Top Chicken Gyoza Picks for a Quick and Flavourful Meal

Craving a quick meal that transports you to Asia without spending hours in the kitchen? Chicken gyoza are the perfect solution. These delicious Japanese dumplings, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, have become a freezer staple for all fans of authentic flavours.

But with the ever-growing selection in the frozen food aisle, it can be hard to know where to start. Don't worry! We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect frozen gyoza for you, with clear criteria and practical tips for a perfect meal every time.

How to Choose the Best Chicken Gyoza

To make the right choice, here are a few key points to check before you fill your basket.

1. The Filling: The Heart of the Gyoza

The art of a great gyoza lies in the balance of its filling. Take a look at the meat percentage and the list of vegetables. A generous proportion of chicken and vegetable gyoza is the key to a tender texture and complex flavours. A clear and detailed ingredient list (cabbage, onions, ginger, garlic, etc.) is often a sign of quality. Finally, the presence of seasonings like soy sauce or sesame oil is essential to achieve that authentic taste we all love.

2. The Cooking Method: Pan-Fried, Steamed, or Both?

Not all chicken dumplings cook the same way. Some are specially formulated to be pan-fried to get that signature crispy base (the famous yaki-gyoza method). Others are better steamed, for a softer, more tender texture. If you're a fan of the pan-fried gyoza recipe, check that the packaging recommends it. A real bonus? Versatility. Gyoza that are suitable for pan-frying, steaming, or boiling will give you more freedom in the kitchen.

3. Trust in Reputable Brands

When in doubt, brands like Bibigo and Ajinomoto are trusted names in the frozen Asian food section. With their renowned expertise, they offer recipes that capture the authentic taste of Japanese chicken dumplings. This is often your guarantee of consistent quality, with no unpleasant surprises when it comes to taste.

Recommended Chicken Gyoza Picks

To make your choice easier, here are the products that caught our eye.

Bibigo Gyoza Dumpling Chicken & Vegetables 600g

Why it stands out: This gyoza from Bibigo shines with its perfect balance between chicken (20%) and an assortment of fresh vegetables (cabbage, onions). Its thin wheat-flour wrapper becomes tender and just the right amount of chewy when cooked. The seasoning, with its soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, delivers a rich and authentic flavour, at the crossroads of Korean and Japanese cuisine.

Key features:

• A generous filling: 21% cabbage and 20% chicken.
• Authentic flavours thanks to ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• A thin wrapper that browns perfectly in the pan.
• A convenient 600g pack, ideal for large gatherings or multiple meals.

Who is it for? For those looking for a classic, well-balanced gyoza, perfect for traditional pan-frying with a crispy bottom and a juicy filling.

bibigo Steamed Dumpling, Chicken & Vegetable Flavour, 560g

Why it stands out: Specially designed for steaming, this version of Bibigo gyoza is all about an ultra-tender texture. The filling, rich in chicken (22%), is enhanced by shiitake mushrooms that provide a deep, characteristic umami flavour. The addition of tofu makes the filling even softer and juicier.

Key features:

• A high chicken content (22%).
• The addition of shiitake mushrooms for an intense umami flavour.
• A supple wrapper that doesn't dry out during cooking.
• Ideal for quick preparation and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Who is it for? For fans of soft, tender dumplings, and anyone who prefers steaming or is looking for an alternative to simply pan-fried gyoza.

AJINOMOTO Chicken Gyoza 600g

Why it stands out: An undisputed classic, Ajinomoto's gyoza embody authentic Japanese style. This recipe is packed with vegetables (34%!), featuring cabbage, onions, and chives alongside 22% chicken. Its greatest strength remains its versatility: the clear instructions guarantee perfect results, whether you pan-fry, steam, or boil them.

Key features:

• A filling packed with vegetables (34%) for maximum freshness and crunch.
• A good chicken content (22%).
• Ultra-versatile: perfect for pan-frying, steaming, or boiling.
• Classic and perfectly balanced seasoning (soy sauce, sesame oil).

Who is it for? The ideal option for those who like to vary their cooking methods and are looking for the traditional taste of Japanese chicken dumplings, with a filling where vegetables are the star.

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

We've focused on chicken gyoza here, but the world of Asian dumplings is vast. Shrimp, pork, 100% vegetarian versions... To discover other gems, feel free to explore our full catalogue.

Discover our entire category of chicken snacks for even more options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you cook frozen gyoza?

Most frozen gyoza are cooked from frozen. Here are the three main methods:

1. Pan-fry (the traditional method): Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan. Place the gyoza flat-side down and brown for 2-3 minutes. Add 50 ml of water (watch out for splashes!), cover, and let the steam work its magic for 5-6 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to cook until the water has completely evaporated for a perfectly crispy bottom.
2. Steam: Place the gyoza in a steamer basket, ideally on a sheet of baking paper to prevent them from sticking. Steam over simmering water for 8-10 minutes.
3. Boil: Drop the gyoza into a large pot of boiling water. They are cooked when they float to the surface, after about 5-6 minutes. Drain and serve immediately.

What is the difference between Bibigo and Ajinomoto gyoza?

Both brands are excellent, but they each have their own specialty. Bibigo, a Korean brand, is renowned for its mandu (dumplings) with very juicy fillings and sometimes bolder flavours. Ajinomoto, a Japanese giant, focuses on traditional Japanese gyoza: a thin wrapper, a perfectly balanced filling of meat and vegetables, and a recipe optimised for the famous pan-fry and steam method. Ultimately, it's a matter of taste: do you prefer the Korean or Japanese style?

Can you refreeze thawed gyoza?

Absolutely not! You should never refreeze a thawed product. Keep your gyoza in the freezer (-18°C) until you are ready to cook them. If they have thawed, they must be cooked immediately. This is a golden rule, both for food safety reasons and to preserve their texture and flavour.