Chicken Momos Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to devour, Chicken Momos are about to become your new go-to favorite. These delightful, steamy dumplings are packed with juicy, aromatic chicken filling and wrapped in thin, tender dough, making every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re reminiscing about bustling street markets or dreaming of cozy evenings with friends, Chicken Momos deliver big flavor and even bigger smiles. Ready to tie on your apron? Let’s dive into the wonderful world of making (and eating!) Chicken Momos from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Momos is that each ingredient—no matter how simple—plays a starring role. From the delicate dough to the savory stuffing, every bite is a dance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need and a little tip on why it matters.

• All-purpose flour/maida: This is your dumpling canvas; it forms the soft, pliable wrapper that holds the delicious filling together.
• Salt (for dough): A pinch enhances both the dough and the filling, bringing all the flavors forward.
• Oil: Adds a hint of richness and keeps your dough smooth and easy to work with.
• Boneless chicken: The heart of the momo; opt for fresh, lean pieces for maximum juiciness when shredded.
• Onion (finely chopped): Lends sweetness and crunch, brightening every mouthful.
• Ginger paste: Injects zest and helps balance the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic paste: For that savory depth that makes chicken momos impossible to resist.
• Black pepper powder: A gentle heat that warms up the filling without overpowering it.
• Red chili powder: Offers a kick of spice and a beautiful burst of color.
• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped): Brightens and adds herby freshness to every bite.
• Soy sauce: Brings umami and melds all the flavors together.
• Salt (for filling): Season to taste for a perfectly balanced stuffing.

How to Make Chicken Momos

Step 1: Prepare and Shred the Chicken

Begin by boiling your boneless chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This makes the chicken wonderfully tender and infuses it with flavor from the inside out. Once cooked and cooled, use your hands or two forks to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces—just right for your momo filling!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, a sprinkle of salt, and the oil. Slowly add water, a little at a time, kneading until you have a firm and smooth dough. This part is soothing—think of it as a delicious stress-relief session. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest while you make the filling.

Step 3: Make the Chicken Momos Filling

In a new bowl, bring together your shredded chicken, finely chopped onion, ginger paste, garlic paste, black pepper, red chili powder, and a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves. Add the soy sauce and a bit of salt, then mix everything really well. You want each morsel of chicken momos filling to be bursting with bold, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Divide your rested dough into small, equal-sized balls—about the size of a walnut. Take each ball and flatten it with a rolling pin into rounds about 4 to 5 inches wide. The goal is to get them just thin enough so the wrapper is tender, but strong enough to hold the scrumptious filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Momos

Spoon a generous portion of the chicken filling into the center of each dough round. Now comes the fun part: pleat, fold, and pinch the edges together to seal—feel free to get creative with your momo shape! What matters most is making sure each one is securely closed so no filling escapes while steaming.

Step 6: Steam to Perfection

Arrange your assembled Chicken Momos in a steamer, leaving a little space between each so they don’t stick together. Steam for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the wrappers turn slightly translucent and the filling is piping hot. That signature aroma will let you know they’re ready!

How to Serve Chicken Momos

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chicken Momos is a perfect way to add a splash of color and an extra layer of flavor. Try a pinch of chopped fresh coriander or delicate green onions tossed over the steamy dumplings just before serving. A squeeze of lemon or a tiny drizzle of chili oil can work wonders, too!

Side Dishes

Classic momos usually come with a fiery momo chutney or a tangy dipping sauce. Pair your Chicken Momos with sweet chili sauce, spicy garlic sauce, or even a cooling cucumber salad to balance out the flavors and textures. These sides turn your momos into a full-on feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests (or just treat yourself) by stacking Chicken Momos into a pyramid on a stylish platter, or nestling them into individual bamboo baskets for an authentic street food feel. For a playful dinner, try offering a selection of dipping sauces in colorful ramekins alongside your plate of momos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to save a few Chicken Momos (no easy feat!) keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days—just be sure to pop them in as soon as they’ve cooled down.

Freezing

Chicken Momos freeze like a dream. Arrange uncooked momos on a tray so they’re not touching, freeze them solid, then transfer to a bag or container for long-term storage. They can last several weeks this way and go straight from freezer to steamer when you’re ready for another momo night!

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover Chicken Momos is to steam them gently until heated through—they’ll regain their soft, pillowy texture. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but add a little cup of water inside to keep them from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Chicken Momos?

Absolutely! While homemade dough gives you that hands-on satisfaction, store-bought dumpling or wonton wrappers work well in a pinch. Just make sure to seal them tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out during steaming.

How spicy can I make the filling?

You’re in full control! If you love heat, add extra red chili powder or a dash of chopped green chilies to your Chicken Momos filling. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and stick with aromatic spices instead.

Can I make Chicken Momos gluten-free?

Definitely give it a try with gluten-free flour blends suitable for dumplings. The dough texture will be a bit different, but with careful rolling and sealing, you can still get delicious, gluten-free Chicken Momos.

What if I don’t have a steamer?

No steamer? No problem! Use a metal colander set over a pot of simmering water and cover it with a lid, or fashion one from a trivet and plate. Just make sure the momos sit above the water, not in it.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

For sure! Grated carrots, cabbage, or spring onions make fantastic additions, adding crunch and extra nutrients to your Chicken Momos. Just be mindful to squeeze out excess moisture so the filling isn’t watery.

Final Thoughts

If you love a hands-on kitchen adventure with big rewards (and lots of happy faces at the table), Chicken Momos are an absolute must-try. With their savory filling, soft wrappers, and endless opportunities for customization, they’ll soon be a star in your homemade repertoire. Grab your flour and let the momo magic begin!

Print