When I first made these chicken momos, I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared from the table! Steaming hot, bursting with juicy chicken filling, and wrapped in delicate dough, these momos are a delight to prepare and share.
They’re not just food; they’re a conversation starter. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again for family and friends. Let’s get started on making these delightful little parcels of joy!
Credit: foodpleasureandhealth
Ingredients for Chicken Momos
The secret to delicious chicken momos lies in fresh ingredients and perfect seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Wrappers:
225g plain flour (sifted) – Creates a soft, pliable dough.
75g cornflour (sifted) – Adds a smooth texture to the dough.
170ml water (adjust as needed) – Ensures the dough is firm yet soft.
A pinch of salt – Enhances the dough’s natural flavor. - For the Filling:
300g lean ground chicken – A light and tender protein choice.
5 cloves garlic (finely chopped) – Gives the filling a punch of flavor.
A 1-inch piece of ginger (finely chopped) – Brings a zesty warmth.
3 spring onions (finely chopped) – Adds a fresh crunch.
½ onion (finely chopped) – Balances the flavors with sweetness.
1 lemongrass stalk (white part only, finely diced) – Lends a fragrant citrusy note.
3 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped) – For a burst of herbal freshness.
2 green chilies (finely chopped) – Adds heat; adjust to taste.
1 tsp ground cumin – Offers earthy warmth.
2 tbsp soy sauce – Deepens the savory profile.
Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
Note: This recipe makes 6 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities for more or fewer servings.
Variations You Can Try
Make these chicken momos your own by trying these simple swaps or add-ins:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Dairy-Free Wrappers: Skip any recipes that call for butter or dairy in pre-made dough.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil or a sprinkle of powdered Sichuan pepper to the filling.
- No Lemongrass? Use a dash of fresh lime juice instead.
If you’re a fan of hearty soups, you might also enjoy this chicken pozole recipe for a comforting meal.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to get these little beauties on the table:
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the essential equipment for making momos, along with how you’ll use them:
- Mixing bowl: For combining the dough and filling.
- Rolling pin: To flatten the dough into circles.
- Cloth: To cover the dough and keep it moist while you work.
- Steamer or steaming rack: To steam the momos to perfection.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scale: For dividing the dough evenly.
How to Make Perfect Chicken Momos Recipe?
Want to make momos like a pro? Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Preparing the Dough
Start by mixing the plain flour, cornflour, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water and knead until you have a firm yet soft dough. It might feel a little stiff at first, but keep kneading for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for an hour to rest.
Crafting the Filling
While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Combine the ground chicken, garlic, ginger, spring onions, onion, lemongrass, coriander, chilies, ground cumin, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Rolling Out the Dough
Divide the dough into smaller pieces, roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 2mm thick and 9cm in diameter. This will create the perfect base for your filling.
Folding the Momos
Spoon a small amount (about a tablespoon) of filling onto each dough circle. Wet the edges with a little water, fold the dough in half to form a semi-circle, and pinch the edges shut. Pleat the edges for a decorative finish and a better seal.
Steaming the Momos
Place the momos in a steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Steam for about 6 minutes. The wrappers should turn translucent when fully cooked. Work in batches if necessary.
Credit: mygingergarlickitchen
Additional Tips for Perfect Momos
After some trial-and-error, here are my top tips for making these momos even better:
- Always knead the dough thoroughly to ensure smooth, elastic wrappers.
- For extra juicy filling, add a tablespoon of water or chicken stock to the mixture.
- Don’t overload the wrappers with filling; it can cause them to break or leak.
- Keep unused dough and assembled momos covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
How to Serve Chicken Momos?
Presentation matters! Arrange the momos neatly on a plate and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve them with a side of soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, or sesame-tomato chutney for dipping. A small bowl of hot soup can also complement these dumplings beautifully. For a twist, you might also enjoy this pulled chicken recipe, which is equally versatile and flavorful.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown per piece of chicken momo (estimated):
- Calories: 72
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8.2g
- Fat: 1g
Make Ahead and Storage
- To Store: Keep steamed momos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze the assembled, uncooked momos on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid.
- To Reheat: Steam refrigerated or defrosted momos for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This chicken momos recipe is designed to impress. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to snack or appetizer:
- Easy to Prepare: With a little practice, you’ll master momo-making in no time.
- Customizable Flavors: Switch up the filling and sauces to suit your preferences.
- Light and Healthy: Steamed instead of fried, these momos are a guilt-free treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family dinners. Everyone loves them!
- Versatile Serving: They work just as well as an appetizer, snack, or even the main course.
Chicken momos may take a bit of effort, but trust me, it’s all worth it when you see the smiles they bring. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with every bite! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Chicken Momos Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by mixing the plain flour, cornflour, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water and knead until you have a firm yet soft dough. It might feel a little stiff at first, but keep kneading for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for an hour to rest.
- While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Combine the ground chicken, garlic, ginger, spring onions, onion, lemongrass, coriander, chilies, ground cumin, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into smaller pieces, roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 2mm thick and 9cm in diameter. This will create the perfect base for your filling.
- Spoon a small amount (about a tablespoon) of filling onto each dough circle. Wet the edges with a little water, fold the dough in half to form a semi-circle, and pinch the edges shut. Pleat the edges for a decorative finish and a better seal.
- Place the momos in a steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Steam for about 6 minutes. The wrappers should turn translucent when fully cooked. Work in batches if necessary.
Notes
- Always knead the dough thoroughly to ensure smooth, elastic wrappers.
- For extra juicy filling, add a tablespoon of water or chicken stock to the mixture.
- Don’t overload the wrappers with filling; it can cause them to break or leak.
- Keep unused dough and assembled momos covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
