Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights. While you can make dumplings from scratch, using frozen dumplings can save lots of time without sacrificing taste or quality. The key is finding a high-quality frozen dumpling brand that will hold up in your chicken and dumpling soup or stew.
At Humpty’s Dumplings, we strongly believe frozen dumplings can be just as delicious as fresh when sourced from the right manufacturer. After testing dozens of frozen dumpling brands over the years, we’ve rounded up the very best places to buy frozen dumplings for chicken and dumplings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Frozen Dumplings
Not all frozen dumplings are created equal Here are the key factors we evaluated when selecting the best frozen dumplings for chicken and dumplings
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Ingredients: We preferred dumplings made with simple, natural ingredients like flour, eggs, salt, and water. Dumplings with preservatives tended to have an artificial taste.
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Texture: The dumpling wrapper should be thick enough to hold its shape during cooking but still tender. The filling should be moist and flavorful.
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Cooking instructions: Dumplings that can go straight from freezer to boiling broth make weeknight dinners a breeze. Vacuum-sealed dumplings held up better than loose frozen dumplings.
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Flavor: Of course, the dumplings need to taste great! We avoided bland fillings in favor of juicy, well-seasoned options.
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Price: Dumplings ranged widely in price from $3 to $12 per bag. We recommend splurging on quality since the dumplings are a key component of the dish.
Keep these factors in mind as you choose frozen dumplings for your chicken and dumplings. Now, let’s look at some of the best places to buy frozen dumplings online and in stores.
Where to Buy Frozen Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings
1. Asian Grocery Stores
Your local Asian market is a great place to find freshly frozen dumplings made in-house or from Asian brands you won’t find in mainstream grocery stores. Here are some of our favorite varieties for chicken and dumplings:
- Pork and napa cabbage dumplings
- Chicken and vegetable dumplings
- Shrimp and leek dumplings
- Kimchi dumplings (for a Korean twist)
Ask the staff for recommendations based on the type of broth you’ll be using. An Asian grocery store is the way to go if you want authentic, restaurant-quality dumplings.
2. Online Direct from Dumpling Brands
Ordering direct from artisanal dumpling companies lets you access exquisite frozen dumplings you’d never find on a supermarket shelf. Two of our favorite online dumpling shops are:
Humpty’s Dumplings: Based in Philadelphia, Humpty’s makes incredible cheesesteak-inspired dumplings as well as classics like pork, chicken and broccoli. Their vacuum-sealed dumplings ship nationwide. We highly recommend their Philly cheesesteak dumplings in chicken and dumplings.
Harold’s Frozen Dumplings: You may recognize Harold’s from Shark Tank! They offer traditional Chinese dumpling flavors as well as creative inventions like French onion dumplings and Oreo cheesecake dumplings. Their chicken dumplings are seasoned perfectly.
Ordering direct means you can stock up on multiple packs of dumplings. Just make sure to account for shipping costs in your budget.
3. Big Box Stores Like Costco and Sam’s Club
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club sell huge bags of frozen dumplings for a fraction of the price of grocery stores. Brands like Ajinomoto and Wei-Chuan are high-quality and consistent. You can find:
- Pork and cabbage dumplings
- Chicken dumplings
- Vegetable dumplings
The only caveat is that warehouse stores typically only stock one or two dumpling varieties at a time. If you need specialty flavors, you may have to look elsewhere. But for basic pork or chicken, it’s worth buying in bulk at a warehouse store.
4. Mainstream Grocery Stores
Grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger and Albertsons tend to have a very limited selection of frozen dumplings tucked away in the frozen Asian food section. Look for brands like Ajinomoto, Wei-Chuan, and Twin Marquis which offer decent quality.
You’ll typically only find pork, chicken, and vegetable—but no specialty flavors. The upside is you can toss a bag in your cart while doing your regular grocery shopping. Just check the ingredient list closely and beware of any preservatives.
5. Online Stores Like Amazon and Walmart
If you can’t find frozen dumplings locally, online mega-retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer delivery. You can order direct from brands like Ajinomoto, Jade, and Twin Marquis with just a few clicks.
The selection is not huge, but you can typically find basic pork, chicken and vegetable dumplings in various pack sizes. Prices are competitive, though you’ll have to pay shipping fees. We recommend choosing dumplings that are vacuum-sealed for freshness.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Dumplings
Once you’ve purchased high-quality frozen dumplings, here are some tips for perfectly cooking them in chicken and dumpling soup:
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Don’t thaw first: Drop frozen dumplings directly into simmering broth. Thawing makes them prone to falling apart.
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Gently boil: Maintain a gentle but steady boil to prevent dumplings from getting soggy.
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Don’t crowd: Allow dumplings room to swim freely while cooking so they don’t stick together.
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Test doneness: Dumplings are done when the wrapper is tender and the filling is hot, about 5-8 minutes.
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Add any veggies or herbs: For more flavor, simmer vegetables like carrots, celery and parsley in the broth.
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Season carefully: Taste the broth and add any extra salt, pepper or herbs needed once the dumplings are cooked.
With high-quality frozen dumplings and a flavorful homemade broth, you’ll have restaurant-worthy chicken and dumplings ready in under 30 minutes. Experiment with different dumpling flavors like buffalo chicken, cheesesteak and shrimp for fun twists on this classic dish. Just remember—the secret is in the dumplings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Dumplings
Are frozen dumplings healthy?
Dumplings are traditionally made from simple, natural ingredients like flour, water, meat and vegetables. However, some brands add preservatives to prolong shelf life. Check the label and choose options with recognizable, healthful ingredients. Opt for whole wheat or vegetable-based wrappers when possible.
How long do frozen dumplings last?
Properly stored in a freezer at 0°F, vacuum-sealed frozen dumplings can last 6-12 months. Loose dumplings have a shorter shelf life around 2-3 months. Dumplings that have been thawed should not be refrozen.
What’s the best way to freeze leftover dumplings?
For homemade dumplings, place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Vacuum seal if you have that capability.
Can you prepare dumplings in advance?
While you can make dumpling dough and fillings ahead of time, shaped, uncooked dumplings are highly perishable and don’t hold up well. It’s best to fold and fill dumplings right before cooking and enjoying them fresh.
What broth is best for cooking dumplings?
Chicken, beef and vegetable broth all pair deliciously with dumplings. For a richer flavor, use bone broth. You can also use a mix of broth and water. Avoid broths containing MSG or other additives.
Enjoy the Best Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
With so many frozen dumpling options available both online and in stores, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your chicken and dumplings recipe. Look for quality ingredients, the right texture, and authentic flavors based on your taste preferences. Vacuum-sealed dumplings from online specialty shops or Asian grocers offer premium quality.
Let us know if you have a favorite place to purchase frozen dumplings for chicken and dumpling soup! We’d love to hear your recommendations. Wishing you many hearty, comforting bowls of chicken and dumplings this season.
What we looked for in the best frozen dumplings
As we said, dumplings come in a lot of shapes and sizes. But what do the best frozen dumplings all have in common? For one, they should be juicy, savory, and bursting with flavor. Their wrappers should be delicate yet sturdy, with a soft, doughy pull even after they crisp up in the pan. (Unless we’re talking about Northern Chinese potstickers, which are known for a thicker, doughier wrapper.) Inside, the minced meat should taste succulent and enticing or, if you’re opting for veggie gyoza, include vibrant, evenly cooked vegetables that don’t turn to mush after you steam them.
It’s our job to give you the top contenders in each genre of dumpling, including (but not limited to): the best pork dumplings for that simple, classic taste; the best frozen soup dumplings to bring restaurant-quality xiao long bao into your home; the best frozen Chinese dumplings that remind you of takeout; the best frozen Korean dumplings, which have their own style going for them; and even the best vegan dumplings for our plant-based pals and gals. No matter what kind of dumpling you’re dreaming about, hopefully this ranking of the best frozen dumplings points you in the right direction.
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How we found the frozen dumplings for our taste tests
As we sat down for our third taste test of the best frozen dumplings, we looked for new flavors, products we missed before, and most importantly, more authentic dumpling brands from specialty Asian markets. We know they aren’t accessible to everyone, but there are plenty of products on this list that are available in major grocery stores.