Emily Carter
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal, but what should you serve with it? There are many options to choose from, depending on your preferences. If you're looking for something light and refreshing, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts might be a good choice. For something more indulgent, buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or cornbread could be a perfect pairing. If you're feeling creative, you could try making fried apples, banana pudding, or even apple pie for a sweet finish to your meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Grape salad, Israeli salad, tomato and cucumber salad, green salad |
| Fruits | Sliced fruit (grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, peaches, mangoes, grapes), fried apples |
| Vegetables | Green beans, steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots), roasted vegetables (asparagus, cauliflower, brussels sprouts), sautéed greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard), roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze, cabbage with bacon, okra |
| Breads | Cornbread, biscuits, dinner rolls, garlic bread, angel biscuits, cheddar bay biscuits, garlic and herb pull-apart biscuits |
| Desserts | Banana pudding, apple pie, apple cobbler, biscuits |
| Others | Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, butter rice, fried cabbage with bacon |
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What You'll Learn
Salads and greens
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish, and when it comes to rounding out the meal with sides, salads and greens offer a fresh and nutritious contrast. Here are some ideas for salad and green side dishes that will perfectly complement chicken and dumplings:
Classic Green Salad:
A simple green salad is a versatile side dish that lets the flavours of the chicken and dumplings shine. Start with a base of mixed greens such as spinach, romaine, or butter lettuce. Add in chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a crisp and refreshing bite. Toss with a light vinaigrette dressing, or offer a selection of dressings on the side to cater to different tastes.
Coleslaw:
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and dumplings. You can go with a traditional creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. Or, for a lighter twist, try a vinegar-based coleslaw with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar. You can also add in some shredded apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness to complement the savoury main dish.
Garden Salad with Vegetables:
A garden salad is a great way to incorporate fresh, seasonal vegetables into your meal. Start with a mix of leafy greens such as lettuce, rocket, or baby spinach. Then, add in an array of chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and radishes. You can also include some boiled eggs, croutons, or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavour. Serve with a variety of dressings, such as a creamy ranch or a balsamic vinaigrette, to suit individual preferences.
Kale Caesar Salad:
For a heartier option, a Kale Caesar salad brings a nutritional boost to the table. Massage the kale leaves with a little olive oil and lemon juice to tenderize them, then add in traditional Caesar salad fixings such as croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. You can also sprinkle some chopped chicken or bacon into the salad to enhance the protein factor and make it a more substantial side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad:
A roasted vegetable salad offers a warm and comforting side dish option. Toss chopped vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until tender and slightly charred. Then, serve them over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy mustard vinaigrette dressing. This type of salad provides a nice balance of flavours and temperatures to accompany the chicken and dumplings.
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Breads and biscuits
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish, and it can be made even more satisfying with some delicious bread or biscuit sides.
First up, we have the classic cornbread. Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, cornbread is a perfect match for the creamy broth of chicken and dumplings. It can also be made in an instant pot for extra fluffiness. For a more savoury option, there's garlic bread, which is ideal for dipping into the broth.
If you're looking for something more biscuit-like, there are several options. Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a great choice and can be made in the style of Angel Biscuits, which are a hybrid of biscuits and rolls. Cheddar Bay Biscuits offer a gluten-free, cheesy option. For a more indulgent, buttery, and cheesy experience, Garlic and Herb Pull-Apart Biscuits are a fantastic choice. Lastly, for a simple and classic option, you can't go wrong with some soft, light, and pillowy dinner rolls, made with honey for extra flavour.
So, whether you're craving cornbread, garlic bread, or fluffy biscuits, there's a bread or biscuit side that will perfectly complement your chicken and dumplings.
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Fruits and desserts
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal, and while it can stand alone, a side dish can round out the dinner and add some variety. Here are some fruit and dessert options to accompany your chicken and dumplings:
Fruits
A fruit salad is a refreshing option, providing a light and colourful contrast to the rich flavours of the main dish. Strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon are all great choices for a fruit salad, offering a juicy texture and natural sweetness. Alternatively, a simple bowl of sliced fruit such as peaches, mangoes, and grapes is a great way to serve a refreshing side, and you can even add some honey or syrup for extra sweetness.
Desserts
For a sweet ending to your meal, there are several dessert options that pair well with chicken and dumplings. Banana pudding is a fabulous choice, with layers of custard, cookies, and ripe bananas. Fried apples are another tasty option, offering a sweet contrast with a nice crunch. Simply cook sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a skillet.
If you're looking for something more indulgent, a chocolate dessert could be the answer. Chocolate chip marshmallow cookies with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate are sure to be a hit. Or, for a lighter option, a strawberry mousse is a delicious, healthy choice with a berry whipped cream and puree layer.
For a classic American dessert, a peach and strawberry cobbler is a great choice, especially served warm with whipped cream or ice cream. Or, for a tangy and sweet dessert, a key lime pie or a North Carolina lemon pie with a creamy filling and a saltine cracker crust is a perfect summer treat.
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Roasted vegetables
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal, but you can elevate it further with some delicious roasted vegetable side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement the flavours of your main course:
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a simple yet tasty option that can be prepared in minutes. Toss fresh carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and golden. This side dish is a family-favourite and will add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
If you're looking for a crunchy and nutritious side, roasted broccoli and cauliflower are perfect. You can easily prepare them in an air fryer, making them a convenient and healthy option to balance out the richness of the main course.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a budget-friendly option that's both delicious and nutritious, roasted Brussels sprouts are a great choice. You can use frozen sprouts, which are easy on the wallet, and roast them until they're crispy and golden. They add a nice pop of colour to your plate and a bit of crunch to contrast the tenderness of the dumplings.
Roasted Green Beans
Green beans offer a nice combination of crunch and colour to your meal. You can roast or sauté them with a balsamic vinegar glaze, or simply flavour them with chicken broth, butter, onions, and a touch of sugar. They pair wonderfully with the chicken and dumplings without overwhelming the dish.
Roasted Autumn Vegetables
Create a tray of roasted root vegetables with carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender. This option gives a variety of flavours and textures to accompany your chicken and dumplings.
Remember, when choosing side dishes, it's best to avoid anything too heavy or overwhelming that might take away from the star of the meal. These roasted vegetable options provide a healthy and delicious complement to your chicken and dumplings, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
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Soups and stews
Chicken and dumplings is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of soups and stews. Here are some ideas for soup and stew side dishes to accompany your chicken and dumplings:
Noodle Soup
A warm and comforting bowl of noodle soup is a classic choice to serve with dumplings. The rich, flavourful broth and tender noodles make it the perfect complement to the juicy dumplings. This dish only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent option if you're short on time.
Hot and Sour Soup
For a combination of spicy and savoury flavours, consider serving hot and sour soup alongside your chicken and dumplings. This soup typically includes ingredients such as wood ear mushrooms, green onions, garlic, black peppercorns, chicken stock, tofu, eggs, and vinegar. It offers a well-balanced blend of spices and savoury notes.
Chicken Chop Suey Soup
Chicken chop suey soup is another excellent option to pair with chicken and dumplings. This soup combines tender chicken breast with a variety of vegetables, including onions, celery, carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms, in a mouthwatering sauce. It is a simple stir-fry dish that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Chicken and Potato Stew
If you're looking for a heartier option, consider a chicken and potato stew. This stew includes chicken thighs, star anise, red chillies, bay leaves, green onions, ginger, garlic, potatoes, and soy sauce. It's a popular choice that delivers a flavourful and satisfying experience.
Claypot Tofu Stew
For a vegetarian option, consider serving your chicken and dumplings with a claypot tofu stew. This stew provides a delicious contrast in texture and flavour, with soft tofu and a savoury sauce. It's a great way to add some variety to your meal while still enjoying the comfort of a hearty stew.
These soup and stew options will not only complement the flavours of your chicken and dumplings but also provide a comforting and satisfying dining experience. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your unique versions of these dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty meal, but you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus.
Yes, a fresh green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing is a good option. You could also try a grape salad with a dressing made from sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, topped with pecans and brown sugar.
Cornbread is a classic side dish for chicken and dumplings. You could also try biscuits, dinner rolls, or garlic bread.
Fried apples can add a sweet contrast to the savoury chicken and dumplings. You could also try a fruit salad with peaches, mangoes, and grapes, with an optional drizzle of honey or syrup.
