
Chicken Fried Momos: Recipe, Tips & Why Everyone Loves Them
Introduction: The Crispy Craze of Chicken Fried Momos
Momos have taken over the street food scene across India, Nepal, and many parts of Asia. But among all its variants, one style that steals the show is chicken fried momos. These golden, crunchy, flavor-packed dumplings are a cross between comforting chicken stuffing and the addictive crunch of deep-frying. Whether you’re grabbing a plate from a roadside vendor or making them fresh at home, fried chicken momos are irresistible.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the mouthwatering world of chicken fried momos, explore a step-by-step recipe, reveal expert cooking tips, and explain why this momo variety has become a crowd favorite.
The Origin of Chicken Fried Momos
While traditional momos are steamed and known for their soft texture, chicken fried momos emerged as a fusion twist that offers a crispy bite. Popular across Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, fried chicken momos are the lovechild of Indo-Tibetan cuisine and street food innovation. The idea is simple—take a juicy, flavorful chicken momo and give it a golden fried finish.
Street vendors often started frying leftover momos to avoid wastage, and soon people began to prefer the crunchy version more. Now, fried momos have become so popular that they feature on menus from five-star hotels to food trucks.
Why Everyone Loves Chicken Fried Momos
There’s something universally satisfying about crispy food—and chicken fried momos check every box. Here’s why they’ve captured so many hearts:
- Crunch & Juiciness: The outer layer is golden and crisp, while the inside remains juicy and tender.
- Flavors that Pop: Fried chicken momos are often spiced more intensely to balance the rich taste of frying.
- Perfect Snack or Meal: Serve them as an appetizer or even as a meal with noodles or fried rice.
- Dips and Chutneys: They pair perfectly with spicy momo chutney, garlic mayo, or even schezwan sauce.
- Instagrammable Appeal: They look mouthwatering, especially when sizzling straight out of the fryer.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Be it kids, teens, or adults—everyone loves fried chicken momos.
- Anytime Craving: Midday snack, midnight hunger, or Sunday brunch—they fit all moods and meals.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Momos
Before we jump into the step-by-step recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Water as needed
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 250g minced chicken
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp spring onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
- Cornflour slurry (optional, for extra crispiness)
How to Make Chicken Fried Momos – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water while kneading until you get a soft, non-sticky dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger paste. Sauté until golden. Add the minced chicken, soy sauce, green chilies, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is done and dry. Let the mixture cool before using.
Step 3: Shape the Momos
Roll out small portions of the dough into thin circles. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Fold and seal using your preferred shape—half-moon, round, or pleated.
Step 4: Fry the Momos
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, gently slide in the momos and fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy. For added crunch, dip each momo in a cornflour slurry before frying.
Tips to Get the Perfect Fried Chicken Momos
To make sure your chicken fried momos come out perfect every time, follow these tips:
- Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can break the wrapper during frying.
- Seal tightly: Any opening will allow oil to seep into the momo.
- Right oil temperature: Too hot and the outside burns while the inside stays raw; too cold and they absorb oil.
- Double fry: For extra crispiness, fry once, let them rest, and fry again just before serving.
- Use fresh minced chicken: This enhances the flavor of your fried chicken momos immensely.
- Use cornflour slurry: Dip before frying to create a beautiful crunchy coating.
- Keep oil clean: Fry in small batches to avoid burnt crumbs in oil.
Healthier Alternatives to Deep-Fried Chicken Momos
While fried chicken momos are indulgent, you can try these to cut down the calories:
- Air fry them: A healthier option that still gives crispiness.
- Pan fry with less oil: Shallow frying with a non-stick pan works well.
- Bake them: Coat lightly with oil spray and bake until golden.
- Steam then fry lightly: A mix of steaming and shallow frying preserves texture and cuts fat.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how you can serve your hot plate of chicken fried momos:
- With red chili momo chutney for that authentic kick.
- Paired with garlic mayo or cheese dip for a fusion twist.
- With noodles, fried rice, or even in a momo sizzler platter.
- Garnished with chopped coriander and a dash of lemon juice.
- Served with iced tea or cola to balance the heat.
Popular Variations of Chicken Fried Momos
Fried chicken momos are incredibly versatile. You can customize them in many ways:
- Tandoori Fried Chicken Momos: Marinate momos in a tandoori masala mix and then fry.
- Cheesy Chicken Fried Momos: Add a cube of cheese inside the filling.
- Schezwan Fried Chicken Momos: Toss the fried momos in a spicy schezwan sauce.
- Kurkure Chicken Momos: Coat in crushed cornflakes before frying for maximum crunch.
- Butter Chicken Fried Momos: Drizzle with creamy butter chicken sauce.
- Chili Garlic Chicken Fried Momos: Garnished with fried garlic and chili oil.
Why Chicken Fried Momos are a Party Favorite
Whether it’s a house party, college canteen, or evening snack craving, chicken fried momos have a fanbase of their own. Here’s why:
- Quick to make in large batches.
- Loved by both kids and adults.
- Easily paired with drinks, dips, and other snacks.
- A crunchy change from the usual finger food.
- Satisfying and filling, yet fun-sized.
- Fits fusion themes like Indo-Chinese or Asian street food.
Street Food vs Homemade Fried Chicken Momos
Street-style fried chicken momos are often more oily and spiced heavily, while homemade versions can be tailored to your taste. You control the freshness, spice level, and hygiene when making them at home.
However, there’s something irreplaceable about the experience of biting into a hot, crunchy momo from your favorite roadside stall with a fiery chutney!
Homemade chicken fried momos also give you room to experiment—add herbs, try different oils, or stuff them with surprise fillings. Street food gives you speed and spice, homemade offers control and creativity.
FAQs About Chicken Fried Momos
Q1. Are chicken fried momos healthy?
They’re a delicious treat but not the healthiest due to deep frying. Opt for baking or air frying for a lighter version.
Q2. Can I use leftover momos for frying?
Yes! Leftover steamed momos fry up perfectly the next day.
Q3. Can I freeze chicken fried momos?
You can freeze uncooked shaped momos and fry them straight from frozen.
Q4. Which oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like sunflower, rice bran, or canola are ideal.
Q5. How do I reheat chicken fried momos?
Use an oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a crispy snack or planning an appetizer platter for guests, chicken fried momos are a guaranteed hit. Their crunchy shell, juicy chicken center, and endless pairing options make them a timeless favorite.
Next time you’re wondering what to cook that’s fun, spicy, and satisfying—go for fried chicken momos. Perfect for parties, monsoon evenings, or simply a guilty pleasure!
Conclusion
In a world full of food fads, chicken fried momos have stood the test of time due to their unbeatable combination of crunch, flavor, and versatility. From street vendors to high-end kitchens, this dish continues to win hearts across age groups and regions. Whether you enjoy them spicy, cheesy, tandoori, or classic, fried chicken momos deliver pure satisfaction in every bite.
The rise of chicken fried momos is not just about taste—it’s about the experience. The sizzle as they hit hot oil, the crunch with every bite, and the burst of flavor from the juicy chicken filling make these momos a complete sensory delight. They fit every occasion: movie nights, family gatherings, college canteens, or office parties.
What sets fried chicken momos apart is their adaptability. Craving something fiery? Toss them in schezwan sauce. Need something comforting? Pair them with classic red chili chutney. Looking to impress guests? Serve them with creative dips and a garnish of herbs and microgreens. They’re your go-to snack and appetizer rolled into one crispy parcel.
As food lovers explore fusion trends, chicken fried momos continue to evolve—now found with cheese stuffing, kurkure coating, and even in sizzler platters. But no matter how you prepare them, one thing stays the same: their delicious charm. For anyone who enjoys crispy delights packed with flavor, fried chicken momos are nothing short of perfect.
So, whether you’re a momo veteran or a curious first-timer, it’s time to treat yourself. Grab the ingredients, follow the recipe, and make your own batch of chicken fried momos today. Once you bite into that crunchy exterior and taste the flavorful filling inside, you’ll know why the world can’t stop loving them.