
Fried Chicken Momos Calories + Is It Worth the Crunch?
Introduction
Fried chicken momos have exploded in popularity across India and beyond. Whether it’s the irresistible crunch or the spicy chicken stuffing, these dumplings are now a fast-food favorite. But as more people indulge, one important question looms: What are the fried chicken momos calories, and are they really worth the crispy bite? In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about chicken momo fried, from calorie count and nutritional concerns to preparation tips and whether they fit into a healthy diet.
If you’re searching for clarity on fried chicken momos calories, you’re in the right place. From street stalls in Delhi to high-end cafés in Bangalore, these golden delights are winning hearts—and expanding waistlines. Let’s uncover why.
What Are Fried Chicken Momos?
Before we dive into numbers, let’s first understand what we’re talking about. A traditional chicken momo is typically steamed. However, chicken momo fried is deep-fried until golden and crispy. The outer shell becomes crunchy while the inner chicken filling remains juicy. This twist in cooking style changes both the texture and the nutrition profile.
When you take a standard chicken momo and fry it, the oil absorption significantly boosts its calorie count. That’s why understanding fried chicken momos calories becomes crucial if you’re watching your diet.
Fried chicken momos have become a popular item in street food stalls, restaurants, and home kitchens. This crunchy alternative is especially favored by those who love bold flavors and crispy textures. But is that crunch worth the cost in fried chicken momos calories?
How Chicken Momo Fried Is Made
To get that perfect crisp texture, chicken momo fried is made by deep-frying pre-steamed momos or raw momos filled with seasoned minced chicken, herbs, onions, and garlic. Some people even coat them in a light batter or bread crumbs for extra crunch.
While the traditional method keeps calories lower, the frying process causes each piece to absorb oil—resulting in higher fried chicken momos calories.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare dough using maida (refined flour) and water.
- Mix chicken mince with chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, salt, and spices.
- Fill the wrappers and seal them tightly.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Every step in this process impacts the chicken momo fried nutrition profile. The ingredients, oil type, and frying time all determine how many fried chicken momos calories are packed into each piece. If you’re counting fried chicken momos calories, even minor preparation tweaks can matter.
Calories in Chicken Momo Fried: The Real Numbers
Let’s talk specifics. A single steamed chicken momo might contain around 35–45 calories. Once fried, the calorie count can go up to 80–100 calories per piece, depending on the size, oil absorption, and stuffing.
So if you’re eating a full plate of 6–8 chicken momo fried, you’re consuming approximately 600–800 calories in one go! That’s nearly half the daily intake for someone on a 1600–1800 calorie diet. That’s a serious amount of fried chicken momos calories in one meal!
Type of Momo | Calories per Piece | Calories (1 Plate of 8) |
Steamed Chicken Momos | 40 | 320 |
Chicken Momo Fried | 95 | 760 |
The above data shows how drastically fried chicken momos calories rise compared to the steamed version. Now think about those days when you pair it with spicy chutney, mayonnaise, or a sugary cold drink — the total intake can easily go above 1000 calories in one sitting!
Don’t forget, the calories from frying oil accumulate rapidly. The more oil absorbed, the more your fried chicken momos calories skyrocket.
What Makes Fried Chicken Momos High in Calories?
1. Deep Frying Technique
Frying increases fat content due to oil absorption. Even when you drain or pat them dry, chicken momo fried still retains a high fat profile. This is the primary contributor to fried chicken momos calories.
2. Chicken Filling
Though lean, chicken mince contains natural fats. When combined with fried outer dough, this contributes significantly to fried chicken momos calories.
3. Refined Flour (Maida)
The dough used is often refined flour, which is calorie-dense and low in fiber. It’s rapidly digested and adds little nutritional value. It’s a hidden component of high fried chicken momos calories.
4. Oil Quality
If reused oil is used (as in many street stalls), the oil may contain harmful trans fats. This further increases the risks associated with chicken momo fried consumption and amplifies fried chicken momos calories.
5. Additional Condiments
Pairing your fried momos with mayo, cheesy dips, or creamy sauces adds to the already high fried chicken momos calories total.
Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken Momo Fried
Here’s what you typically get in 1 fried chicken momo:
- Calories: 90–100 kcal
- Protein: 4–5g
- Fat: 5–6g
- Carbohydrates: 8–10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150–200mg
Multiply that by 8 pieces:
- Total Calories: 760–800 kcal
- Total Fat: 48g
- Total Sodium: 1600mg or more
Clearly, if you’re not monitoring fried chicken momos calories, you could easily overshoot your daily limit.
Are Chicken Momo Fried Healthy?
The short answer: not really. While chicken momo fried can provide good protein from the chicken, the high fat and low fiber content make them more of an occasional treat than a daily snack.
Eating them regularly may contribute to:
- Weight gain
- High cholesterol
- Digestive issues
- Increased calorie surplus
- Nutrient imbalance
If you’re trying to reduce fried chicken momos calories, consider steaming them instead or opting for an air-fried version.
Tips to Reduce Fried Chicken Momos Calories
If you love chicken momo fried but want to reduce the calorie intake, here are some smart tips:
- Use lean chicken breast for filling to cut down fat.
- Air fry instead of deep frying to cut oil use.
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Avoid thick dough wrappers to reduce carb content.
- Blot with tissue paper after frying to remove excess oil.
- Limit the quantity – don’t eat more than 4–5 in one serving.
- Add vegetables like cabbage or carrot in the filling to reduce calorie density.
- Use heart-healthy oils like olive or rice bran in moderation
- Track your intake – knowing the exact fried chicken momos calories can help with mindful eating.
Fried Chicken Momos Calories vs Other Momo Types
Momo Type | Cal/Piece | Fat | Protein | Cooking Method |
Steamed Chicken Momo | 40 | 1g | 4g | Steamed |
Chicken Momo Fried | 95 | 6g | 5g | Deep-Fried |
Kurkure Chicken Momo | 120 | 8g | 6g | Coated + Fried |
Tandoori Chicken Momo | 80 | 4g | 5g | Grilled |
Pan-Fried Chicken Momo | 70 | 3g | 4g | Shallow Fry |
As seen above, fried chicken momos calories are among the highest. The difference may seem small per piece but adds up with each bite.
Chicken Momo Fried: Taste vs Health
There’s no doubt chicken momo fried tastes amazing with its crispy shell and savory filling. But is it worth the high fried chicken momos calories? Let’s break it down:
Pros:
- Crunchy and satisfying texture
- Juicy chicken filling
- Great for cheat meals
- Popular party snack
Cons:
- High in fat and calories
- Can be addictive
- Low in fiber and micronutrients
- Not ideal for daily consumption
Balanced eating means enjoying such treats without guilt but also without excess fried chicken momos calories.
When to Eat Fried Chicken Momos
While you don’t need to avoid chicken momo fried entirely, moderation is key.
Best times to enjoy fried chicken momos:
- As a cheat meal once a week
- Post-workout (only in moderation and when you need high energy)
- During festivals or celebrations
- Shared with others to reduce portion size
Avoid late-night or frequent consumption if you’re watching your fried chicken momos calories or trying to maintain a balanced diet.
Alternatives to Chicken Momo Fried
If you want the same flavor without the guilt, here are some options:
- Air-Fried Chicken Momos – crispy with less oil
- Steamed Chicken Momos – low calorie and light
- Tandoori Chicken Momos – spicy, grilled, and flavorful
- Pan-fried Chicken Momos – use minimal oil for crisp edges
Switching to these can drastically reduce your fried chicken momos calories intake.
Making Homemade Chicken Momo Fried Healthier
Home-cooked momos can be customized to lower calories:
- Control the oil quantity
- Use quality lean chicken
- Add vegetables to the filling for bulk and fiber
- Use thinner wrappers
- Shallow fry or pan sear
Even reheating leftovers in an air fryer instead of refrying can help maintain flavor while reducing added fat. Homemade chicken momo fried lets you enjoy the taste while staying mindful of nutrition.
By cooking at home, you can cut fried chicken momos calories almost in half with smart substitutions and prep methods.
Conclusion: Is the Crunch Worth It?
Chicken momo fried is a delicious indulgence that adds crunch to your plate and flavor to your mood. But with an average of 95 calories per piece, fried chicken momos calories quickly stack up. While they’re okay occasionally, frequent consumption may not align with your health goals.
Balance is key. Enjoy them mindfully, in moderation, and consider healthier alternatives when possible. So is the crunch worth it? Sometimes, yes. But not every day.
In the battle between taste and health, it’s your choice—and now, you have all the information you need to make the best one.
Stay crunchy—but smart!