Feather dumplings are light, fluffy dumplings that are perfect for a comforting chicken and dumplings dish. They’re quick and easy to make and complement the rich, savory broth of the chicken. Here’s a simple recipe for making feather dumplings that you can add to your chicken and dumplings soup:
Feather Dumplings Recipe for Chicken & Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional for flavor)
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
- 1 egg (optional, for richer dumplings)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Make sure everything is evenly combined.
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Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small chunks of butter to remain in the mixture for light, fluffy dumplings.
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Add Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg (if using).
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick but sticky.
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Add Dumplings to Soup:
- Once your chicken and broth are simmering in a large pot, use a spoon to drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. You can shape them gently with the spoon into slightly rounded mounds.
- Make sure the broth is at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
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Cook the Dumplings:
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. You should hear a soft bubbling sound, which means they’re cooking.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings by inserting a toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean, the dumplings are done.
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Serve:
- Once the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings with the chicken and broth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Feather Dumplings:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the dumplings dense. Stir until just combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Boiling the dumplings too aggressively can make them tough. A gentle simmer is key to getting light, feather-like dumplings.
- Flavor Variations: For more flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage) to the dumpling dough.
Feather dumplings are the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this meal! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additions to the recipe!