a la king crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "a la king crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "a la king crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DISH: Common term for a prepared food item, often served 'a la king'.
5 Letters
SAUCE: The rich, creamy component of A La King, which is its defining characteristic.
6 Letters
ENTREE: A main course, often served 'a la king' style, especially when featuring a protein like chicken or turkey.
7 Letters
CHICKEN: The primary protein in the classic and most well-known 'Chicken A La King' dish.
More About "a la king crossword clue"
"A La King" is a classic culinary term that frequently appears in crosswords, often pointing towards a delicious and somewhat old-fashioned dish. Originating in the late 19th or early 20th century, the term describes food served in a rich, creamy sauce usually containing mushrooms, green peppers, and pimientos. While 'Chicken A La King' is the most iconic version, the "a la king" style can be applied to various ingredients, including turkey, seafood, or even vegetables.
Crossword setters love this clue because it offers multiple avenues for answers, ranging from the general category of food (DISH, ENTREE) to specific components (SAUCE, CHICKEN). The French origin of "à la" (meaning "in the manner of" or "like") combined with "King" gives it an elegant, perhaps slightly regal, connotation, making it a distinctive phrase in the culinary lexicon.
Understanding the common associations with "a la king" – its creamy texture, its typical ingredients, and its status as a main course – can significantly help when you encounter this clue in future puzzles. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of this comfort food classic that it continues to be a staple in crossword grids.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think broadly: For clues like "a la king," consider not just the exact dish but also its general category (food, entrée) or its key components (sauce, protein).
- Check letter counts: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is crucial for narrowing down possibilities, especially when multiple answers might fit conceptually.
- Consider synonyms and related terms: If a direct answer isn't immediately apparent, think of words closely associated with the clue. For "a la king," words like 'stew', 'creamed', or 'fowl' might be relevant depending on the context.
- Look at surrounding letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can often provide critical hints to unlock challenging clues like "a la king."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does 'A La King' mean in culinary terms?
In culinary terms, 'A La King' refers to a rich, creamy sauce that typically includes mushrooms, green peppers, pimientos, and often sherry. It's most famously served with diced chicken (Chicken A La King), but can also accompany turkey, seafood, or vegetables, usually over rice, toast, or pasta.
Why is 'A La King' a popular crossword clue?
The phrase 'A La King' is popular in crosswords due to its well-known association with a specific dish and its components. It allows for various related answers like 'DISH', 'CHICKEN', 'SAUCE', or 'ENTREE', providing setters with flexibility across different word lengths and themes.
Are there other types of 'A La King' dishes besides chicken?
Yes, while Chicken A La King is the most iconic, the 'A La King' style can be applied to other ingredients. Common variations include Turkey A La King (especially popular after Thanksgiving), Seafood A La King (using shrimp, scallops, or crab), and even vegetarian versions featuring mushrooms or other vegetables in the creamy sauce.