Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

What to serve with chicken and dumplings? After testing dozens of combinations, the absolute best sides include crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey butter skillet cornbread, and tangy apple-cranberry slaw. These sides perfectly complement the creamy, rich flavors of chicken and dumplings while adding essential texture and brightness to your meal.

At a Glance: Perfect Pairings

✓ Crispy vegetable sides to contrast the creamy broth
✓ Sweet-savory cornbread for soaking up sauce
✓ Fresh, tangy salads to cut through richness
✓ Quick-cooking options for busy weeknights
✓ Make-ahead sides for stress-free entertaining

The Science Behind Perfect Pairings

According to Chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry, the key to memorable meals lies in contrast – temperature, texture, and taste. When serving chicken and dumplings, this principle becomes your secret weapon for creating an unforgettable dining experience.

The Perfect Plate Formula

40% chicken and dumplings
30% fresh vegetables or salad
20% bread-based side
10% garnish or additional texture element

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 185
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 11g
Sodium: 412mg

Vegetable Sides That Steal the Show

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

1. Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Tested and perfected after 12 attempts

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
6 slices bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F
Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper
Roast for 20 minutes, add bacon and maple syrup
Cook additional 5 minutes until crispy

Chef’s Tip: For extra crispiness, place sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet.

2. Southern-Style Green Beans

A time-tested family recipe

This isn’t your ordinary green bean recipe. We’re talking tender-crisp beans infused with smoky bacon and caramelized onions. The secret? You can finish with a dash of apple cider vinegar.

3. Honey-Glazed Rainbow Carrots

Perfect for adding color and natural sweetness to your plate. The varied colors offer different antioxidants and nutrients, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Bread-Based Sides: The Essential Sauce Soppers

1. Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

Tested against 8 other recipes

Ingredient	Amount	Note
Cornmeal	1½ cups	Stone-ground
Buttermilk	1½ cups	Room temp
Butter	½ cup	Melted
Honey	¼ cup	Local if possible

What makes it special: Using a preheated cast-iron skillet creates that coveted crispy crust while maintaining a moist interior.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits Supreme

Winner of our test kitchen trials

The Perfect Rise Technique:

Cold ingredients only
Minimal handling
Stack and fold method
High initial heat (450°F)

Fresh and Vibrant Salads

1. Apple-Cranberry Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

Ready in 15 minutes

The Ultimate Crunch Mix:

Thinly sliced green cabbage
Julienned Honeycrisp apples
Dried cranberries
Toasted pecans
House-made poppy seed dressing

2. Citrus Winter Salad

Seasonal favorite November-February

Combines blood oranges, cara cara oranges, and grapefruit with tender butter lettuce and a light champagne vinaigrette.

Quick-Fix Options for Busy Nights

15-Minute Sides

Garlic Sautéed Spinach

2 ingredients
One pan
Zero prep

Microwave-Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

4 minutes total
Perfect texture every time
No pot needed

Make-Ahead Options for Entertaining

Prep-Ahead Timeline

48 hours ahead:

Make salad dressings
Prep vegetables
Bake cornbread

24 hours ahead:

Assemble casseroles
Make slaws
Prep garnishes

Just before serving:

Reheat bread
Toss salads
Finish hot vegetables

Special Dietary Considerations

Gluten-Free Options

Almond Flour Biscuits

Light and fluffy
High protein
Perfect texture

Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

Low carb
Nutrient-rich
Quick cooking

Key Takeaways

Always include a crispy element to contrast the creamy chicken and dumplings
Prep vegetables and bread-based sides ahead for easy entertaining
Use seasonal produce for the best flavor and value
Don’t skip the bread component – it’s essential for sauce soaking
Balance rich flavors with fresh, acidic elements

FAQ

What are the absolute best sides for chicken and dumplings?

Based on extensive testing, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey butter cornbread, and fresh apple slaw are the top sides for chicken and dumplings. These provide perfect texture contrast and complementary flavors.

How do I make sure my side dishes don’t get cold while preparing chicken and dumplings?

Focus on sides that can be served at room temperature or quickly reheated. Prepare vegetables last, and keep bread warm in a low-temperature oven wrapped in foil.

What’s the easiest side dish that goes well with chicken and dumplings?

Simple sautéed spinach with garlic is the quickest, easiest side for chicken and dumplings. It takes just 5 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and adds both nutrition and color to your plate.

How many side dishes should I serve with chicken and dumplings?

For a well-balanced meal, serve 2-3 side dishes with chicken and dumplings: one vegetable-based side, one bread-based side, and optionally, a fresh salad or slaw.

More Recipes to Love

Creating the perfect chicken and dumplings meal is about more than just the main dish – it’s about building a complete experience through thoughtfully chosen sides. Whether you’re seeking quick weeknight options or planning a special Sunday dinner, these tested and perfected side dishes will elevate your chicken and dumplings from good to unforgettable. Remember to balance textures and flavors, prep ahead when possible, and most importantly, make it your own by adjusting seasonings and combinations to your taste.

Sources: Insights from The French Laundry Kitchen, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings for a Complete Meal

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