Making chicken momos at home is like unlocking a treasure chest of flavor wrapped in delicate, pillowy dough. Rooted in Himalayan street food culture, momos have surged in popularity worldwide because they offer the perfect balance of juicy, savory filling and soft, steamed wrapper — an irresistible combo that’s both comforting and light.
What makes this Chicken Momos Recipe special is the way the fresh chicken mince is mixed with finely chopped aromatics like onion, celery, and spring onion, all bound together with oyster sauce and just a hint of ginger and garlic. The subtle spices and umami depth shine through every bite.
A common challenge when making momos is getting the wrappers thin enough to be tender but strong enough to hold the juicy filling without bursting. I’ve found that adding just the right amount of water to the flour and resting the dough makes all the difference.
Serve these with a tangy Shack Sauce for dipping and a refreshing glass of Russian Apple Kvas for a unique flavor pairing.
This recipe is trending because it offers a homemade alternative to popular takeout, with control over ingredients and freshness—a huge plus for anyone mindful of their diet. In fact, homemade momos typically have less fat and fewer preservatives, making them a lighter, healthier snack or meal.
Momos satisfy without the heaviness — perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food while keeping meals balanced and wholesome.
Try it out and let me know how you customize your fillings or sauces!
The Secret to Loving Every Bite!
- Lighter Yet Comforting: The fresh, aromatic filling feels much lighter than typical fried snacks but still delivers all the cozy, satisfying flavors you crave.
- Weekend Fun in the Kitchen: Making the dough from scratch turned cooking momos into an enjoyable weekend project, adding a hands-on touch beyond just a quick meal.
- Gluten-Free Friendly Swap: I swapped oyster sauce for tamari to give it a gluten-free twist—without sacrificing any of the delicious umami flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s family dinners or casual hangouts, these soft, juicy momos always disappear fast and bring everyone together.
- Healthy & Satisfying: This recipe helps me enjoy tasty food without feeling weighed down—perfect for balancing flavor and mindful eating.
Chicken Momos Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Steamer (bamboo or metal)
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick pan (optional, if pan-frying)
Ingredients
Momo Wrapper:
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour plus extra for dusting
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Chicken Filling:
- 200 Grams Chicken Mince ground chicken
- 1/2 Cup finely chopped Onion
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped Celery
- 1/2 Cup finely chopped Spring Onion
- 1/2 Teaspoon finely chopped Ginger
- 1/2 Teaspoon finely chopped Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Cornflour
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and water to knead a soft dough; set aside covered for 20 minutes.
- Mix chicken mince with chopped onion, celery, spring onion, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out the dough into thin circles about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper, then fold and pinch edges to seal.
- Arrange momos in a steamer basket lined with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Steam momos for 12-15 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and filling is cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like Shack Sauce or enjoy with a chilled glass of Russian Apple Kvas.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 41kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 181mg |
Flavor-Filled Variations To Spice Up Your Recipe!
- Add a Touch of Heat: Incorporate finely chopped fresh green chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce into the filling for a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Herbaceous Twist: Try folding in chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil into the chicken mix. These herbs bring a fresh, slightly citrusy note that brightens the filling beautifully.
- Texture Play: Mix in finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for an unexpected crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft, juicy chicken.
- Fusion Filling: Swap part of the chicken mince with finely diced paneer or tofu for a fusion-style vegetarian-friendly option that still keeps the texture satisfying.
- Citrus Zest: Grate a little lemon or lime zest into the filling to add a subtle zing that lifts the umami and balances the richness.
- Smoky Undertone: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke to give your momos a mild smoky aroma, perfect for adding depth without changing the core flavor.
- Alternative Wrappers: Experiment with whole wheat or multigrain flour for a nuttier wrapper that adds extra fiber and a heartier bite, perfect for those wanting a healthier twist without compromising texture.
Each variation can subtly shift the flavor profile and texture, helping you customize this classic recipe to suit your mood or occasion — while keeping that signature juicy, tender momo experience intact.
