There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sound of potstickers sizzling in a hot pan, isn’t there? Each golden-brown dumpling tells a story, showcasing a delightful blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables wrapped in a delicate shell. When I first tried my hand at making Chicken Potstickers, I was amazed at how quickly these savory bites came together—10 minutes of prep, and I was on my way to a family-style feast!
After a long day, I often crave something playful and comforting. That’s when these potstickers become the star of my kitchen. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also boast a versatility that’s perfect for customizing to personal tastes. Whether you stick with classic ingredients or get creative with substitutions, these potstickers are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Better yet, they’re simply irresistible when dipped in a tangy soy and garlic sauce. Ready to bring the magic of homemade dumplings to your table? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Why are Chicken Potstickers a must-try?
Deliciously Versatile: These potstickers adapt to your taste, allowing you to swap chicken for ground turkey or tofu easily.
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
Family-Friendly: Kids love these tasty dumplings, making dinner fun for the whole family.
Perfectly Crunchy: Achieve that satisfying golden crispiness on the bottom while maintaining a soft, juicy interior.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, these potstickers are sure to impress everyone at the table!
Chicken Potstickers Ingredients
For the Filling
• Finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix – A great way to add moisture and texture; fresh cabbage offers an extra crunch.
• Kosher salt – Essential for drawing moisture from the cabbage, enhancing the filling’s flavor and texture.
• Large egg – Vital for binding the filling ingredients together, creating a cohesive mixture.
• Medium scallions, thinly sliced – They infuse the filling with a fresh flavor and aromatic scent.
• Soy sauce – Delivers that rich umami taste in your chicken potstickers.
• Cloves garlic, minced – Adds a delightful aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Brings warmth and seasoning; adjust to your taste.
• Ground chicken – The star protein of these tasty dumplings, providing substance and richness.
For the Wrappers
• Round Asian dumpling wrappers – Perfect for encasing the filling, or swap for square wonton wrappers and fold them into triangles for a fun twist.
For Cooking
• Vegetable oil (divided) – Used for frying to achieve that desired crispy texture on the bottom of your potstickers.
For the Dipping Sauce
• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, scallions, chile-garlic sauce – This flavorful combination enhances the potstickers, adding a delightful contrast to your meal.
How to Make Chicken Potstickers
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Prepare the Cabbage: Start by placing the finely shredded cabbage in a colander. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture and enhance flavor.
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Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the large egg, sliced scallions, soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful base of your filling.
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Combine Ingredients: After 10 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess moisture from the cabbage and add it to the egg mixture. Stir in the ground chicken until everything is evenly combined.
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Fill the Wrappers: Lay out your dumpling wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling onto each wrapper. Moisten the edges with a little water to help seal them shut.
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Seal the Dumplings: Carefully fold the wrappers over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent leaks during cooking.
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Fry the Potstickers: Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Place the sealed potstickers in the pan, cooking them until the bottoms are golden brown, roughly 3-4 minutes.
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Steam the Potstickers: Add around ¼ cup of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. Allow to steam for about 3 minutes until cooked through, ensuring they are tender yet crispy.
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Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and let the potstickers cook for a couple more minutes, allowing the second side to brown beautifully. Repeat the process in batches if necessary.
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Make the Dipping Sauce: For a tasty dipping sauce, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, scallions, and a splash of chile-garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an added touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chicken Potstickers
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Seal Carefully: Ensure that the edges of the wrappers are tightly sealed to prevent any leaks during cooking. A few drops of water can help it stick better.
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Use Nonstick Pan: Opt for a nonstick pan to nicely fry potstickers without sticking, achieving an evenly crispy bottom every time.
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Control Moisture: After salting the cabbage, thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling, which can ruin those perfect chicken potstickers.
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Batch Cooking: Cooking in batches not only prevents overcrowding but ensures that each potsticker gets the golden, crispy bottom it deserves.
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Freezing Tips: For easy meal prep, freeze uncooked potstickers on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for a homemade meal anytime!
Chicken Potstickers Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to enhance or modify this recipe to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Use egg replacements like flaxseed or chia to maintain the binding without dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular dumpling wrappers for gluten-free versions available in most grocery stores.
- Veggie Delight: Substitute ground chicken with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and grated carrots for a plant-based option.
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or minced jalapeños to the filling for an extra heat kick.
- Flavor Explosion: Mix in aromatic spices like ginger or sesame oil for a more robust flavor profile.
- Noodle Version: Use thin rice noodles instead of ground chicken for a unique, chewy texture inside your potstickers.
- Crunchy Add-In: Toss in some diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for added crunch and freshness.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness in every bite.
What to Serve with Easy Chicken Potstickers?
These delightful dumplings are not just a meal on their own; they pave the way for a well-rounded dining experience filled with flavors and textures.
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Cabbage Slaw: A light and crunchy side, this slaw brings freshness and complements the savory potstickers beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender, slightly crisp broccoli adds vibrant color and a healthy touch to your plate, balancing out the richness of the potstickers.
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Hot and Sour Soup: The spicy and tangy flavors of this soup provide a perfect contrast, setting your taste buds alive before diving into your potstickers.
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Chili Oil Dipping Sauce: Elevate flavor with a drizzle of chili oil on the side, adding that kick your potstickers deserve.
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Vegetable Fried Rice: A flavorful blend of veggies and rice brings hearty satisfaction alongside your potstickers while harmonizing the Asian flavors.
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Green Tea: A soothing cup of green tea serves as the perfect drink to cleanse the palate while complementing the overall meal experience.
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Mango Sticky Rice: Wrap up your meal with this sweet dessert, balancing savory with sweet—a delightful ending that guests will cherish.
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Sesame Noodles: Serve these silky noodles tossed in tangy sauce for a delightful textural contrast that pairs wonderfully with chicken potstickers.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Potstickers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dish with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the shredded cabbage, egg, scallions, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and ground chicken in an airtight container. For ultimate convenience, assemble the potstickers but leave them uncooked, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, transferring to a zip-top bag once solid. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pan-fry them from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed. This way, you’ll have crispy, restaurant-quality Chicken Potstickers at your fingertips, just waiting to be devoured!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Potstickers
Fridge: Store cooked chicken potstickers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a nonstick skillet on medium heat until warmed through.
Freezer: Uncooked chicken potstickers can be frozen on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen potstickers, pan-fry them frozen on medium heat with a little oil until golden brown, then add water and cover to steam for about 5 minutes.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving chicken potstickers out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
Chicken Potstickers Recipe FAQs
What kind of cabbage should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! I recommend using finely shredded cabbage or a coleslaw mix for your chicken potstickers. Fresh cabbage provides a delightful crunch, while the coleslaw mix simplifies your preparation, making it quick and easy. Just make sure to salt it properly to enhance the flavors!
How should I store leftovers?
Very good question! Cooked chicken potstickers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I often suggest using a nonstick skillet over medium heat to maintain that delightful crispiness on the bottom. They’ll taste almost as good as when they were fresh!
Can I freeze uncooked chicken potstickers?
Yes, indeed! Freezing uncooked chicken potstickers is a great idea for quick meals later. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, you can fry them straight from the freezer!
What if my dumpling wrappers are sticking together?
This can happen sometimes! To prevent sticking, I recommend sprinkling a little cornstarch between layers of wrappers if you’re stacking them. Also, keep unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while you work. It ensures that sealing remains easy, and you won’t end up with a gooey mess!
Are chicken potstickers safe for pets?
While chicken is generally safe for dogs and cats in moderation, be cautious of seasonings or ingredients like garlic in your chicken potstickers, as they can be harmful to pets. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about sharing your delicious meal with your furry friends!
Irresistible Chicken Potstickers Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the cabbage by placing it in a colander and sprinkling with kosher salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine egg, sliced scallions, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze out excess moisture from the cabbage and add to the egg mixture. Mix in ground chicken until well combined.
- Lay out dumpling wrappers and spoon about a tablespoon of filling onto each. Moisten edges and seal shut.
- Fold wrappers over filling, pinching edges to seal tightly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook potstickers until bottoms are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ¼ cup of water to the pan and cover to steam for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the lid and let them cook for a couple more minutes until the second side is browned. Repeat the process in batches if necessary.
- For dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, scallions, and chile-garlic sauce.