Jake Harper
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. From salads to vegetables, there are many options to choose from. For those who enjoy salads, a simple tossed green salad or a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish. Fried Green Tomatoes, a broccoli salad with sunflower seeds, or a beet and orange salad with mint and ginger dressing are also unique salad options. For vegetable lovers, sautéed greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can provide robust flavor and nutrition. Green beans, either sauteed or boiled, are another tasty and colorful option. If you're craving something crunchy, fried okra or a salty crumble can add texture to the meal.
For those who prefer a heartier side, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or buttered noodles are classic comfort foods that pair well with chicken and dumplings. Cornbread, especially the buttermilk or Southern variety, is another traditional side dish that complements the savory flavors of the main course. If you're looking for something lighter, roasted vegetables or a cup of soup can also be delightful accompaniments. And for those with a sweet tooth, fried apples, corn pudding, or banana pudding can provide a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the chicken and dumplings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Beet and orange salad with mint and ginger orange dressing, broccoli cauliflower salad, side salad with citrus ginger dressing, tomato cucumber salad, Israeli salad, broccoli salad with sunflower seeds, Caprese salad |
| Vegetables | Roasted veggies, greens with citrus vinaigrette, sautéed greens (spinach, kale, collard, Swiss chard), green beans, steamed eggplant, fried okra, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes |
| Breads | Cornbread, monkey bread rolls |
| Fruits | Apples, peaches, mangoes, grapes, bananas |
| Desserts | Banana pudding, corn pudding |
| Others | Sausage-stuffed mushrooms, French fries, noodles, buttered noodles, parmesan garlic linguine, cucumber salad, potato salad, claypot tofu, coleslaw |
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What You'll Learn
Salads: beet and orange, broccoli cauliflower, or tomato cucumber
Salads are a great way to add a refreshing, crunchy, and nutritious element to your meal of chicken and dumplings. Here are some salad options that will complement the dish well:
Beet and Orange Salad
A healthy beet and orange salad with mint and ginger-orange dressing is a delicious and colourful option. The roasted beets soak up the orange vinaigrette, creating a tasty and unique flavour combination. This salad can be made in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient side dish.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad is a healthy and delicious option that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It features chopped broccoli and cauliflower, mixed with cranberries, almonds, and a homemade dressing. The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunch of the almonds add interesting textures and flavours to the salad, making it a perfect pairing with chicken and dumplings.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
A classic tomato cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy option to accompany the hearty chicken and dumplings. You can add your own twist by including chickpeas, white beans, and chopped almonds or sunflower seeds. For a more substantial meal, stuff the salad into a pita with hummus, or enjoy it as is for a light and healthy option.
Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a light and refreshing choice to balance out the richness of the chicken and dumplings. You can use a variety of greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard, and add a tangy vinaigrette made with citrus juice and a hint of mustard for a nice kick.
In addition to these salad options, you can also explore other side dishes such as cornbread, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Cornbread: a classic, crumbly, slightly sweet side
Cornbread is a classic side dish that goes well with chicken and dumplings. Its crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavour complement the savouriness of the main dish. Cornbread is also a great tool for soaking up the creamy soup that often accompanies chicken and dumplings.
A cornbread recipe that goes well with chicken and dumplings is easy to make and can be prepared using buttermilk or homemade sour milk. This recipe is reminiscent of the old-fashioned Southern Cornbread that is baked in a cast-iron skillet. The cornbread is dense, buttery, and golden, with a semi-sweet taste.
To make the cornbread, you can start by cutting the dry ingredients with chicken fat using a fork, similar to how you would prepare biscuits. Then, mix in the milk. Roll out the dough to about 1/8" thickness and then slice it into 2" squares. These squares are your cornbread!
You can also add your own twist to the cornbread by incorporating ingredients like crescent roll dough, garlic, Parmesan cheese, or Italian seasoning. These additions will give the cornbread a savoury flavour that will still complement the chicken and dumplings.
To make a more nutritious version, you can add whole kernels of corn to the batter, providing a crunchy texture and a boost of sweetness. This variation is known as cornbread pudding and makes for a smooth, milky, creamy, and delicious side dish.
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Mashed potatoes: buttery, garlicky, or plain
Mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs well with chicken and dumplings. They can be made buttery, garlicky, or plain, depending on your preference. Here are some ways to prepare them:
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Buttermilk mashed potatoes are a delicious option to serve with chicken and dumplings. They add a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish. To make them, simply prepare mashed potatoes according to the package instructions and stir in buttermilk or whole milk to achieve a thick, spoonable consistency. You can also add butter to make them even richer. Sprinkle the potatoes with black pepper and paprika, and bake them in the oven for a golden, crispy finish.
Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are another tasty variation. Garlic adds a pungent, savoury flavour to the potatoes, enhancing their overall taste. You can make garlic mashed potatoes by incorporating garlic into your favourite mashed potato recipe. Sautéed garlic can be mixed into the potatoes, or you can use garlic powder for a milder flavour. Topping the potatoes with garlic butter is another way to infuse them with garlicky goodness.
Plain Mashed Potatoes
If you prefer a simpler approach, plain mashed potatoes are always a classic option. They provide a neutral base that complements the flavours of chicken and dumplings without overwhelming them. Prepare them according to your preferred recipe, whether that's with milk, butter, or both. Season them with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding chopped green onions or chives for a subtle hint of freshness.
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be customised to your liking. When serving them with chicken and dumplings, consider the other flavours on the plate and adjust the seasonings and mix-ins accordingly to create a well-balanced meal.
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Green beans: sautéed, or with balsamic vinegar and butter
Green beans are a great side dish to serve with chicken and dumplings. Here are two ways you can prepare them:
Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans can be sautéed with olive oil, butter, garlic, shallots or onions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. You can use a cast-iron skillet for this. Then, add the shallots or onions and cook for about a minute, stirring often. Next, add the green beans and toss with tongs to coat them in the oil and butter. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating the beans with the tongs every minute or two. Finally, add the garlic and balsamic vinegar, mix well, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You can top the dish with sliced or chopped almonds for added texture and colour contrast. To toast the almonds, heat them over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the skillet often.
Green Beans with Balsamic Vinegar and Butter
This recipe involves creating a demi-glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar to thicken it and intensify its flavour. Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the broth and simmer for 4 minutes. At this point, you can add the beans and vinegar and continue to cook for another 4 minutes. You can also add the beans and vinegar first, and then cook for 4 minutes before removing from the heat. Finally, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and season with salt. You can toss in some walnuts or almonds before serving.
Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed. They make a great side dish for chicken and dumplings, providing a burst of flavour and a nice contrast in texture.
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Soups: vegetable or creamy
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and filling meal, perfect for any time of year. It is a cross between a soup and a stew, with tender chicken, vegetables, and dumplings floating throughout. While it can be a meal on its own, you might want to serve it with some sides to elevate your dining experience.
A smooth and creamy vegetable soup can be the perfect side dish to serve with chicken and dumplings. Making soup is simple and a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. You can start by frying some onions and garlic in a large saucepan, followed by any other vegetables of your choice, such as carrots, broccoli, potatoes, or cauliflower. Fry them for a few minutes and then pour in some chicken or vegetable stock. Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are soft, and then blend them with a hand blender. You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding some milk to make it less viscous.
Another option is to serve a noodle soup as a side dish. A warm and comforting bowl of noodle soup is a classic choice to accompany dumplings. The rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles make it a perfect complement to the juicy dumplings. This dish only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent option when you want to serve a quick and easy side.
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can also serve a refreshing vegetable salad on the side. A crisp and vibrant mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, with your preferred dressing, will provide a rejuvenating contrast to the indulgent flavors of chicken and dumplings. You can also add some roasted vegetables to your salad, such as roasted green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower, for an extra burst of flavor.
These soup and salad options will not only complement the flavors of chicken and dumplings but also add a healthy and refreshing element to your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with chicken and dumplings include cornbread, mashed potatoes, salads, and roasted vegetables.
Some salads that go well with chicken and dumplings include a beet and orange salad with mint and ginger orange dressing, a broccoli cauliflower salad, and a tomato cucumber salad.
Some vegetable side dishes that go well with chicken and dumplings include green beans, sautéed greens (such as spinach, kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard), and fried okra.
Some starchy side dishes that go well with chicken and dumplings include scalloped potatoes, buttered noodles, and egg noodles with parmesan and garlic.
