Fluffy Feather Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

These feather dumplings dance through classic chicken stew like delicate clouds, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Soft and light, they practically float above a rich, savory broth waiting to embrace you.

My grandma’s secret involved whisking flour with a gentle touch, creating pillowy morsels that melt instantly.

Hungarian kitchens perfected this technique generations ago, turning simple ingredients into something magical.

Precise mixing creates a tender texture many home cooks dream about achieving.

Each dumpling carries memories of warm kitchens and loving hands preparing meals with care.

This recipe unlocks the magic of creating perfectly ethereal dumplings that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Why Feather Dumplings Are a Comfort

• Classic homestyle dish that wraps everyone in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for cozy dinners together.
• Simple one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and cooking skills, delivering delicious results in under 90 minutes without complicated steps.
• Transforms basic pantry ingredients like chicken, flour, and vegetables into a hearty, satisfying meal that feeds multiple people economically without sacrificing taste.
• Adaptable recipe that works for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or comforting meals during chilly weather, appealing to both kids and adults with its gentle, familiar taste profile.

What You Need to Make Feather Dumplings from Scratch

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful base for the hearty dish, preferably bone-in pieces for richer broth.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Classic vegetable trio for building deep flavor and aromatic base.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herbal undertone that enhances overall broth complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating the dish's natural flavors.

• Flour: Foundational ingredient for creating light and fluffy dumpling texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides lifting and airiness to the dumpling structure.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender, flaky dumpling texture, best when softened.
• Milk: Binds the dumpling ingredients and contributes to smooth, soft consistency.

• Fresh Herbs: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and additional layer of flavor.

How to Cook Feather Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Chicken Broth

• Chicken pieces
• Broth
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Bay leaf

Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 45-60 minutes until chicken becomes wonderfully tender. Pull chicken from broth, shred into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Keep broth simmering and ready.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slice cold butter into flour mixture and work until it looks like coarse sandy crumbs. Pour milk slowly, stirring gently until soft dough forms. Handle with care to keep dumplings light and airy.

Step 3: Float Dumplings in Liquid Gold

Scoop dumpling dough using a spoon and delicately drop into simmering broth. Space dumplings so they have room to expand. Cover pot and let dumplings steam and puff for 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Comforting Chicken Feast

Slide shredded chicken back into pot, folding gently among pillowy dumplings. Taste and sprinkle additional seasoning if needed. Scatter fresh chopped herbs on top. Serve piping hot and watch everyone swoon!

Tips for Light and Airy Feather Dumplings

• Butter Temperature Trick: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect dumpling texture, creating light and fluffy dough that melts in your mouth.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Mix dumpling dough minimally to avoid tough dumplings, using a light hand to keep the texture delicate and tender.
• Spacing Matters: Drop dumpling dough with enough space between each piece, preventing them from sticking together and allowing proper cooking and expansion.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of flavor and added freshness that complements the rich chicken broth.
• Low and Slow Simmering: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking dumplings to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming dense or undercooked.

How to Keep Feather Dumplings Soft for Leftovers

• Transfer leftover chicken and dumplings to an airtight container, ensuring they cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled chicken and dumplings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat until thoroughly warmed and reaches 165°F.
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each 30-45 second burst. Add a bit of broth to maintain moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming tough.

Delicious Pairings with Feather Dumplings

• The sugary, refreshing beverage perfectly complements the hearty, comforting chicken and dumplings, balancing the rich, savory flavors with its sweet, crisp profile.
• Crusty, warm garlic bread provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft dumplings and helps soak up the delicious, flavorful broth.
• A light, fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, adding brightness and helping to refresh the palate between bites.
• Tangy, zesty pickled vegetables offer a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy, mild chicken and dumplings, creating a balanced and exciting flavor experience.

Ways to Mix Up Feather Dumplings ins

• Gluten-Free Feather Dumplings: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using rice or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil, and use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk to create a lactose-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Dumplings: Substitute traditional flour with riced cauliflower and almond flour, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Dumplings: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley directly into the dumpling dough for an enhanced aromatic experience and added depth of flavor.

Feather Dumplings For Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

German-inspired feather dumplings elevate classic chicken and dumplings with light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. Home cooks will adore this comforting dish that brings warmth and tradition to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons (20 grams) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, well beaten
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Craft a savory broth by nestling chicken pieces, aromatic vegetables, and bay leaf into a spacious pot, generously seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then transition to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately 45-60 minutes.
3. Extract the chicken from the fragrant liquid, carefully shredding or chopping into delectable morsels while maintaining the broth’s warmth.
4. Prepare the dumpling foundation by whisking together flour, leavening agent, and a pinch of salt in a mixing vessel.
5. Incorporate softened butter into the dry ingredients, working methodically until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
6. Introduce milk gradually, blending with a light touch to form a cohesive yet tender dough, taking care to avoid overmixing.
7. Delicately ladle spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, ensuring ample spacing between each pillowy morsel.
8. Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the dumplings to transform and puff for 10-12 minutes until they reach culinary perfection.
9. Reunite the shredded chicken with its aromatic companions, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the pot.
10. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
11. Present the feather-light creation adorned with freshly chopped herbs, serving immediately to capture the essence of comfort cuisine.

Notes

• Choose chicken with bones for a richer, more flavorful broth that adds depth to the entire dish.
• Keep dumpling dough cold and handle minimally to maintain their light, feathery texture and prevent becoming dense or tough.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor profile and add fresh complexity.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg