The moment the steam rises from the pot, carrying the mouthwatering scent of garlic and ginger, you know you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure. These Perfect Chicken Momos offer a delightful twist on your usual snack options, combining tender chicken filling with the comforting embrace of soft, steamed dough. They are not just a treat to the taste buds; they’re the perfect excuse for a cozy get-together or a fun cooking session with loved ones. Whether you’re dressing them up with a spicy chili-garlic sauce or savoring them solo, these momos promise a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, with variations such as Smoky Tandoori Chicken and Chicken & Cheese Fusion, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create these irresistible dumplings that are bound to become your new favorite appetizer!
Why are Chicken Momos a must-try?
Mouthwatering Aroma: The steam that escapes when you open the lid carries a tantalizing scent of garlic and ginger, instantly setting the stage for a delightful experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these momos are bound to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Customizable Flavor: With variations like Smoky Tandoori Chicken and Chicken & Cheese Fusion, you can cater to different taste preferences and explore exciting flavor combinations.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, these momos fit perfectly into your busy schedule without compromising on taste or quality.
Nutrient-Packed Delight: Low in fat and high in protein, these chicken momos offer a guilt-free snacking option that satisfies your cravings while keeping health in mind.
Chicken Momos Ingredients
For the Dough
- All Purpose Flour – Essential for creating a sturdy momo wrapper; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Water – Helps hydrate the flour; adjust as needed for a smooth dough consistency.
- Salt – Enhances flavor of the dough; optional to adjust for dietary restrictions.
For the Filling
- Chicken Mince – The main protein source providing delicious flavor; ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and moisture; substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
- Celery – Offers a crunchy texture in the filling; can be omitted for a simpler recipe.
- Spring Onion – Adds fresh flavor; substitute with chives if necessary.
- Ginger – Delivers warmth and aromatic spices to the mix; fresh ginger is preferred for best results.
- Garlic – Elevates the overall flavor profile; adjust quantity based on personal preference.
- Oyster Sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor; soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar can be a good alternative.
- Cornflour – Acts as a binding agent for the filling; can be skipped if using moist meat.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to fit your taste.
Optional Notes
Explore variations of Chicken Momos to suit your taste and dietary needs!
How to Make Chicken Momos
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Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, knead together all-purpose flour, salt, and water until you achieve a smooth dough. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to improve its elasticity.
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Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken mince, finely chopped onions, celery, spring onions, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Combine well for a delicious and cohesive flavor.
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Shape the Wrappers: Divide the rested dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin, round wrapper, aiming for a diameter of about three inches. The thinner, the better!
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Assemble the Momos: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Carefully fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
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Prepare to Steam: Arrange the momos in a greased steamer basket, making sure to leave space between each one to allow for expansion while cooking.
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Steam the Momos: Steam the momos for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns shiny and the filling is cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot momos with chili-garlic chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience.
Optional: Garnish with fresh coriander for added flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Chicken Momos
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Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is smooth and pliable to create the perfect wrappers. Too dry will crack, while too wet will be hard to manage.
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Filling Balance: Don’t overstuff your momos! A spoonful of filling is enough to keep them tender and prevent bursting during steaming.
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Sealing Technique: Pinch the edges of the wrappers firmly to avoid any leaks while steaming. A tight seal keeps the delicious chicken momos intact!
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Steaming Space: Steaming them in batches will give ample space for each momo, allowing them to cook evenly and become beautifully shiny.
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Custom Sauces: Enhance your experience by creating dipping sauces that complement your Chicken Momos, like a spicy chili-garlic sauce or cooling yogurt dip.
What to Serve with Chicken Momos?
When it’s time to elevate your momo experience, consider these delicious companions to enhance your meal.
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Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce: Perfectly zesty, this sauce adds a fiery kick that complements the savory filling of the momos.
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Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip: Cool and tangy, this dip balances the spice with a creamy texture, making every bite a delight.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy, colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing, this slaw adds freshness and a satisfying crunch alongside the soft momos.
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Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce: This deep, umami-rich sauce brings out the flavors in the momos, with a hint of sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Herbed Broth: Serve your momos in a light, fragrant broth to create a cozy soup experience that warms the soul.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and herbs cuts through the richness, making it a refreshing side that balances out the meal.
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Light Beer or Sparkling Water: Pair your momos with a chilled light beer or sparkling water to cleanse the palate and enhance your dining experience.
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Sesame Ginger Dressing: Drizzle over a salad or raw veggies for a delightful contrast, adding an aromatic note that enhances the whole meal.
Indulge in these pairings to create a culinary journey filled with delightful textures and flavors, celebrating the magic of homemade Chicken Momos!
Chicken Momos Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize these momos to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Spicy Variant: Add chopped green chilies to the filling for a fiery kick that warms the soul. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference—extra spice can elevate the flavor profile!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives in the Chicken & Cheese Fusion for a creamy, guilt-free twist. Perfect for those avoiding dairy, this gives the momos a rich texture without compromising flavor.
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Fresh Herbs: Incorporate finely chopped cilantro or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness. These herbs not only add vibrant color but also a garden-fresh taste that brightens each bite.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken mince for mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce and spices. This variation is perfect for plant-based diets while still capturing that beloved momo essence.
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Sweet Twist: Mix in a spoonful of finely chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet surprise. This fruity addition can enhance flavors and create a delightful contrast to the savory filling.
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Crunch Factor: Add water chestnuts or chopped nuts to the filling for an extra crispy texture. The added crunch complements the soft momos, creating a rewarding mouthfeel.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different types of ginger, like pickled or ground, depending on your flavor preference. Each form offers a unique taste that can transform the overall profile of your momos.
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Savory Broth: Serve the steamed momos in a light broth with greens for a comforting soup bowl rendition. This makes for a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Momos are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep the dough covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out. Form the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the dough into wrappers, fill them, and steam the momos for an easy dinner. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked momos for up to 1 month. Place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Just steam them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for delicious, freshly made Chicken Momos with minimal effort.
Storage Tips for Chicken Momos
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Room Temperature: Chicken momos should not be left out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and safety.
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Fridge: Leftover steamed chicken momos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the steamer or microwave, adding a splash of water.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked momos on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. They can be stored for up to a month, and you can steam them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Reheating: To revive leftover momos, steam them until heated through, or microwave them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Chicken Momos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken mince for my momos?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken mince, look for fresh, bright pink meat with minimal dark spots. Freshness is key, so check the sell-by date. Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option while still providing delicious flavor.
How can I store leftover Chicken Momos properly?
Leftover steamed chicken momos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy them later, reheat in the steamer or microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist and flavorful!
Can I freeze uncooked Chicken Momos?
Yes, you can! To freeze uncooked chicken momos, place them in a single layer on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. They can be stored for up to a month. Steam them straight from frozen, adding about 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if my dough is too sticky or dry while making Chicken Momos?
Ah, no worries! If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while kneading until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency. If it’s too dry, add small amounts of water gradually until it becomes pliable. Remember to keep the dough covered while working to prevent it from drying out!
Are Chicken Momos safe for my dog to eat?
While chicken itself is a good source of protein for dogs, be cautious about the added ingredients like garlic and onion. These can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to offer your pup plain, cooked chicken instead of momos topped with sauce or seasoning.
What if my momos come apart while steaming?
Very! If your momos leak during steaming, this may indicate they were overstuffed or not sealed tightly enough. For a better seal, pinch the edges firmly before steaming and avoid adding too much filling. Making sure to space the momos in the steamer will also help them cook evenly without sticking or bursting.
Irresistible Chicken Momos: Craft Your New Favorite Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, knead together all-purpose flour, salt, and water until you achieve a smooth dough. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken mince, finely chopped onions, celery, spring onions, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Combine well for a delicious and cohesive flavor.
- Divide the rested dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin, round wrapper, aiming for a diameter of about three inches.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly.
- Arrange the momos in a greased steamer basket, making sure to leave space between each one to allow for expansion while cooking.
- Steam the momos for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns shiny and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve the momos with chili-garlic chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience.