovely souls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes of creamy delight

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (don’t be shy now)
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but Granny loves ‘em)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk (whole milk if you’re feelin’ fancy)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Pinch of paprika (for color and a whisper of heat)
• Toasted bread, rice, or fluffy biscuits for serving
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It Like Granny Does

1. Preheat & Prep
Now I know we’re not bakin’ today, but go ahead and gather your ingredients like you’re settin’ out the good silver. Chop, dice, and measure ahead—it’s called mise en place, but we just call it bein’ smart in the South.

2. Start the Skillet Magic
Melt that butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if you’re usin’ them) and sauté until they’re soft and smellin’ heavenly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir ‘em gently like you’re rockin’ a baby to sleep.

3. Make the Creamy Goodness
Sprinkle that flour right over the veggies and stir it in. Let it cook for a minute to get rid of that raw taste (nobody wants flour soup, sugar). Slowly pour in your broth while stirrin’ constantly—don’t stop stirrin’ now, it’s the Southern way!

Add the milk and keep on stirrin’ till it thickens up like gravy on Easter Sunday. This part’s the soul of the dish.

4. Add the Turkey & Peas
Stir in the chopped turkey and frozen peas. Let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes until heated through and cozy as a patchwork quilt. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. Taste it, nod knowingly, and smile like you just won the church raffle.

5. Serve with Love
Spoon that creamy goodness over your choice of toast, biscuits, or rice. Garnish with parsley if you’re feelin’ a little extra. Then grab a fork, say a blessing, and dig in while it’s still steamin’ and dreamy.

Picture This….

Imagine a warm cast iron skillet sitting atop a vintage stove, filled to the brim with silky, cream-drenched turkey and jewel-toned vegetables. A ladle rests to the side, dripping with that luscious sauce, and nearby, a platter of split buttermilk biscuits waits patiently. A blue gingham napkin lies folded beside the skillet, and the whole scene glows under a warm kitchen light—inviting, cozy, and just downright irresistible.

Quick and creamy Turkey à la King skillet recipe made in just 30 minutes! The perfect way to use leftover turkey with a comforting Southern twist.

Whether it’s a post-holiday lifesaver or just a way to make supper feel a little more special, this dish is pure comfort in a skillet. Make it once and it’ll be your go-to faster than I can say, “Bless your heart.”

Love, Granny B 💕