Chicken Potstickers Recipe

Delightfully crispy on the bottom, tender and juicy inside, Chicken Potstickers are always the first thing to vanish at my dinner parties! These homemade dumplings are a symphony of savory chicken, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices—all hugged in a delicate wrapper for the perfect bite every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for show-stopping Chicken Potstickers are a handful of everyday ingredients—each one playing a delicious, essential role. Together, they create those juicy, aromatic bites you crave and the classic textures that make potstickers so irresistible.

• Ground chicken (1 lb): This lean, mild protein absorbs flavors beautifully for a filling that’s savory but not heavy.
• Circular dumpling wrappers (1 lb): Pre-made wrappers save so much time—just keep them covered so they stay soft and workable!
• Napa cabbage (2 cups, chopped): Adds a touch of freshness and slight crunch, while keeping the filling moist without being watery.
• Salt (1 tsp): Draws out excess moisture from the cabbage and seasons the filling just right.
• Green onions (4, sliced): They deliver pops of color and a mellow onion zing in every bite.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Brings that classic aromatic kick you expect from great dumplings.
• Ginger (2-inch piece, minced): Fresh ginger adds warmth and a slightly peppery zest that lifts the whole filling.
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Savory, salty, umami depth for that signature potsticker flavor.
• Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Gives a rich, complex background sweetness and a glossy finish to the mixture.
• Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Nutty and fragrant, it’s a must for authentic-tasting Chicken Potstickers.
• Chicken bouillon (1 tbsp): Helps amplify the chicken flavor for extra satisfying dumplings that taste slow-simmered.
• White pepper (1 tsp): Adds a subtle heat that lingers, making the filling even more addicting.
• For serving: Dumpling dipping sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds make your potstickers pop with flavor and flair.

Variations

The beauty of homemade Chicken Potstickers is how customizable they are. Whether you want to sneak in more veggies, swap the protein, or go gluten-free, these little dumplings are endlessly adaptable to suit your family’s cravings or dietary needs.

• Pork or Turkey Potstickers: Substitute ground chicken with ground pork or turkey for a slight flavor twist while keeping that juicy texture everyone loves.
• Vegetarian Dumplings: Omit the chicken and double up on mushrooms, tofu, or extra napa cabbage for a plant-based filling that’s just as satisfying.
• Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili crisp or a dash of sriracha to the filling if you love a little heat in your potstickers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers (found at specialty stores) and ensure your sauces are gluten-free for worry-free enjoyment.

How to Make Chicken Potstickers

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Toss the chopped napa cabbage with salt in a bowl and let it stand for about 10 minutes—this clever step helps the cabbage release extra water, so your filling won’t end up soggy. After the timer’s up, rinse off the salt and give the cabbage a good squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, the well-drained cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon, and white pepper. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spatula and mix everything until super well combined for a filling that’s evenly seasoned and cohesive.

Step 3: Taste Test

Scoop out a small spoonful of your filling, pan fry it, and taste—this step is pure magic! It lets you adjust salt, spice, or seasoning right now, so every potsticker will be spot-on delicious (and to your taste) before you even start folding.

Step 4: Fold the Dumplings

Wet the edge of each dumpling wrapper lightly with water (this keeps it soft and helps seal), fill the center with a small spoonful of chicken mixture, and fold in half. Pleat just the front edge about 3 times toward the center on both sides, then pinch the top to seal well. Keep the wrappers and any finished dumplings under a damp towel so they stay nice and pliable while you finish the batch.

Step 5: Pan Fry and Steam

Add a drizzle of oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat, and arrange about 10 dumplings (don’t overcrowd!). Sear for 2 minutes until the bottoms are gorgeously golden brown. Then, pour just enough water to cover the pan base, pop on a lid, and steam for about 5 minutes so they finish cooking and turn out juicy and tender inside—yum!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer your Chicken Potstickers to a platter, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and dive in with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, get ready for smiles and clean plates!

How to Serve Chicken Potstickers

Garnishes

For the final flourish, sprinkle your Chicken Potstickers with sliced green onions and a generous hit of toasted sesame seeds. These easy garnishes add color, aroma, and a little crunch that makes each dumpling Instagram-worthy and even more delicious.

Side Dishes

Chicken Potstickers shine alongside a bright Asian-inspired salad, simple sautéed greens, or a light miso soup. If you’re serving as part of a larger meal, add a bowl of steamed rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete—and super satisfying—spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your dumplings in bamboo steamers for that “dim sum at home” wow-factor, or arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter with dipping sauce in the center. For parties, provide mini tongs or chopsticks and colorful toothpicks so everyone can grab and dip with ease!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck any leftover Chicken Potstickers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 2-3 days, making them ideal for quick lunches or snacks whenever you get a dumpling craving.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange uncooked potstickers in a single layer on a lined sheet pan, making sure they don’t touch. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This lets you grab however many you want for a fast dumpling fix in the future—no sticking or breaking!

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover potstickers in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water and lid on. This method brings back that iconic crispy base and keeps the filling tender, just like when they were freshly made. Microwave works too, but you’ll lose some of the fabulous crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around the table and sharing a fresh batch of these homemade Chicken Potstickers. Whether you fold a batch for family dinner or make extras for the freezer, you’ll love how each crispy, steamy bite tastes like happiness. Give them a try—you might just start a new favorite tradition!

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