Chicken Potstickers (Pan Fried Dumplings)

These homemade Chicken Potstickers are a savory delight, with a juicy and flavorful chicken filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown bottom. Served with a delicious dipping sauce, these dumplings make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. With their irresistible crunch and tender filling, these chicken potstickers are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Potstickers are the perfect balance of crispy and tender. The juicy chicken filling is packed with flavor from ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, while the crispy pan-fried bottoms provide a satisfying crunch. Plus, these potstickers can be easily made ahead of time and frozen for later, making them a versatile and fun dish to prepare!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 green onions, sliced

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 2-inch ginger, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1 tsp white pepper

For the Dumplings:

• 1 lb circular dumpling wrappers (available at Asian markets or stores)

To Serve:

• Dumpling dipping sauce

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Napa Cabbage: Add napa cabbage and salt to a bowl. Toss to evenly coat and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. After 10 minutes, rinse the cabbage and squeeze out any excess moisture.

2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon, and white pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. To taste-test the filling, pan fry a small spoonful and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Fold the Dumplings: Lightly wet the edge of a circular dumpling wrapper with water. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and make three pleats on the front half, pushing the pleats towards the middle. Pinch the top to seal, and repeat on the other side. Cover the finished dumplings with a damp towel to keep them from drying out while you work.

4. Cook the Potstickers: Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place about 10 dumplings in the pan (depending on the size of your pan) and sear them for 2 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, then cover with a lid and steam the potstickers for 5 minutes. Once the water has evaporated, the potstickers will be crispy on the bottom and tender inside.

5. Freezing Option: To freeze the dumplings, lay the uncooked dumplings flat on a wax paper or plastic wrap-lined sheet pan, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a container or bag for easy storage. To cook frozen dumplings, follow the same process, but add a few extra minutes of steaming time.

6. Serve: Serve the chicken potstickers with a dipping sauce (soy sauce with a bit of rice vinegar, chili oil, or your favorite sauce), a sprinkle of green onions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and garnish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 50 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 50 dumplings (approximately)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground chicken with a combination of chopped mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version of the potstickers.

• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or chopped fresh chilies to the filling or dipping sauce for an extra kick.

• Different Proteins: Swap the ground chicken with turkey, beef, or shrimp for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: Uncooked dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Reheating: Reheat leftover potstickers in a hot pan with a little oil until crispy or microwave them with a damp paper towel over the top to keep them moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dumpling wrappers?

Yes, store-bought dumpling wrappers work great and save time! Look for circular dumpling wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or at an Asian market.

2. Can I use frozen dumpling wrappers?

Yes, frozen dumpling wrappers can be used, but make sure to thaw them before folding the dumplings.

3. How can I make sure the dumplings don’t stick to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan and ensure you add enough oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Once the bottoms are golden brown, the dumplings should release from the pan easily.

4. How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings are fully cooked when the bottoms are golden and crispy, and the filling is fully cooked. You can cut one open to check if the filling is hot and cooked through.

5. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

6. Can I steam the dumplings instead of pan-frying them?

Yes, you can steam the dumplings in a bamboo steamer or regular steamer basket. Just make sure to line the steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

7. How do I keep the dumplings from drying out while folding?

Cover the assembled dumplings with a damp towel to keep them moist while you continue to fold the rest.

8. Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours, or freeze them for longer storage.

9. Can I add more seasoning to the filling?

Absolutely! You can adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more soy sauce, ginger, or garlic, or incorporating spices like five-spice powder or Chinese five-spice.

10. How do I serve these dumplings at a party?

Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces—soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and even hoisin sauce—along with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Conclusion

Chicken Potstickers (Pan Fried Dumplings) are a savory, delicious treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a juicy chicken filling and crispy, golden-bottomed dumplings, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for freezing, so you can have homemade dumplings whenever you crave them!

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