These Chicken Potstickers (Pan-Fried Dumplings) are a crispy-bottomed, juicy-filled delight rooted in Chinese tradition. Made with ground chicken and napa cabbage, they’re bursting with savory umami flavors thanks to soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these dumplings are a fun and satisfying project—great to make in batches and freeze for quick meals. They’re especially popular during Lunar New Year for their symbolic resemblance to gold ingots, representing prosperity and good fortune.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 lb circular dumpling wrappers

• 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped

• 1 tsp salt (for cabbage)

• 4 green onions, sliced

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 2-inch piece ginger, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1 tsp white pepper

To serve:

• Dumpling dipping sauce

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prep the Cabbage: Chop napa cabbage and toss with 1 tsp salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw moisture. Rinse and squeeze out excess water.

2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, prepped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, bouillon, and white pepper. Mix well. Pan-fry a small amount to taste test and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Fold Dumplings: Set up a station with wrappers, filling, water bowl, and damp towel. Wet the edge of a wrapper, add filling, fold in half, pleat each side 3 times toward the center, then seal. Cover folded dumplings with a damp towel to keep moist.

4. Cook Potstickers: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add oil and arrange about 10 dumplings (don’t overcrowd). Pan-fry for 2 minutes until bottoms are golden. Add water to cover the bottom of the pan, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.

5. Freeze Option: Lay uncooked dumplings on a wax paper-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container or bag. Cook directly from frozen—no thawing needed.

6. Serve: Plate hot potstickers and top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with your favorite dumpling dipping sauce.

Nutrients (Approximate for all 50 dumplings)

• Total Calories: ~1800

• Per Dumpling: ~36 calories

• (Detailed macros not provided by source)

A Juicy Filling Packed with Flavor
What makes these chicken potstickers stand out is their well-balanced, deeply flavorful filling. Ground chicken serves as the perfect protein base—light, tender, and able to soak up the bold flavors of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mixed with napa cabbage, which adds both moisture and a mild vegetal sweetness, the filling becomes juicy and succulent. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and green onions contribute layers of complexity, while a touch of white pepper provides just the right amount of subtle heat. The result is a perfectly seasoned interior that bursts with flavor in every bite.

Pan-Fried for the Perfect Texture
Unlike steamed or boiled dumplings, potstickers are pan-fried to create that signature crispy base that defines them. The name “potsticker” comes from the slight sticking of the dumpling to the pan as it fries, forming a crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender top and juicy center. This contrast of textures—crisp, chewy, and moist—makes potstickers a truly satisfying dish. After frying, the dumplings are quickly steamed with a splash of water and covered with a lid, which locks in moisture and finishes cooking the filling. It’s this dual cooking method that gives potstickers their irresistible appeal.

A Culinary Ritual That’s Fun and Social
Making potstickers is about more than just eating—it’s an experience. Preparing them from scratch can become a fun kitchen ritual, especially when shared with friends or family. Folding dumplings is both a skill and an art, where each pleat brings a sense of craftsmanship to the table. It’s a hands-on, tactile process that invites conversation, storytelling, and togetherness. Many families gather to fold dumplings in celebration of Lunar New Year or other festive occasions, making the process just as meaningful as the meal itself.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
One of the best things about chicken potstickers is that they freeze exceptionally well. Once folded, you can lay them out on a tray and freeze them individually before transferring them to a container or freezer bag. This makes it easy to cook just what you need—no thawing required. Simply pan-fry and steam directly from frozen, and you have a homemade meal ready in minutes. It’s a great strategy for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or stocking the freezer for unexpected guests.

Customizable for Every Taste
While this recipe focuses on chicken and cabbage, potstickers are incredibly adaptable. You can swap the chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms, maintaining the savory character with the help of sauces and aromatics. Napa cabbage is traditional, but bok choy or even finely shredded carrots can work beautifully. Spice lovers can add chili flakes or a dab of chili oil for heat, while those who enjoy sweetness might incorporate a splash of mirin or a pinch of sugar in the filling.

Dipping Sauce Takes It Over the Top
No potsticker experience is complete without a dipping sauce. A simple mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil is a classic choice, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. Add a touch of garlic, sliced scallions, or chili paste for extra kick. Sweet soy or hoisin-based sauces offer a deeper, more syrupy flavor, while black vinegar brings tang and earthiness. The dipping sauce enhances the potstickers’ flavor and lets each diner tailor the experience to their personal taste.

Nutritious and Satisfying in Every Bite
Each potsticker may be small, but it packs a punch of protein, fiber, and flavor. Thanks to lean ground chicken and vegetables, they’re lower in fat than many fried appetizers and provide sustained energy. The addition of cabbage adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the dish light and fresh. While the wrappers do contain carbs, the portion size can easily be managed, and the filling is nutrient-dense enough to make these dumplings a balanced option when paired with a light side like a cucumber salad or miso soup.

A Symbolic Dish for Celebrations
In Chinese culture, dumplings are not just food—they’re a symbol. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, making them a traditional choice during Lunar New Year celebrations to usher in wealth and good fortune. Preparing and eating dumplings during festive seasons is a gesture of togetherness, prosperity, and cultural pride. Serving them at special gatherings or family dinners is a way to honor that tradition while enjoying a universally loved dish.

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Chicken potstickers shine in any context. Serve them as a starter at a dinner party, arrange them in a platter with dipping sauces for game night, or enjoy them as the main event with a bowl of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside a miso broth or a simple Asian cucumber salad. They also make a fantastic addition to a dim sum-style brunch. Their crispy bottoms and tender tops look as good as they taste, making them an impressive dish for entertaining.

Conclusion
Chicken Potstickers are a true labor of love—easy enough for home cooks to make yet elegant and delicious enough to rival any restaurant version. They’re rooted in rich tradition, full of comforting flavors, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re folding dumplings with family to celebrate a holiday or simply craving a homemade snack with a satisfying crunch, these pan-fried dumplings offer joy in every bite. Crispy, juicy, savory, and steeped in meaning, they represent everything great about food: culture, connection, and the pleasure of cooking something truly special. Keep a batch in your freezer, and you’ll always have prosperity—and incredible flavor—just a pan away.