What Sandwich Goes With Chicken and Dumplings? 7 Perfect Pairings

Have you ever found yourself slurping a delicious bowl of chicken and dumplings and thinking, “this needs something more”? I totally get it! As a comfort food enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of meal pairings, and lemme tell ya – finding the right sandwich to complement your chicken and dumplings can take your meal from great to absolutely mind-blowing.

Chicken and dumplings brings that creamy hearty goodness to the table but adding a sandwich creates texture contrast and flavor balance that makes your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into some amazing sandwich options that’ll make your chicken and dumplings experience complete!

Why Pairing Matters: The Science of Complementary Flavors

Before we jump into specific sandwiches it’s worth understanding why some pairings work better than others. Chicken and dumplings is

• Rich and creamy
• Warm and comforting
• Relatively mild in flavor
• Soft in texture

The ideal sandwich companion should offer

• Contrasting texture (some crunch!)
• Complementary flavors (not competing)
• Acidic or tangy elements to cut through richness
• Enough substance without being too heavy

With these principles in mind, let’s explore the perfect sandwich matches!

1. Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Sandwich: The Ultimate Match

The clear winner for many food experts is the dill pickle chicken salad sandwich. Here’s why it works so brilliantly:

The dill pickles provide the necessary acidity and crunch that cuts through the creamy richness of chicken and dumplings. Combined with chicken salad (made with mayo, celery, and onion), you get a familiar yet lighter echo of the flavors in your main dish.

How to make it perfect:

• Use slightly toasted sourdough or a baguette for extra texture
• Make the chicken salad ahead of time (up to 3 days) to let flavors meld
• Don’t skimp on the pickles – they’re the secret weapon!

2. Grilled Cheese on Sourdough: Simple Yet Effective

Sometimes simplicity wins! A grilled cheese on sourdough (exactly what was mentioned in the Facebook post) works wonderfully with chicken and dumplings. The crispy, buttery exterior and melty cheese interior create a perfect textural contrast.

Why it works:

• The tanginess of sourdough bread cuts through the richness
• The crispy texture contrasts with the soft dumplings
• Cheese adds a different kind of richness that doesn’t compete
• It’s easy to make while your soup simmers!

3. Classic Cucumber Sandwich: Light and Refreshing

If you want something lighter, a cucumber sandwich on white bread with cream cheese, salt, and pepper offers a cool, refreshing counterpoint to warm chicken and dumplings.

What makes it special:

• The coolness of cucumber provides temperature contrast
• Mild cream cheese complements without overwhelming
• The simplicity keeps it from competing with the main dish
• It’s super easy to prepare ahead of time

4. Grilled Ham and Swiss with Dijon: Savory and Tangy

For those who prefer something with a bit more substance, a grilled ham and Swiss sandwich with Dijon mustard hits all the right notes.

Key elements:

• The saltiness of ham enhances the chicken flavors
• Nutty Swiss cheese adds complexity
• Dijon mustard brings tang to cut through richness
• Grilling adds warmth and slight char

5. Turkey and Cranberry on Wheat: Sweet-Tart Balance

For a slightly sweeter option that still provides contrast, try a turkey and cranberry sandwich on wheat bread.

What makes it work:

• Cranberry sauce provides tartness similar to pickles
• Turkey is light enough not to overwhelm
• Wheat bread adds nutty notes and fiber
• The sweet-tart profile cleanses the palate between bites

6. Vegetarian Option: Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Pesto

Don’t eat meat? No problem! A grilled vegetable sandwich with pesto and balsamic glaze offers similar contrasting elements.

Best vegetables to include:

• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Eggplant
• Portobello mushrooms

The pesto adds herbaceous notes while the balsamic brings acidity – perfect for cutting through the richness of chicken and dumplings!

7. Tangy Slaw Sandwich: For Pickle Haters

If you don’t like pickles but still want that crucial tangy element, try a sandwich with vinegar-based coleslaw.

How to make it shine:

• Use a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw
• Keep the dressing vinegar-forward
• Serve on a hearty bread that can stand up to moisture
• Add a thin layer of mayo to prevent sogginess

Practical Tips for the Perfect Pairing

Timing Is Everything

I’ve found that serving a cold sandwich alongside hot chicken and dumplings creates the most pleasant contrast. The exception is the grilled cheese or ham and Swiss, which should be served warm but still crispy.

Bread Selection Matters

Different sandwiches call for different breads:

• Chicken salad: Sourdough or baguette
• Cucumber: Soft white bread
• Ham and Swiss: Rye or pumpernickel
• Turkey cranberry: Wheat or multigrain

Don’t Forget Your Drink!

Complete your meal with the right beverage:

• Iced tea
• Lemonade
• Crisp white wine
• Sparkling water with lemon

These drinks have enough acidity to help cut through the richness of both the chicken and dumplings and your sandwich.

Common Questions About Sandwich Pairings

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the chicken salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for making chicken salad. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which saves time and adds flavor.

Should I toast the bread for my sandwich?

Toasting is recommended for most options (especially the chicken salad) as it adds texture and prevents sogginess. The cucumber sandwich is the exception – soft, untoasted bread works better there.

Isn’t a sandwich too much food with chicken and dumplings?

It can be! Consider serving half portions of both, or make mini sandwiches as a side. Remember, it’s about complementary flavors, not stuffing yourself silly (though no judgment if you do!).

Can I add cheese to the chicken salad sandwich?

Yes! A mild cheese like provolone or Swiss can add another layer of flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Finding the perfect sandwich to pair with chicken and dumplings is about balance – contrasting textures, complementary flavors, and just the right amount of acidity to cut through richness.

My personal favorite remains the dill pickle chicken salad on toasted sourdough, but I’ve been known to enjoy a simple grilled cheese alongside my chicken and dumplings on busy weeknights.

What’s your go-to sandwich pairing? I’d love to hear about your favorite combinations! Remember, food is personal, and the best pairing is ultimately the one that makes YOUR taste buds happiest.

So next time you’re simmering a pot of chicken and dumplings, consider whipping up one of these sandwich options to take your comfort food experience to the next level. Your taste buds will thank you!