When you’re serving up a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings, finding the right sandwich companion can elevate your meal from good to exceptional The key is balance – you need something that complements the rich, creamy texture of chicken and dumplings without overwhelming it
The Best Sandwich Choice: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwich
According to Chef’s Resource the dill pickle chicken salad sandwich reigns supreme as the ideal pairing with chicken and dumplings. Here’s why this combination works so wonderfully
- The tang and crunch of dill pickles cuts through the richness of chicken and dumplings
- The chicken salad offers a similar flavor profile but in a lighter, cooler form
- Served on a slightly toasted baguette or sourdough roll, it provides pleasant textural contrast
- The complementary flavors and contrasting textures create a balanced dining experience
How to Make the Perfect Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Mix shredded chicken with mayonnaise, diced celery, and onion
- Add chopped dill pickles for that essential tanginess
- Serve on a lightly toasted baguette or sourdough roll
- Optional: add a mild cheese like provolone or Swiss for another layer of flavor
Other Excellent Sandwich Options
If dill pickle chicken salad isn’t your thing, these alternatives also work well:
1. The Classic Cucumber Sandwich
- Simple cucumber slices on white bread with cream cheese
- The coolness of cucumber provides welcome contrast to warm chicken and dumplings
- Light and refreshing without overwhelming the main dish
2. Grilled Ham and Swiss with Dijon Mustard
- The saltiness of ham pairs well with the creamy soup
- Nutty Swiss cheese adds depth
- Tangy Dijon mustard cuts through richness
- Best served on rye bread for additional flavor
3. Turkey and Cranberry on Wheat
- A slightly sweeter option with seasonal appeal
- Tartness of cranberry sauce functions similar to pickles in cutting richness
- Works especially well during holiday seasons
Why These Pairings Work
The reason these sandwiches work so well with chicken and dumplings comes down to food science and flavor balancing:
“The success of these pairings lies in complementary flavors and contrasting textures. The sandwiches provide the essential tang that cuts through the richness, preventing palate fatigue.” – Chef’s Resource
What NOT to Serve
It’s equally important to know what sandwiches to avoid. Heavy options like a Philly cheesesteak would be overwhelming when paired with chicken and dumplings. Both dishes are rich and filling, and combining them would result in palate overload.
FAQs About Pairing Sandwiches with Chicken and Dumplings
Can I use different types of pickles in the chicken salad?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are classic, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles for different flavor profiles.
What bread works best for these sandwiches?
- Dill pickle chicken salad: Slightly crusty baguette or sourdough roll
- Cucumber sandwich: Soft white bread
- Ham and Swiss: Rye bread
- Turkey and cranberry: Wheat bread
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! Making chicken salad 1-2 days ahead is highly recommended as it allows flavors to meld together.
Is there a vegetarian sandwich option?
A grilled vegetable sandwich with pesto and balsamic glaze provides similar tang and contrasting textures. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant work well.
What if I don’t like pickles?
Try a sandwich with tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to provide the necessary acidity.
Beyond Sandwiches: Other Great Side Dishes
While we’re focusing on sandwiches, it’s worth noting that there are many other excellent sides that complement chicken and dumplings:
Vegetable Sides
- Homemade green bean casserole
- Southern-style collard greens
- Fried cabbage with bacon
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic
- Apple cabbage slaw
Bread Options
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Southern cornbread
- Savory herb monkey bread rolls
- Buttery garlic bread chips
Fresh Salads
- Apple walnut cranberry salad
- Broccoli salad with dried cranberries
- Green peas salad
- Shaved Brussels sprouts salad
Sweet Options
- Southern fried apples (make a perfect dessert finale)
Creating the Perfect Meal
When I’m planning a meal around chicken and dumplings, I always think about balance. The main dish is warm, rich, and comforting, so I want sides that offer contrast in temperature, texture, and flavor profile.
A typical perfect meal might include:
- Chicken and dumplings as the star
- Dill pickle chicken salad sandwiches cut into quarters
- A light, acidic salad like the cucumber or lemon arugula
- Southern fried apples for dessert
Final Thoughts
The dill pickle chicken salad sandwich truly stands out as the perfect companion to chicken and dumplings. Its tangy profile and contrasting texture creates that perfect harmony that elevates both dishes. However, the beauty of food is in experimentation – don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find what works best for your palate!
Remember, the key is finding a sandwich that doesn’t compete with your chicken and dumplings but enhances the dining experience. The ideal sandwich should provide contrast in texture and complement with acidity or brightness.
What’s your favorite sandwich to pair with chicken and dumplings? I’d love to hear about your personal combinations in the comments below!
What To Serve With Chicken and Dumplings – Best Side Dishes
I thrive on easy recipes and streamline every moment of time I have, which means cutting corners in the kitchen. While I appreciate made-from-scratch recipes, that is definitely not my theme (my only exception: dinner rolls).
There is an obvious corner to cut when it comes to making chicken and dumplings (refrigerated biscuits!) and it is a no-brainer for me to go this route. Which means this perfect comfort food gets on the table quickly and easily.
While the main dish is cooking, you might find yourself dreaming up possibilities for a tasty side dish. If you need a little boost to get your wheels turning, then peruse this list of ideas about what to serve with chicken and dumplings.
Make sure you’re serving a whole, delicious and complete meal to your loved ones!
- Cornbread or cornbread muffins are always a good option to serve with this classic comfort food.
- Dinner rolls or bread sticks.
- Garlic bread.
- Vegetables such as fresh green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, coleslaw or asparagus.
- Fresh green salad or chopped salad.
- Casseroles such as tater tot hotdish or green bean casserole.
- Baked or fried apples add a yummy sweet taste to this meal.
- Baked sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole.
- Sauteed spinach or collard greens.
- Vegetable salad such as broccoli salad or rice and veggies.
- Fried cabbage or cabbage steaks.
- Roasted veggies such as carrots, onions and potatoes.
- See more options along with recipes below!
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Instant Pot Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is super easy to make and it is a classic side dish for any meal (including Thanksgiving!). Great when reheated later, too!
Sauteed mushrooms stuffed with Brie cheese and topped with a green onion and garlic mixture turn into cute and perfect little bites. Great for party tables of any variety! They’ll go fast, so consider making a double batch!
Asparagus is a super simple veggie to prepare. Make this delicious side dish to go along with any meal. You’ll enjoy every bite of this sauteed asparagus!