What Goes with Chicken and Dumplings: 10 Side Dishes

Hey there! It's Sarah here, and today I'm sharing something that's been on my mind ever since I posted my slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe. So many of you have asked me: "what goes with chicken and dumplings?" and I totally get it! This classic comfort food is hearty and satisfying, but finding the perfect sides to round out your meal can make all the difference.

The first time I made chicken and dumplings for a Sunday family dinner, I honestly just served it by itself. Big mistake!

Emily kept asking where the veggies were, and my husband mentioned that something fresh would have balanced the creamy richness perfectly. That's when I realized that pairing the right sides with this comforting dish can really improve the entire meal experience.

Since then, I've tried dozens of side dishes to find what truly complements chicken and dumplings. Whether you're looking for a simple vegetable to add some color to your plate or a bread option to soak up all that delicious gravy, I've got you covered with 15 perfect pairings!

Why Side Dishes Matter with Chicken and Dumplings

Before I jump into specific recommendations, let's talk about why sides matter with a dish like chicken and dumplings:

• They add nutritional balance to a carb-heavy main dish
• The right sides provide contrasting textures (crisp vs. creamy)
• Fresh sides can cut through the richness with acidity or brightness
• Colorful vegetables make the meal more visually appealing
• Different flavors create a more satisfying and complete dining experience

Have you ever noticed how restaurants always pair comfort foods with refreshing sides? There's a good reason for that!

Vegetable Side Dishes for What Goes with Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to what vegetables go with chicken and dumplings, I tend to favor simple preparations that let the natural flavors shine through. Here are my top vegetable pairings:

1. Roasted Green Beans with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Spread green beans on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until beans are tender and slightly browned.
4. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving if desired.

There's something magical about how green beans get slightly crispy when roasted at high heat. The slight crunch and garlicky flavor create the perfect contrast to soft, pillowy dumplings.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place carrots and chicken broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until carrots are just tender.
3. Uncover and continue cooking until most of the liquid evaporates.
4. Add butter, honey, and salt, stirring until carrots are coated and glaze thickens.
5. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

The natural sweetness of carrots balances the savory elements of chicken and dumplings beautifully. Emily absolutely devours these whenever I make them!

3. Simple Steamed Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil.
2. Place broccoli in a steamer basket over the water.
3. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and toss with butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Sometimes the simplest option is the best! Lightly steamed broccoli provides a fresh, healthy counterpoint to rich chicken and dumplings.

4. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces fresh spinach
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add spinach by the handful, stirring until wilted before adding more.
4. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook just until all spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes total.
6. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Whenever I want to add some quick greens to dinner, sautéed spinach is my go-to. It cooks in literally 2-3 minutes, which makes it perfect for last-minute meal planning.

5. Buttered Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add corn and boil for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Drain well and place on a serving platter.
4. Spread each ear with butter while hot.
5. Sprinkle with salt and herbs if using.

For off-season meals, you can substitute with a simple buttered corn kernels recipe:

For Corn Kernels:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 16 oz frozen corn kernels and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme.

The sweet pops of corn offer textural contrast and bright flavor that complements the savory aspects of chicken and dumplings.

Bread Sides that Go with Chicken and Dumplings

While chicken and dumplings already contains dumplings, sometimes you want additional bread options for sopping up that delicious gravy. These are my favorite choices:

6. Southern Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter for the skillet

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat.
2. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat buttermilk, oil, and eggs together.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven, add butter and let it melt.
6. Pour batter into hot skillet and return to oven.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Is there anything more satisfying than crumbling a piece of slightly sweet, buttery cornbread into a bowl of chicken and dumplings? I think not!

7. Quick Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 French baguette, split lengthwise
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Mix butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Spread mixture evenly over cut sides of baguette.
4. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Slice and serve warm.

The crispy, buttery, garlicky goodness adds both flavor and textural contrast to chicken and dumplings.

Fresh Salads to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

One of my favorite ways to balance the richness of chicken and dumplings is with a crisp, fresh salad. These are my go-to options:

8. Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette

Ingredients for salad:

• 6 cups mixed spring greens
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced

Ingredients for vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad just before serving and toss gently.

A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to rich, creamy chicken and dumplings.

9. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and dill in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat.
4. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

During summer months, this simple cucumber and tomato salad balances the richness of chicken and dumplings perfectly.

10. Quick Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 6-8 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dill seeds (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Pack vegetables into a large jar or container.
2. Combine water, vinegar, sugar, salt, dill, and peppercorns in a saucepan.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve.
4. Pour hot brine over vegetables.
5. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

For a tangy side that cuts through richness like nothing else, quick pickled vegetables are amazing with chicken and dumplings.

Do You Serve Mashed Potatoes with Chicken and Dumplings?

A question I often get is "do you serve mashed potatoes with chicken and dumplings?" While it might seem like carb overload, some people absolutely love this combination!

The creamy mashed potatoes can act as a bed for the chicken and dumplings, soaking up all that delicious gravy.

However, I personally think it's a bit redundant since the dumplings already provide that starchy component. If you're craving potatoes with your meal, I'd suggest a lighter preparation like roasted baby potatoes with herbs or even a small portion of potato salad on the side instead.

Do You Eat Rice with Chicken and Dumplings?

Another common question is "do you eat rice with chicken and dumplings?" Similar to mashed potatoes, rice isn't a traditional pairing since the dumplings already serve as the starchy element in the dish.

However, in some regional variations, particularly in Southern Louisiana where cuisine often has Cajun influences, you might find chicken and dumplings served over rice.

If you do choose to serve rice, I'd recommend a small portion of white or wild rice rather than making it the main foundation of the dish.

What Vegetables Can You Put in Chicken and Dumplings?

Many people ask "what vegetables can you put in chicken and dumplings?" While I've outlined vegetables that pair well as side dishes, you can absolutely incorporate vegetables directly into your chicken and dumplings recipe!

Some excellent vegetables to add to the dish itself include:

• Diced carrots (add them early so they cook through)
• Celery (adds great flavor to the broth)
• Peas (stir in near the end of cooking)
• Corn kernels (add during the last 30 minutes)
• Mushrooms (cook them first for the best flavor)
• Leeks (instead of or in addition to onions)

I typically add vegetables to the pot before adding the dumplings, making sure they're tender by the time the dish is complete. This creates a complete one-pot meal, though I still like to serve at least one fresh side dish for contrast!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Dumplings

Recipes You May Like

• Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Dumplings – My easiest, most foolproof recipe that uses canned biscuits for the dumplings!
• Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Another classic comfort food that pairs with many of these same sides.
• Irish Soda Bread Recipe – A quick bread that makes a wonderful accompaniment to chicken and dumplings.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect sides to serve with chicken and dumplings doesn't have to be complicated. The key is balance – something fresh and crisp to complement the rich, creamy main dish.

My personal favorite combination is a simple green salad with vinaigrette, honey glazed carrots, and a piece of cornbread on the side. This trio provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures while keeping dinner prep manageable.

What really matters is creating a complete meal that satisfies your family and makes dinnertime special. Whether you choose vegetables, bread, salad, or a combination of sides, your chicken and dumplings will shine as the star of the meal!

What do you like to serve with your chicken and dumplings? I'd love to hear your favorite combinations in the comments below!