Name: Chicken Potstickers (Pan-Fried Dumplings)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 30-40 potsticker wrappers (found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 cup water (for steaming)

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Chicken Potstickers are savory, crispy, and delicious pan-fried dumplings that are filled with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and flavorful spices. These tender dumplings have a perfect balance of crispy on the bottom and soft on the top, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in making dumplings, these homemade chicken potstickers are easy to prepare and offer a delightful bite with every mouthful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Potstickers are a crowd favorite for their irresistible crispy texture and juicy filling. The combination of ground chicken, cabbage, ginger, and garlic inside the dumpling wrapper provides a burst of savory flavor. When pan-fried, the bottom gets a beautiful golden brown crisp, while the rest of the dumpling stays tender and soft. These dumplings are perfect for dipping in soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re fun to make, versatile, and great for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
30-40 potsticker wrappers (found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup water (for steaming)

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

Directions

Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped cabbage, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky and moist.
Assemble the potstickers: Lay out the potsticker wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the chicken filling into the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it in half to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal, and you can also pleat the edges for a decorative look. Make sure the dumplings are sealed tightly to avoid any filling spilling out while cooking.
Pan-fry the potstickers: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the potstickers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the dumplings for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
Steam the potstickers: Carefully add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the potstickers to steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the potstickers are fully cooked through. Remove the lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bottom again.
Serve: Transfer the potstickers to a serving plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings (approximately 30-40 potstickers)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Potstickers: Swap the ground chicken for a plant-based meat substitute, tofu, or a combination of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Chicken Potstickers: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or finely chopped chili peppers to the filling for a spicy kick.
Dipping Sauce Variations: Serve these potstickers with different dipping sauces such as a mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a sesame dipping sauce.
Air-Fried Potstickers: Instead of pan-frying, try air-frying these dumplings for a healthier option. Air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

You can store leftover potstickers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pan-fry them again to bring back their crispy texture or steam them in a covered pan for a few minutes. You can also freeze uncooked potstickers on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re firm. To cook frozen potstickers, simply pan-fry them from frozen and add a few extra minutes of steaming time.

Chicken Potstickers (Pan-Fried Dumplings)

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dumpling wrappers?

Yes, store-bought dumpling wrappers are perfect for making potstickers. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, often labeled as “potsticker wrappers” or “dumpling wrappers.”

2. Can I freeze potstickers before cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked potstickers. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes of steaming time.

3. Can I bake these potstickers instead of pan-frying them?

Yes, you can bake the potstickers at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they may not be as crispy as pan-fried potstickers, they’ll still taste great.

4. How do I make sure the potstickers don’t stick to the pan?

Use enough oil in the pan to coat the bottom and don’t overcrowd the potstickers. If using a non-stick pan, be sure to let it get hot enough before adding the dumplings to avoid sticking.

5. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to assemble the potstickers before cooking them.

6. Can I serve these potstickers with a different dipping sauce?

Absolutely! Besides soy sauce and chili oil, you can also use a peanut dipping sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a garlic-soy dipping sauce for added flavor.

7. What’s the best way to steam potstickers if I don’t have a lid for my pan?

If you don’t have a lid, you can cover the skillet with a piece of aluminum foil to trap the steam. Alternatively, use a steam basket to steam the dumplings.

8. How do I avoid overcooking the potstickers?

Make sure to follow the recommended cooking time and remove the potstickers from the heat as soon as they’re golden brown and cooked through. Overcooking can make the wrappers tough.

9. How can I make the potstickers extra crispy?

For an extra crispy bottom, cook the potstickers until they’re golden brown, then let them sit in the pan for a minute or two after adding the water to allow the bottom to crisp up again.

Conclusion

Chicken Potstickers (Pan-Fried Dumplings) are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with the crispy, golden perfection of a potsticker wrapper. These homemade dumplings are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal. With a crispy bottom, tender filling, and flavorful dipping sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for your next meal or get-together, and enjoy the irresistible flavor of these homemade potstickers!