Find the best sides to go with chicken and dumplings. Make your comfort meal even better with our top side dish picks.
Choosing the right sides can make your chicken and dumplings even more enjoyable. Whether you want classic sides or something new, we’re here to help. Let us guide you through delicious options that match the rich taste of this favorite meal.
We suggest classics like creamy mashed potatoes and buttery biscuits. Or try healthy choices like roasted veggies and sautéed greens. Plus, we have ideas for fresh salads, tangy coleslaw, and grilled corn.
Ready for a cozy dinner or a family meal? Our side dishes will make every spoonful of chicken and dumplings perfect. Enjoy exploring these flavorful and satisfying options to boost your meal!
Classic Side Dishes
Classic side dishes are key when enjoying chicken and dumplings. They bring together flavors and textures that match the main dish well. If you want freshness, indulgence, or nutrition, these sides have you covered.
Creamy mashed potatoes are a must. Their smooth texture goes perfectly with chicken and dumplings. A bit of salt and some butter make them the ultimate comfort food.
For something lighter, go for a fresh salad. It offers crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. These add a refreshing taste against the rich flavors of the main dish. Add your favorite dressing or a zesty vinaigrette for extra taste.
Buttery biscuits are essential too. They bring indulgence to your meal. Enjoy them with butter or honey. They’re a great match with this classic dish.
Want to add greens? Sautéed greens like spinach or kale are perfect. Cooked with garlic and lemon juice, they offer nutrition and taste. They also add color to your plate and go well with chicken and dumplings.
Cornbread can’t be missed. Its sweet, crumbly texture pairs well with savory chicken and dumplings. Whether it’s plain, with jalapeños, or cheddar cheese, cornbread makes a great side.
These classic side dishes make your chicken and dumplings meal complete. They enhance the main dish with traditional flavors and textures. Try these options that have proven to be timeless!
Roasted Vegetables
Make your chicken and dumplings even better by adding roasted vegetables. Together, they make a meal that’s both tasty and filling. The roasted vegetables add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Roasting vegetables makes them sweet and caramelized. This matches the savory chicken and dumplings well. It adds color and texture to your meal.
There are many vegetables you can roast, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. Pick what you like or what’s in season. This adds variety to your dish.
To roast them, cut the veggies into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Mix them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings you like.
Pro tip: Add garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for more flavor. This makes the vegetables taste even better.
Spread the veggies on a baking sheet. Cook them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden. Stir them a few times to make sure they cook well.
Roasted vegetables make your meal colorful and healthy. They balance the rich flavors of chicken and dumplings. By serving different roasted veggies, you get an exciting side dish.
Remember, roasted vegetables turn a good meal into a great one. They complete your chicken and dumplings, making it unforgettable.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Looking for the best side to go with chicken and dumplings? Creamy mashed potatoes are the winner. Their smooth texture matches perfectly with the rich taste of chicken and dumplings. Together, they make a cozy and fulfilling meal.
Start with the right potatoes to get that creamy feel. Russet potatoes are best due to their high starch content. Peel and chop them into equal pieces. Then boil until they’re soft.
After boiling, drain and put them back in the pot. This removes extra water to avoid watery potatoes. Mash them well until they’re smooth. Yet, don’t overdo it, or they’ll turn sticky.
The right seasonings boost the taste. Mix in butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. For something special, add grated Parmesan or roasted garlic. Try using chives, thyme, or garlic powder for more flavor.
Serve the mashed potatoes with chicken and dumplings. The creamy potatoes and rich chicken are a perfect pair.
This dish is simple but can make your meal special. Impress your family and guests with creamy mashed potatoes. Play around with the recipe and seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
Fresh Salad
Enjoy your meal more with a fresh, vibrant salad. It’s perfect with hearty dishes like chicken and dumplings. It brings color and a pleasant contrast in flavors.
For the salad, mix greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach. Include juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and tangy red onions. They add flavor and crunch.
Add sliced bell peppers for sweetness, shaved carrots for earthiness, and creamy avocados. These enhance the salad’s taste and texture.
Add citrus like oranges or grapefruits for extra freshness. Their bright flavors match the warm chicken and dumplings well.
Make a homemade dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. This tangy dressing brings all the flavors together.
A fresh salad makes chicken and dumplings even better. It adds texture, crunch, and freshness to your meal.
Buttery Biscuits
In the world of comfort food, buttery biscuits paired with chicken and dumplings stand out. These flaky biscuits make every meal special. They add a luxurious touch to your dining experience.
Making biscuits from scratch is key for the best texture and taste. Use top-notch ingredients like all-purpose flour and cold butter. When you mix cold butter into the flour, the dough gets its flaky layers. Be gentle with the dough to keep biscuits light and airy.
You can get creative with buttery biscuits. Try adding cheese, garlic, or herbs like rosemary for extra flavor. Even bacon bits can make them richer. These additions go well with the savory chicken and dumplings, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Elevating your Buttery Biscuits:
For next-level biscuits, here are some tips:
- Brushing the tops with melted butter and sea salt before baking makes them golden and tasty.
- Pair them with honey or jam for a sweet and savory taste.
- Put whipped honey butter on your biscuits for an indulgent treat. This combo is pure bliss.
Get excited about the combo of buttery biscuits and chicken and dumplings. These treats are hard to resist. You’ll want more and even enjoy the leftovers. So, get your apron ready, and start making those delicious biscuits today.
Sauteed Greens
Add a touch of nutrition and earthy flavors to your meal with sautéed greens. Sautéed greens make your chicken and dumplings even better. They add nutrition and a burst of flavor.
Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are great choices. These greens mix well with the chicken and dumplings. They add both taste and texture.
To sauté the greens, use garlic and olive oil. This combo brings out a delicious flavor and aroma. Try adding lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or soy sauce for more flavor.
Sautéing greens is easy. First, heat olive oil in a skillet on medium. Then, add garlic and cook until it smells good. Next, add the greens. Stir them until they’re tender. The cook time depends on the greens you use.
Once sautéed, serve the greens with your chicken and dumplings. This mix offers a satisfying meal. The rich chicken and dumplings with the fresh greens create a tasty balance.
Cornbread
Relish the cozy taste of cornbread with your chicken and dumplings. It’s the perfect side, adding a rustic feel and sweetness. Its crumbly texture and flavorful corn taste complement the savory chicken and dumplings well.
It’s key to find the right mix of moisture and sweetness in your cornbread. The goal is a cornbread that’s moist enough to stand alone but doesn’t overshadow your main dish. Recipes with buttermilk or sour cream work well for adding moisture and boosting flavor.
For an exciting twist, try making jalapeño or cheddar cornbread. Spicy jalapeños or rich cheddar cheese can enhance your dish. They add spice or cheesy goodness that goes well with creamy chicken and dumplings.
Adding a Personal Touch
Add your touch to cornbread with ingredients like corn kernels, bell peppers, or bacon bits. These can make your cornbread even more special and tasty. They add flavor and texture that make your cornbread a highlight with chicken and dumplings.
Don’t forget the freshly baked cornbread when you make chicken and dumplings next. Its comforting nature completes any meal. Whether sticking to classic recipes or trying new ones, cornbread is key to enjoying your chicken and dumplings.
Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw
Add a vibrant crunch and a burst of flavor to your plate with a sweet and tangy coleslaw. Want to complement the richness of chicken and dumplings? Or simply craving a refreshing side? Coleslaw is the perfect choice.
Making delicious coleslaw is simple. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions in a bowl. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pour this over your cabbage mix and mix well.
Want more texture and sweetness? Try adding chopped apples, raisins, or pineapple chunks. These additions make classic coleslaw even more exciting. They add a layer of complexity to your plate.
When you serve coleslaw with chicken and dumplings, aim for balance. The coleslaw’s crunch should offer a contrast to the soft dish. At the same time, its sweet and tangy flavors should enhance the savory flavors.
Coleslaw brings vibrant colors and refreshing taste to your meal. It provides a great contrast in textures and flavors. It’s the perfect side to enjoy with the comforting taste of chicken and dumplings.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Enjoy the taste of summer by adding grilled corn on the cob to your chicken and dumplings. The grill’s smoky char brings out the corn’s natural sweetness. This creates a fantastic combo that makes your meal even better.
It’s easy to grill corn and savor its fresh, seasonal flavor. First, heat your grill to medium. Peel the husks back, leaving them on at the bottom. Take off the silk, then pull the husks back up. Soak the corn in cold water for 15 minutes. This keeps the husks from burning.
Then, put the corn on the hot grill and close the lid. Grill it for 10-15 minutes, turning it now and then. The corn will get tender and a bit charred. The husks help keep the corn moist, making it juicy and tasty.
To make the corn even sweeter and more flavorful, try different toppings. Brush on melted butter and a bit of salt and pepper for something simple. Or, for heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also use herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for a fresh twist.
Grilled corn on the cob complements the hearty taste of chicken and dumplings well. It brings a bright, summery touch to the meal. This makes for a dish that’s sure to delight.
Fresh Fruit Medley
Boost your chicken and dumplings with a vibrant fresh fruit medley. It not only refreshes your taste but adds natural sweetness. Enjoy a mix of ripe fruits that enhance the dish’s flavors.
Add a burst of taste by mixing different fruits. Try strawberries, pineapple, and watermelon for starters. Or add a citrus punch with orange or grapefruit segments. Blueberries and blackberries bring antioxidants and color. Mix up fruits to find your favorite blend.
Display your fruit medley in a beautiful bowl or platter. This highlights the colors and smells. Decorate with fresh mint or a light honey-citrus dressing for extra taste.
This side dish pairs well with any chicken and dumplings, hot or cold. Its sweetness contrasts the main dish’s rich flavors perfectly. So include a fresh fruit medley for a more enjoyable meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perfect sides can make your chicken and dumplings even better. They turn a great dish into an amazing meal. You can stick with classic sides or try something new. Either way, there’s a side dish for everyone. Picking the right sides can take your meal from good to unforgettable.
