Chicken wontons are delightful little parcels filled with a savory mixture of ground chicken and aromatics, wrapped in thin wonton wrappers. These dumplings are typically boiled or steamed and can be served in a clear broth or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Here’s how to make delicious chicken wontons at home!
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1/2 lb (about 225g) ground chicken
- 2-3 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for binding)
For assembling:
- Wonton wrappers (about 30-40 pieces)
- Water (for sealing wontons)
For serving:
- Soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce
- Chopped spring onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spring onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), cornstarch, and beaten egg (if using).
- Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture becomes sticky and holds together.
- Assemble the wontons:
- Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface.
- Place a teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- Moisten one of the bottom corners of the triangle with water.
- Bring the two bottom corners together, overlapping slightly, and press to seal, forming a round shape with a slight pleat.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling until all the filling is used up.
- Cook the wontons:
- Option 1: Boiling – Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the wontons in batches (don’t overcrowd) and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Option 2: Steaming – Arrange the wontons on a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Steam for about 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and transfer to serving bowls.
- Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions if desired.
Tips:
- Wonton wrappers: Ensure the wrappers are kept covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.
- Filling variations: You can customize the filling by adding finely chopped shrimp, water chestnuts, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook frozen wontons directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Storage: Cooked wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat by gently simmering in broth or steaming until heated through.
Enjoy these homemade chicken wontons as a delicious appetizer or part of a comforting soup!