Chicken Potstickers (Pan Fried Dumplings) – Perfect for a Quick Dinner

Short introduction

Chicken potstickers are delightful pan-fried dumplings filled with savory ground chicken and fresh vegetables. They are enjoyed for their crispy bottoms and tender, chewy tops. Quick to make, these dumplings are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, offering warmth and comfort in every bite.

Why you’ll love it

Everyone loves potstickers for good reason! First, they make a wonderful finger food for gatherings or family meals. Secondly, they are versatile; you can customize the filling according to your preferences. Additionally, cooking these dumplings is a fun activity to do with friends or family, showing that good food can also bring people together. Finally, potstickers are a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies, making them a nutritious choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 lb circular dumpling wrappers
• 2 cups napa cabbage (chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 green onions (sliced)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp white pepper
• Dumpling dipping sauce
• Extra green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Substitutions & key variations

If you need alternatives, you can swap ground chicken for any ground meat, like pork or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or chopped mushrooms instead of meat. You can also experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to create your unique filling. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of chili oil or fresh minced chili peppers to the mix.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Prepare the Napa Cabbage

Start by adding chopped napa cabbage and salt to a bowl. Toss them to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. After that, rinse off the salt and squeeze out any excess water.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, prepared napa cabbage, sliced green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon, and white pepper. Mix everything well. To check the flavor, pan-fry a small piece of the filling. Taste test and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Fold the Dumplings

To fold the dumplings, take a circular wrapper and wet the edges with a little water. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. Carefully fold the wrapper in half and, on one side, make three pleats toward the middle, sealing each pleat. Pinch the top to ensure it is tightly sealed. Keep the folded dumplings covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while you continue folding the rest.

Step 4: Cook the Potstickers

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of oil. Depending on the size of your pan, add about ten dumplings without overcrowding them. Sear the dumplings for about two minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Then, carefully add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan and let them steam for about five minutes.

Step 5: Freezing (Optional)

If you want to save some dumplings for later, lay uncooked dumplings flat on a wax paper-lined sheet pan so they don’t touch. Place them in the freezer until they harden. Then, transfer them to a bag or container to save space in your freezer.

Success tips

To get crispy bottoms, ensure your pan is well heated before adding the oil and dumplings. If the texture isn’t right, avoid using too much water when steaming, as this can make them soggy. Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan and not sealing the dumplings properly.

How to serve

Serve your chicken potstickers hot, accompanied by a delicious dumpling dipping sauce. You can garnish them with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. They can be enjoyed plain or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage & reheating

If you have leftovers, store the dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pan-fry them again for a few minutes or steam them until warmed through. If they are frozen, you can either cook them from frozen or let them thaw before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days before using it.

2. What can I serve with potstickers?
   Potstickers go well with a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, vinegar, or a spicy chili sauce. Serve them with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

3. How do I know when the potstickers are cooked?
   The potstickers are done when the bottoms are golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Steaming them ensures they are heated evenly.

4. Can I bake the dumplings instead of frying them?
   Yes! You can also bake potstickers at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are crisp and golden.

Nutrition notes / equivalents

Chicken potstickers are not only delicious but also packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables. Each dumpling is approximately 40-50 calories, depending on the filling and wrapper used.

Conclusion

Chicken potstickers are a fantastic dish that is easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing. Give this recipe a try for your next family meal or gathering, and see how everyone will rave about it! Don’t hesitate to customize the filling and dipping sauce to cater to your taste.

Links to related recipes

• Vegetable Spring Rolls
• Pork and Chive Dumplings
• Shrimp Shumai
• Easy Fried Rice