Have you ever had a craving for some warm hearty chicken and dumplings but didn’t know where to look? I’ve been there too! As someone who absolutely loves this classic comfort food, I’ve done the research to help you find the best places to buy chicken and dumplings whether you’re looking for a quick meal at a restaurant, a ready-to-heat option from the grocery store, or something in between.
Restaurant Options for Chicken and Dumplings
When you’re in the mood to dine out or grab some takeout, several restaurants offer delicious chicken and dumplings.
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is one of the most popular spots for chicken and dumplings. Their version features
- Large, southern-style dumplings
- White meat chicken
- Savory roasted chicken broth
- Available in cup (170 calories) or bowl (250 calories) sizes
Their chicken and dumplings is perfect for those looking for an authentic southern taste without having to cook it themselves. What I really like about McAlister’s is that you can include their chicken and dumplings as part of their “Choose Two” option, which lets you pair a smaller portion with another menu item like a half sandwich or salad.
Grocery Store Options
If you prefer to enjoy chicken and dumplings at home without the hassle of making it from scratch, grocery stores offer several convenient options.
Walmart’s Selection
Walmart carries an impressive variety of chicken and dumpling soups with options to fit every budget and preference
- Campbell’s Chunky Soup Creamy Chicken and Dumplings ($2.48 for 18.8 oz can) – One of the most popular choices with 4.4/5 stars from 945 reviews
- Great Value Chicken & Dumpling Soup ($1.52 for 18.8 oz) – Walmart’s budget-friendly option with 4/5 stars
- Marketside Chicken & Dumplings Soup ($4.87 for 16 oz cup) – A fresh deli option
- Sweet Sue Chicken & Dumplings ($3.16 for 24 oz) – Contains 14g of protein per serving
- Progresso Traditional Chicken and Herb Dumplings ($1.98 for 18.5 oz)
- Dinty Moore Chicken and Dumplings ($3.38 for 20 oz)
- Swanson Canned Chicken and Dumplings ($1.95 for 10.5 oz)
Walmart also carries multi-packs of these soups, which can save you money if you’re a regular chicken and dumplings eater like me!
Comparing the Options
Let’s break down some of the key differences between these chicken and dumpling options to help you choose the best one for your taste preferences and needs.
Price Comparison
| Brand | Size | Price | Price per oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value | 18.8 oz | $1.52 | 8.1¢/oz |
| Progresso | 18.5 oz | $1.98 | 10.7¢/oz |
| Campbell’s Chunky | 18.8 oz | $2.48 | 13.2¢/oz |
| Sweet Sue | 24 oz | $3.16 | 13.2¢/oz |
| Dinty Moore | 20 oz | $3.38 | 16.9¢/oz |
| Marketside | 16 oz | $4.87 | 30.4¢/oz |
As you can see, Great Value offers the best value in terms of price per ounce, while Marketside (being a fresh deli option) comes at a premium price.
Style Variations
Not all chicken and dumplings are created equal! Here are some of the different styles you’ll find:
- Traditional Southern Style: Typically features larger, softer dumplings in a thicker broth (McAlister’s, Sweet Sue)
- Soup Style: More broth-based with smaller dumplings (Campbell’s, Progresso)
- Creamy Style: Features a thicker, creamier base (Campbell’s Chunky Creamy)
- Herb-Infused: Contains additional herbs for flavor (Progresso Chicken and Herb Dumplings)
What to Look For When Buying Chicken and Dumplings
When I’m shopping for chicken and dumplings, I consider several factors:
Quality Indicators
- Chicken type: White meat tends to be leaner but may be drier; dark meat offers more flavor
- Dumpling texture: Some prefer fluffy dumplings, others like a more dense, chewy texture
- Broth consistency: Thicker, creamier broths are more filling, while thinner broths feel lighter
- Seasoning: Some versions are more heavily seasoned than others
Nutritional Considerations
If you’re watching your nutrition intake, here are some things to keep in mind:
- McAlister’s cup of chicken and dumplings contains 170 calories, 5g fat, 920mg sodium, 21g carbs, and 11g protein
- Many canned options contain high sodium levels (often 800-1000mg per serving)
- “Light” versions, like Progresso Light, typically have fewer calories and less fat
- Some options, like the Sweet Sue variety, emphasize protein content (14g per serving)
Making Your Own Chicken and Dumplings
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in stores or restaurants, consider making your own! While not as convenient as store-bought, homemade chicken and dumplings lets you control the ingredients and customize to your tastes.
For a super quick semi-homemade version, try:
- Using rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
- Adding it to store-bought chicken broth
- Making easy drop dumplings with biscuit mix
- Seasoning to taste with herbs and spices
This approach gives you that homemade taste with much less effort than starting completely from scratch.
Beyond Basic Chicken and Dumplings
Some interesting variations on traditional chicken and dumplings include:
- Progresso Hearty Chicken Pot Pie Style with Dumplings – Combines the flavors of chicken pot pie with dumplings
- Wow Bao Chicken Soup Dumpling – An Asian-inspired take on the concept with soup inside dumplings
- Maggie and Mary’s Soup Mixes Chicken Dumpling – A mix that lets you prepare fresh at home
Where to Find Specialty Chicken and Dumplings
If you’re looking for something beyond the standard options, check out:
- Specialty food stores that may carry regional or gourmet versions
- Farmers markets where local vendors might sell homemade versions
- Online retailers that ship frozen or shelf-stable specialty foods
- Local southern or comfort food restaurants that might not be chain establishments
My Personal Recommendations
After trying many different options, here’s what I recommend:
- For convenience: Campbell’s Chunky Creamy Chicken and Dumplings offers good flavor in an easy heat-and-eat format
- For budget-conscious shoppers: Great Value Chicken & Dumpling Soup gives you the most bang for your buck
- For restaurant quality: McAlister’s Deli makes a delicious version that tastes homemade
- For closest to homemade: Marketside fresh deli soup from Walmart
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the convenience of canned soup, the freshness of deli options, or the experience of dining out, there’s a chicken and dumplings option out there for you. The best part about this comfort food classic is its versatility – it works as a quick lunch, hearty dinner, or even as a remedy when you’re feeling under the weather.
So next time you’re wondering “who sells chicken and dumplings?”, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. From McAlister’s Deli to the soup aisle at Walmart, this beloved dish is more accessible than you might think!
What’s your favorite place to get chicken and dumplings? I’m always on the lookout for new recommendations to satisfy my comfort food cravings!
Note: Prices and availability may vary by location. The information in this article was current as of September 2025.
What are Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken and Dumplings start with a savory chicken soup with vegetables in a creamy broth.
- The soup is topped with uncooked dumplings that are then steamed on top.
- It’s a popular comfort food in the Southern US, and can vary in terms of how thick the soup is and what kind of dumplings are used.
What Kinds of Dumplings Are There
There are typically 3 different types that are used for Chicken and Dumplings:
- Drop- (What we use in this recipe.) These are dumplings where we simply scoop the dough up right from the bowl and drop them into the soup for steaming.
- Rolled- The dough for these are rolled out, cut into shapes, and cooked in the broth.
- Biscuit- Biscuit dough is cut into smaller pieces and added to the soup to cook. They can be homemade biscuits or refrigerated.
Guy Fieri Eats Old-School Chicken and Dumplings | Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives | Food Network
FAQ
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 chicken and dumplings called?
Chicken and dumplings. Alternative names. Chicken and pastry, chicken and sliders, chicken and slicks.
Do stouffers make chicken and dumplings?
Stouffers Chicken & Dumplings contain tender flat dumplings and hearty pieces of cooked chicken meat together in a lightly seasoned creamy sauce. Homemade in appearance. Warm and welcoming with every bite. Versatile dish that holds well on a steam table and is perfect for a buffet or deli take-out.