Are you on the hunt for some soul-warming chicken and dumplings in your neighborhood? I totally get it – there’s something about this classic comfort food that just hits different, especially when you don’t wanna cook. As someone who’s spent way too much time searching for the perfect bowl, I’m here to help you find who has chicken and dumplings near you without all the hassle.
Why We’re All Obsessed with Chicken and Dumplings
Before we dive into where to find this heavenly dish, let’s talk about why we crave it so much. Chicken and dumplings combines tender chicken, savory broth, and pillowy dumplings into one bowl of pure comfort. It’s basically a hug for your insides.
The dish has deep roots in Southern cooking, but restaurants across the country have embraced it as a menu staple And thank goodness they have, because sometimes you just need that comfort without making it yourself!
McAlister’s Deli: A Chicken and Dumplings Destination
If you’re wondering who has chicken and dumplings near me, McAlister’s Deli should be at the top of your list. They’ve perfected a recipe that keeps customers coming back for more.
What Makes McAlister’s Chicken and Dumplings Special
McAlister’s describes their chicken and dumplings as “Large southern dumplings with white meat chicken simmered in a savory roasted chicken broth.” Already sounds amazing right?
Here’s what you can expect when you order their chicken and dumplings
- White meat chicken: No mystery meat here! They use quality white meat.
- Southern-style dumplings: These aren’t tiny little balls but proper, hearty southern dumplings.
- Savory roasted chicken broth: The foundation of any good chicken and dumplings is the broth, and McAlister’s nails it.
Size Options and Nutrition
McAlister’s offers their chicken and dumplings in two sizes:
| Size | Calories | Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup | 170 | 5g | 920mg | 21g | 1g | 11g |
| Bowl | 250 | – | – | – | – | – |
I love that they offer a cup option for those days when I’m trying to be good but still need my comfort food fix. And if you’re really watching calories, you can make it part of a “Choose Two” combo, which cuts the calories in half!
Finding Chicken and Dumplings Through Food Delivery Apps
Not everyone has a McAlister’s nearby, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. DoorDash has a whole category dedicated to chicken and dumplings, making it super easy to find who’s serving this comfort classic in your area.
Using DoorDash to find chicken and dumplings near you is simple:
- Open the DoorDash app or website
- Search for “chicken and dumplings” or browse categories
- Check ratings and delivery times
- Order and wait for that deliciousness to arrive at your door
The beauty of using delivery apps is that you might discover local gems you didn’t even know served chicken and dumplings!
Beyond the Chains: Local Spots with Amazing Chicken and Dumplings
While McAlister’s is a reliable option, some of the best chicken and dumplings come from smaller, local establishments. These places often make their dumplings from scratch and use family recipes passed down through generations.
When searching for local spots, I recommend:
- Checking online reviews specifically mentioning chicken and dumplings
- Asking friends and neighbors for recommendations
- Looking for Southern or comfort food restaurants in your area
- Trying diners and cafes that specialize in homestyle cooking
Remember, sometimes the most unassuming places serve the most incredible food!
Making the Most of Your Chicken and Dumplings Experience
Whether you’re ordering from McAlister’s, another chain, or a local spot, here are some tips to maximize your chicken and dumplings enjoyment:
Perfect Pairings
Chicken and dumplings goes great with:
- A side salad for some freshness
- Cornbread or biscuits for extra comfort
- Sweet tea (if you’re going full Southern)
- Mac & cheese if you’re having a serious comfort food day
McAlister’s actually suggests pairing their chicken and dumplings with their Broccoli and Cheddar soup, Ultimate Nachos, or Mac & Cheese if you’re really wanting to indulge.
Reheating Tips
If you order more than you can eat (which is easy to do!), chicken and dumplings reheats surprisingly well:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth
- Stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking together
What to Look for in Quality Chicken and Dumplings
Not all chicken and dumplings are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the great:
- The broth: Should be rich and flavorful, not watery or overly salty
- The chicken: Tender, plentiful, and preferably white meat (like McAlister’s uses)
- The dumplings: Soft but not mushy, with a slight chew
- The ratio: There should be a good balance between chicken, dumplings, and broth
I’ve had some chicken and dumplings where I was basically playing “find the chicken” – not fun! A good restaurant won’t skimp on the main ingredients.
Seasonal Considerations for Chicken and Dumplings
While chicken and dumplings is delicious year-round, there’s something special about enjoying it during certain times:
- Fall and winter: Nothing beats chicken and dumplings on a cold day
- When you’re feeling under the weather: The ultimate comfort food when you’re sick
- Sunday family dinners: A tradition in many households
Some restaurants even offer seasonal variations, adding vegetables like peas and carrots in spring or mushrooms in fall. If you’re a purist like me, though, the classic recipe is perfect just as it is.
Customizing Your Order
Don’t be afraid to ask for customizations when ordering chicken and dumplings:
- Request extra broth if you like it soupier
- Ask for extra dumplings if they’re your favorite part
- See if they can add vegetables if you want to make it more nutritious
At McAlister’s, they’re pretty accommodating with special requests, especially if you have dietary concerns. Just keep in mind that their chicken and dumplings does contain allergens like milk, eggs, and wheat.
The Convenience Factor: Why Takeout Chicken and Dumplings Makes Sense
Making chicken and dumplings from scratch is a labor of love that takes hours. Between simmering the broth, cooking the chicken, and preparing the dumplings, it’s not exactly a quick weeknight meal.
That’s why finding good chicken and dumplings near you is such a game-changer. You get all the comfort with none of the work! Plus, if you order through a service like DoorDash or directly from McAlister’s website, you don’t even have to leave your house.
Final Thoughts on Finding Chicken and Dumplings Near You
When the craving for chicken and dumplings strikes, you’ve got options. McAlister’s Deli offers a reliable, delicious version that’s widely available. Food delivery apps can connect you with local restaurants serving this comfort classic. And don’t forget about those hole-in-the-wall places that might be serving the best chicken and dumplings you’ve never tried!
The next time you find yourself wondering “who has chicken and dumplings near me,” remember that this beloved dish is probably closer than you think. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, seeking comfort on a cold day, or just satisfying a craving, chicken and dumplings delivers every time.
P.S. If you find an amazing spot for chicken and dumplings that I didn’t mention, drop a comment below. We’re all in this comfort food journey together!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
Making dumplings that are tasty, light, yet hold together isnt a given. The Bisquick dumpling version, although light and fluffy, tends to fall apart.
At the other end of the spectrum, my dad remembers his mothers dumplings which were, in his words “as hard as hockey pucks.” Leftovers would be grated the following morning and fried up like potatoes.
The dumplings in this recipe are firm enough to hold together without disintegrating even after multiple reheats of the stew, yet still, manage to be light and fluffy. Below are some tips to achieve the best chicken and dumplings:
- Dont peek! The key is to not peek into the pan while the dumplings are cooking. The dumplings need to gently steam in the simmering stew to result in a light texture.
- Use cake flour: Using cake flour in place of all-purpose flour will also help the dumplings be lighter, as cake flour has less gluten than regular flour.
- Brown the chicken: To coax more flavor into the stew base, we brown the chicken pieces before cooking them in the stew.
- Make a roux: Browning the flour in a roux with rendered chicken fat will give the base more flavor, while thickening the stew.
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What To Serve With Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is basically a meal unto itself. But if youd like something extra on the side, go for a simple green vegetable, like steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, or roasted Brussels sprouts. A simple salad would also be great.
Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
FAQ
What is chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is made with shredded chicken and pillowy dumplings in a thick and creamy broth. It’s a warming soup perfect, for a cold rainy evening. And it’s a staple in southern cooking, for good reason. It’s incredibly rich, hearty, and fills your heart and belly with joy.
Where do chicken and dumplings come from?
These dumplings come from four different continents. Chicken and dumplings is a dish from North America, perhaps most often associated with the American South, where it is a comfort food. The dumplings here are a dumpling without filling; instead they are round pieces of dough made with flour, that have a soft, fluffy texture.
Is chicken and dumplings a Southern dish?
If the term “Southern” needs to be added to the name of a dish, then you probably aren’t from the southern region of the United States. But in the case of Chicken and Dumplings an exception is needed.
How many Grubhub restaurants are there for dumplings?
Grubhub has around 500,000 restaurants available on its platform making it easy to get delivery or pickup for Dumplings when you order online. 3) What are the best restaurants near me for Dumplings?
Are dumplings fun to eat?
As fun as the word “dumplings” is to say, they are even more fun to eat. Since its origination in China, this popular food has been made around the world, and each culture makes it their own. Many varieties consist of pieces of dough wrapped around a filling made of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, or cheese.
What kind of chicken wings do you eat?
Plump & juicy bone-in chicken wings breaded and deep fried to a crispy golden brown and tossed in your choice of sauce. Juicy, boneless chicken wings breaded and deep fried to a crispy golden brown and tossed in your choice of sauce. Thick cut rings of onion, battered and deep fried for a golden brown crunch. Hot Wings & More.
Does Dairy Queen have chicken and dumplings?
Chicken & Dumplings season is here at DQ! Don’t worry, we’ll save you a bowl!
What are the two types of chicken and dumplings?
Flat dumplings are dense and chewy, while drop dumplings are light and airy. Preparation: Flat dumplings require rolling out dough and cutting it into shape before cooking, while drop dumplings are made by dropping spoonfuls of dough directly into simmering liquid.
What are the ingredients in Mcalister’s chicken and dumplings?
INGREDIENTS: Chicken and Dumplings (Chicken Stock [Water, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meat in Chicken Broth (White Meat Chicken, Chicken Broth, Rice Starch, Salt), Water, Chicken Fat, Onion Powder], Salt, Sugar, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [Hydrolyzed Soy and Corn Protein, Palm and/or Sunflower Oil (anti-dusting)], Potato …