Chicken Dumplings Recipe
Chicken dumplings are a delightful and comforting dish enjoyed across many cultures. With their soft, pillowy dough and flavorful chicken filling, these dumplings make a satisfying meal whether steamed or served in a fragrant broth. The balance of the savory chicken, fresh spring onions, and aromatic sesame oil creates a filling that complements the tender dough. Whether served as a snack or part of a larger meal, these dumplings are sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup boiling water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Instructions
Dough Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually pour in the boiling water while stirring with a fork or chopsticks. Keep mixing until the dough begins to come together.
- Once the dough is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Filling Preparation:
- In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped or shredded chicken with the spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Assembly:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each dough ball into a circle about 3 inches wide, using a rolling pin or your hands.
- Place a small spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. For a traditional look, you may create pleats along the edges.
Cooking Methods
Steamed Dumplings:
- Prepare a steamer and line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the dough is tender.
Soup Dumplings:
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a simmer. Add additional spring onions and ginger slices for extra flavor.
- Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Allow the dumplings to cook for about 15 minutes or until they float to the top, indicating they are fully cooked and tender.
Serving Suggestions
- For Steamed Dumplings: Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made from equal parts soy sauce and vinegar. For a touch of spice, add a bit of chili oil to the sauce.
- For Soup Dumplings: Ladle some of the hot broth into bowls and add a few dumplings to each. Serve with extra soy sauce and vinegar on the side for dipping.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Wheat (in the dough), Soy (in the soy sauce), Sesame (in the sesame oil).
- May Contain: Traces of gluten depending on the soy sauce brand used.
Dietary Preferences
- Not suitable for gluten-free diets: The dough is made with all-purpose wheat flour, which contains gluten.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Not suitable, as the filling contains chicken and the dipping sauce includes soy sauce, which may contain fish products. For a vegetarian version, consider using tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for chicken.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Tips & Advice
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for making it smooth and elastic. If you skip this step, the dough may be tough to roll out, and the dumplings may not cook properly.
- Filling Variations: You can easily modify the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Try adding cooked shrimp, vegetables, or tofu for a unique twist.
- Freezing: These dumplings freeze well before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Steam or cook from frozen for an easy meal later on.
Conclusion
Whether steamed or served in a flavorful broth, chicken dumplings are a versatile and satisfying dish. Their tender dough and savory filling make them a beloved comfort food. With this recipe, you can easily recreate these delicious dumplings at home. Serve them as an appetizer, part of a main course, or as a snack to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the delightful texture and umami flavors of homemade chicken dumplings!
