Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. But what truly elevates this dish to the next level? The dumplings! These Feather Dumplings are soft, fluffy, and practically melt in your mouth, soaking up the savory broth while adding the perfect pillowy texture.
If you’ve ever struggled with dense, heavy dumplings, this recipe is a game-changer. The secret lies in simple ingredients and a few easy techniques to create dumplings that are light as air — living up to their name!
Let’s dive into what makes these feather dumplings so special and how you can easily whip them up at home.
Why This Recipe Works
Fluffy & Light Texture: The combination of baking powder and beaten egg gives these dumplings their signature airy texture.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge!
Quick & Easy: These dumplings come together in minutes and cook right in your simmering broth.
Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the seasonings to match your soup or stew.
Whether you’re adding them to a classic chicken soup or a creamy stew, these dumplings will steal the show!
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg, well beaten
2 tablespoons melted butter
⅔ cup full-fat milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, pepper (if using), and baking powder. Sifting helps keep the flour light and prevents clumps, ensuring your dumplings turn out perfectly fluffy.
Tip: Add a pinch of dried herbs (like thyme or parsley) for extra flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly, then whisk in the melted butter.
Tip: Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the egg to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the egg and butter mixture into the flour mixture. Gradually add the milk, stirring gently until a semi-stiff batter forms. The dough should be thick but still a bit sticky — don’t overmix! Overworking the dough can make your dumplings tough.
Tip: If the batter feels too dry, add a splash more milk. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into your simmering broth or soup. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop for evenly sized dumplings. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and tender.
Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — the trapped steam is what makes the dumplings puff up!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, ladle the soup or stew into bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of those fluffy dumplings. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve hot!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Keep the Broth at a Simmer: Avoid a rolling boil, which can break the dumplings apart. A gentle simmer is ideal.
Use Full-Fat Milk: The richness of whole milk (or even half-and-half) adds extra moisture and tenderness to the dumplings.
Add Flavor to the Dough: Try mixing in garlic powder, onion powder, or finely chopped fresh herbs for extra savory flavor.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Stir just until combined — a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the dumplings dense.
Serving Suggestions
These feather dumplings are a match made in heaven for:
Classic Chicken and Dumplings: Tender shredded chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth.
Beef or Pork Stews: Let the dumplings soak up all those hearty, meaty flavors.
Vegetable Soup: A great way to make a veggie-based soup more filling and satisfying.
Creamy Turkey Soup: Perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey!
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover soup and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the dumplings, as they may become soggy.
Freezing: Dumplings can get a bit soft when frozen and thawed, but if you don’t mind the texture change, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Feather Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food. They’re ridiculously easy to make, turn out light and fluffy every time, and add that perfect homemade touch to any soup or stew. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become your go-to.
Trust me — once you’ve tasted these dumplings, you’ll never want to make store-bought or canned ones again!
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