Who Sells Chicken and Dumplings? A Guide to Finding This Comfort Food Favorite

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that has been popular for generations. This hearty meal featuring tender chicken and soft pillowy dumplings in a rich broth is the perfect cold weather food. But with so many restaurants, grocery stores and family recipes, who actually sells authentic chicken and dumplings? This guide will point you to some of the best places to get this satisfying dish.

Traditional Southern Restaurants

Chicken and dumplings originated in the American South, so it’s no surprise that many of the best versions come from traditional Southern restaurants. These establishments often use recipes passed down for generations to create chicken and dumplings just like grandma used to make.

Some popular Southern restaurant chains known for excellent chicken and dumplings include

• Cracker Barrel – Cracker Barrel’s homestyle cooking has made it a favorite for classic Southern dishes like chicken and dumplings. Their version features hearty dumplings simmered in chicken broth with chicken, carrots, celery, and seasonings.

• Bojangles’ – This fast food chain’s chicken and dumplings has a cult following in the South. It features Bojangles’ signature fried chicken combined with fluffy rolled dumplings in a peppery broth.

• Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles – Roscoe’s is a California-based soul food chain with Southern roots. Their chicken and dumplings is served with a biscuit and hot sauce for a unique twist.

• Mrs. Winners and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) – These Southern fast food chains are known for their signature fried chicken. Both offer chicken and dumplings on their menus using pieces of fried chicken.

In addition to chains, many local Southern restaurants and diners also serve up excellent chicken and dumplings. Check reviews to find the best in your area.

Family Restaurants

Chicken and dumplings is a homestyle dish, so family restaurants often prepare good versions. National chains like Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel are popular picks, but local independent family restaurants can also be great choices.

The family restaurant chicken and dumpling experience often features:

• Made from scratch dumplings – Hand rolled or dropped dough dumplings add homemade flavor.

• Hearty portions – Family restaurants serve chicken and dumplings in bowl-sized portions to satisfy big appetites.

• Rotating specials – Chicken and dumplings may be a rotating weekday or Sunday special rather than a permanent menu item.

• Comfort food sides – Enjoy chicken and dumplings with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and biscuits.

Grocery Stores

For home cooks looking to make their own chicken and dumplings, grocery stores are the place to go. Grocery store chicken and dumplings can offer:

• Prepared hot food bars – Many grocery stores have prepared food bars or deli counters selling rotisserie chicken with ready-made dumplings and broth by the pound.

• Frozen meals – Frozen chicken and dumpling meals offer the convenience of being able to quickly heat and eat this dish at home. Look for brands like Stouffer’s and Marie Callender’s.

• Mixes – Companies like McCormick sell boxed chicken and dumpling mixes featuring just-add-water dumplings to simplify homemade chicken and dumplings.

• A la carte ingredients – Grocery stores sell everything needed to make chicken and dumplings from scratch, like raw chicken, flour, broth, and vegetables.

Specialty Eateries

In addition to traditional restaurants and grocery stores, some specialty eateries also offer their own unique takes on chicken and dumplings.

• Meat and three restaurants – “Meat and three” spots are restaurants where you pick one meat entrée and three veggie sides. Chicken and dumplings often appears as the meat option.

• Food trucks – Keep an eye out for chicken and dumpling food trucks putting a portable spin on this dish.

• Farm-to-table restaurants – Upscale farm-to-table restaurants may elevate chicken and dumplings using fresh, local ingredients and unique twists.

• Soup restaurants – Some restaurants specializing in soups feature chicken and dumpling soup along with their other brothy offerings.

• Amish restaurants – Restaurants featuring Amish cooking prepare chicken and dumplings the old-fashioned way.

Tips for Finding the Best Chicken and Dumplings

When searching for the tastiest chicken and dumplings, keep these tips in mind:

• Check restaurant reviews – Online reviews can reveal spots revered specifically for their chicken and dumplings.

• Go local – Locally owned, non-chain restaurants tend to make chicken and dumplings from scratch rather than using pre-made mixes.

• Ask about prep methods – Calling ahead to ask how the chicken and dumplings are prepared can provide insight into their flavor and quality.

• Consider seasonality – Chicken and dumplings is best in colder months. Summer versions may not have as robust broth and tender dumplings.

• Watch out for shortcuts – Precooked chicken, pre-made dough, and canned broth shortcuts can compromise flavor.

• Look for thick broth – The best chicken and dumpling broth should coat the back of a spoon rather than being thin and watery.

Satisfy Your Chicken and Dumplings Craving

From comforting restaurant plates to DIY grocery store offerings, chicken and dumplings can be found just about everywhere. With this guide to the top places to get chicken and dumplings and tips for identifying quality, you can now satisfy your craving for this hearty Southern staple. So grab your fork and go enjoy a warm, soothing bowl of old fashioned goodness.