The Fluffiest Feather Dumplings: Cloud-Like Recipe for Chicken Stew

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with these delectable feather dumplings that melt in chicken and dumplings recipe with incredible softness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish that warms the soul.

Tender chicken swimming in rich, creamy broth meets pillowy dough clouds that practically float off the spoon.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory flavors and luxurious textures.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

These dumplings are so light they could almost drift away, yet packed with enough flavor to satisfy the deepest hunger.

Prepare to savor a classic comfort meal that connects you to time-honored cooking traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Feather Dumplings

• Chicken: Protein-rich centerpiece, choose bone-in pieces for richer flavor and tender meat.
• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid for depth, select low-sodium for better seasoning control.
• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Aromatic vegetables adding layers of flavor and nutritional complexity.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herbal note for enhanced savory undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents for balanced taste profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural base for light, airy dumpling texture.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent creating fluffy, tender dumpling consistency.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer and dough conditioner.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create tender, flaky dumpling texture.
• Milk: Binding liquid that adds softness and contributes to dough's consistency.

• Fresh Herbs: Bright finishing touch, adds color and fresh aromatic dimension.

Tools to Craft Light and Fluffy Dumplings

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking chicken, broth, and simmering dumplings, with enough space to accommodate all ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining flour, butter, and milk to create dumpling dough.
• Tablespoon: Ideal for dropping uniform dumpling portions into the simmering broth.
• Cutting Tool: Helps cut butter into flour mixture to create coarse crumbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing dough and stirring ingredients gently.

How to Make Feather Dumplings for Chicken Dishes

• Simmer the Savory Base

Toss chicken, veggies, and seasonings into a large pot. Let everything bubble gently, creating a rich, aromatic broth that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Cook until chicken becomes tender and falls apart easily.

• Craft Fluffy Cloud Dumplings

Whip together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold in softened butter until the mixture looks like rough pebbles. Pour in milk and mix just until a soft dough forms – remember, less mixing means lighter dumplings.

• Create Floating Dumpling Clouds

Scoop spoonfuls of dough directly into the simmering broth. Drop them carefully, giving each dumpling space to dance and expand. Cover the pot and let them puff up into pillowy perfection.

• Combine and Comfort

Shred the cooked chicken and fold it back into the pot. Let everything mingle and warm through. Taste and sprinkle in extra seasoning if needed. Ladle this comforting mixture into bowls and watch faces light up with joy.

Tips to Keep Feather Dumplings Airy and Soft

• Whip up extra-light dumplings by using cake flour for an even more delicate texture.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version.
• Prepare the dumpling dough and chicken broth separately up to a day in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Enhance the dumplings by mixing fresh chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives directly into the dumpling dough for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Replace traditional flour with almond flour or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this classic comfort dish.

How to Serve Feather Dumplings in Soups and Stews

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings comfort and freshness to the table.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the delicious, rich broth and enhance the dining experience.
• Veggie Boost Plate: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to introduce extra nutrition and color to the classic chicken and dumplings.
• Winter Warming Station: Create a complete cold-weather meal by serving in large, deep bowls that keep the dish steaming hot and provide ultimate comfort during chilly evenings.

Storing Feather Dumplings for Later Use

• Cool the chicken and dumpling dish to room temperature within 2 hours after cooking, helping prevent bacterial growth and maintaining food safety standards.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate dumplings and chicken broth to maintain optimal texture when reheating.
• Warm portions gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming dry or tough.
• Portion cooled chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe containers, where they can remain delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

The name comes from their incredibly light and airy texture, which makes them feel almost as light as a feather when you bite into them.

• Do I need any special skills to make these dumplings?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic mixing and dropping techniques that anyone can master.

• Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dumpling dough right before cooking, as freshly prepared dough yields the lightest and most tender results.

• What type of flour works best for these dumplings?

All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, providing the ideal structure and texture for soft, fluffy dumplings.

Fluffy Feather Dumplings For Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican heritage shines in these feather dumplings, creating a comforting chicken and dumplings classic with delicate texture. Generations of family recipes blend seamlessly to deliver a soul-warming meal you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, well beaten
• ⅔ cup (160 ml / 5.4 fl oz) milk
• 2 cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons (20 g / 0.7 oz) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (6 g / 0.2 oz) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Broth Preparation: Submerge chicken pieces, aromatic vegetables, and bay leaf in a spacious pot, generously seasoning with salt and pepper, then elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 45-60 minutes.
2. Chicken Processing: Remove chicken from the fragrant liquid, meticulously shredding or chopping into delectable morsels while maintaining the broth’s warmth, preserving the rich, flavor-packed stock.
3. Dumpling Foundation: Whisk flour, leavening agent, and salt in a mixing vessel, then incorporate softened butter by working methodically until the mixture transforms into coarse, irregular crumbs.
4. Dough Formation: Introduce milk gradually, blending with a delicate touch to create a cohesive yet tender dough, carefully avoiding overmixing to ensure light, feathery texture.
5. Dumpling Cooking: Delicately ladle spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth, spacing each pillowy morsel strategically, then seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid for 10-12 minutes until they puff and cook to culinary perfection.
6. Final Assembly: Reunite shredded chicken with the aromatic broth, gently folding to distribute evenly, conduct a final seasoning assessment, and adjust salt and pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
7. Serving: Present the feather-light creation adorned with freshly chopped herbs, serving immediately to capture the essence of ultimate comfort cuisine.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality chicken, recently milled flour, and farm-fresh dairy for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
• Manage Moisture Carefully: Avoid over-mixing dumpling dough to prevent gluten development, which can lead to tough, dense dumplings instead of light, feathery textures.
• Control Simmering Temperature: Maintain a gentle, consistent simmer to ensure dumplings cook evenly without becoming waterlogged or falling apart during preparation.
• Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for individuals with wheat sensitivities, adjusting liquid ratios accordingly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 291 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg