12 Chicken And Dumplings Dishes From North Carolina That Could Rival Grandma’s
North Carolina knows its way around a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, blending rich flavors and tender textures that warm the soul.
Some recipes stick to the classics, while others add creative twists that make each bite unforgettable.
From family kitchens to local favorites, these dishes capture the heart of Southern comfort food.
Each spoonful is a taste of tradition, showing that North Carolina cooks can rival even grandma’s most cherished recipe.
1. The Original Carolina Barbecue’s Secret Family Recipe
Folks drive for miles to taste this Garner institution’s fluffy dumplings. Their recipe dates back three generations, with dumplings that practically float on the velvety chicken broth.
What makes them special? A pinch of fresh herbs from the owner’s garden and slow-simmered chicken that falls off the bone.
The restaurant might be famous for barbecue, but locals know the chicken and dumplings are the real hidden gem on Mondays.
2. Wayside Family Restaurant’s Down-Home Delight
Stepping into Wayside in Concord feels like entering your favorite aunt’s kitchen. Their chicken and dumplings recipe hasn’t changed since 1972, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
The dumplings are rolled thick and cut into generous squares that soak up the savory broth.
Each bowl comes with a side of their famous sweet pickles, a tradition started by the original owner who believed the tangy crunch perfectly complemented the creamy dish.
3. Mountain Magic at Granny’s Kitchen
Nestled in Cherokee, Granny’s Kitchen serves mountain-style dumplings that’ll transport you to simpler times. Unlike flat southern dumplings, these are drop-style puffs that crown the stew like fluffy clouds.
The broth contains a secret blend of herbs gathered from the surrounding mountains, giving it a distinctive earthy flavor.
Owner Mabel learned the recipe from her Cherokee grandmother, who insisted on adding a splash of cream at the end – a tradition Mabel honors with every batch.
4. Boss Hog’s Surprising Dumpling Twist
You’d never expect a place called Boss Hog’s to serve delicate dumplings, but this Washington eatery breaks the mold.
Their chicken and dumplings come with a hint of black pepper that cuts through the richness perfectly.
The chicken is smoked before being added to the pot – a barbecue joint influence that infuses the entire dish with subtle smoky notes.
Locals swear by adding a dash of their house-made hot sauce for an extra kick that grandma might raise an eyebrow at.
5. King Chicken Drive-In’s Time-Honored Recipe
Since 1958, this Washington landmark has been serving chicken and dumplings from a recipe that hasn’t changed one bit. The dumplings are rolled paper-thin, creating delicate layers that melt in your mouth.
Served curbside in their signature red baskets, it’s comfort food with a side of nostalgia. The broth achieves its remarkable richness from simmering all day with a whole chicken, carrots, and celery.
Regular customers claim they can set their watches by when the daily batch is ready – precisely 11:30 AM.
6. White Swan’s Silky Smooth Creation
Between Smithfield and Wilson’s Mills, White Swan Bar-B-Q has perfected a velvety dumpling that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and tender.
Their chicken and dumplings feature hand-torn pieces of rotisserie chicken instead of the usual boiled variety.
The real showstopper is their broth, which gets a boost from roasted garlic and a splash of white wine.
Third-generation owner Jimmy swears the cast-iron pot they’ve used since opening in 1944 is responsible for the dish’s distinctive flavor profile that keeps customers coming back weekly.
7. McCall’s Coastal-Influenced Dumplings
McCall’s BBQ & Seafood in Goldsboro brings a unique coastal twist to their chicken and dumplings.
The dumplings contain a hint of cornmeal, giving them a subtle texture that stands up beautifully to their hearty broth.
What’s truly special is their addition of a few fresh herbs typically reserved for seafood dishes.
The result is an unexpectedly bright flavor that cuts through the richness. Served only on Wednesdays, locals line up before doors open to ensure they don’t miss out on this weekly tradition.
8. Moose Café’s Farm-to-Table Comfort
Asheville’s Moose Café takes farm-fresh seriously with their chicken and dumplings. They source ingredients from nearby farms, including heritage-breed chickens that bring incredible flavor to the broth.
The dumplings incorporate buttermilk from a local dairy, creating a tangy undertone that balances the richness perfectly. Each bowl comes topped with fresh-snipped chives from their kitchen garden.
During fall harvest, they occasionally add diced sweet potato to the broth – a mountain tradition that adds beautiful color and subtle sweetness.
9. Cagney’s Kitchen’s Buttery Masterpiece
With multiple locations across North Carolina, Cagney’s Kitchen has perfected a dumpling recipe that’s all about the butter.
Their dumplings contain twice the butter of most recipes, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike any other.
The chicken is poached with whole peppercorns and bay leaves, infusing the meat with subtle aromatics.
A loyal customer once tried counting the dumplings in each serving – they stopped at thirty-two! Regulars know to ask for extra broth on the side, perfect for sopping up with their famous yeast rolls.
10. Tryon House Restaurant’s Old Charlotte Classic
Charlotte’s historic Tryon House has been serving the same chicken and dumplings recipe since 1933.
Their dumplings are distinctive – sliced into thin ribbons rather than squares or drops, creating a unique texture that soaks up the savory broth.
The chef adds a splash of heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg just before serving, a technique handed down through four generations of the founding family.
Served in vintage bowls that have been with the restaurant for decades, it’s a taste of Charlotte history that remains unchanged while the city transforms around it.
11. The Roasting Company’s Spice-Infused Surprise
This Charlotte eatery in the Montford neighborhood brings unexpected Latin influences to their chicken and dumplings.
The broth contains a hint of cumin and oregano, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Their chicken is marinated overnight before being slowly simmered, infusing deep flavor throughout. The dumplings themselves contain finely minced cilantro folded into the dough.
It’s a cross-cultural comfort food that represents Charlotte’s evolving culinary landscape while honoring traditional Southern cooking techniques.
12. Dish’s Modern Take on Grandmother’s Recipe
Charlotte’s Dish restaurant proves that sometimes new techniques can elevate traditional favorites.
Their chicken and dumplings feature dough infused with roasted garlic and fresh thyme, creating aromatic puffs that complement the classic broth.
The chicken is brined for 24 hours before cooking, ensuring incredibly tender meat throughout. What truly sets them apart is their finishing touch – a drizzle of brown butter over each serving that adds nutty depth.
It’s grandma’s recipe reimagined with chef-inspired techniques that somehow make it even more comforting.