Chicken Momos
Tender, juicy minced chicken wrapped in a delicate, thin dough and steamed to perfection. These popular street-food style dumplings are a flavor-packed appetizer or snack, best enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp oil.
- c.Gradually add warm water while mixing to form a shaggy dough.
- d.Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth, firm, and elastic.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30-45 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Chicken Filling
- b.In a separate bowl, combine the chicken mince, finely chopped onion, ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies.
- c.Add the chopped spring onion greens, coriander leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, 0.75 tsp salt, black pepper, and 1 tbsp oil.
- d.Gently mix all the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Momos
- b.After the dough has rested, knead it once more for a minute. Divide the dough into 24 equal-sized small balls.
- c.Take one ball and roll it into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Focus on making the edges thinner than the center.
- d.Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of the wrapper.
- e.To shape, hold the wrapper in your hand, and use your other hand to make small pleats along one edge. Bring the pleated edge to meet the smooth edge and press firmly to seal, creating a half-moon shape. Alternatively, gather all the pleats at the center to form a pouch.
- f.Place the shaped momos on a plate and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you shape the rest.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Momos
- b.Add water to a steamer pot and bring it to a rolling boil.
- c.Lightly grease the steamer tray with oil to prevent the momos from sticking. You can also line it with cabbage leaves.
- d.Arrange the momos in the steamer, leaving at least a 1-inch gap between each one to allow for even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
- e.Place the steamer tray over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat.
- f.The momos are cooked when the wrapper appears translucent and shiny, and feels non-sticky to the touch.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully remove the momos from the steamer.
- c.Serve immediately with a spicy momo chutney, chili garlic sauce, or a simple soy-vinegar dip.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more delicate wrapper, ensure you roll the edges as thin as possible while keeping the center slightly thicker to hold the filling.
- 2Do not overfill the momos, as they might burst open during steaming.
- 3Always keep the dough and shaped momos covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out, which can cause cracks.
- 4To check if the chicken is cooked, you can take one momo out and cut it open after 10 minutes of steaming.
- 5For extra juicy filling, you can use chicken mince with a slightly higher fat content or add a teaspoon of melted butter to the mix.
- 6You can freeze uncooked momos. Place them on a tray without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Filling
Replace chicken with a mixture of finely chopped cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and paneer. Sauté the vegetables lightly to remove excess moisture before filling.
Healthier DoughHealthier Dough
Use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour (atta) and all-purpose flour for a more fibrous and nutritious wrapper.
Kothey Momos (Pan Fried)Kothey Momos (Pan-Fried)
After steaming, pan-fry the momos in a little oil until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Then add a splash of water, cover, and let them steam for a minute to create a crispy-bottom, soft-top texture.
Spicier FillingSpicier Filling
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a finely chopped red chili to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
The chicken filling provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Low-Fat Cooking Method
Steaming is a healthy cooking technique that requires no added fat, making these dumplings significantly lower in calories and fat compared to their fried counterparts.
Source of B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of 6 steamed chicken momos contains approximately 380-420 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the momos and the fat content of the chicken mince used.