🥟 The Best Nepali Chicken Momo Recipe You’ll Ever Make

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Nepali Chicken Momo is one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. These delicate dumplings are filled with a juicy mixture of minced chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices, then steamed until perfectly tender. Served with a bold, spicy tomato-sesame achar, every bite is packed with authentic Himalayan flavor.

Whether enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or dinner, momos are a staple in homes, street stalls, and restaurants across Nepal. While they may look impressive, homemade momos are surprisingly easy to make with a little practice.

This authentic recipe will show you how to make soft momo wrappers, flavorful chicken filling, and a delicious Nepali-style achar that tastes just like your favorite momo shop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Nepali flavors
  • Juicy, flavorful chicken filling
  • Soft, delicate homemade wrappers
  • Perfect with spicy tomato achar
  • Great for family meals and gatherings
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Easy to customize
  • Better than takeout

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Chicken Filling

  • 500 g minced chicken
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For the Nepali Tomato Achar

  • 3 ripe tomatoes
  • 2 dried red chilies (or 1 fresh red chili)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Kitchen Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Round cutter (optional)
  • Bamboo or metal steamer
  • Blender
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the minced chicken, onion, spring onion, garlic, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, oil, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Roll the Wrappers

Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each one into a thin circle about 3 inches (8 cm) wide, keeping the center slightly thicker than the edges.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Pleat and seal the edges tightly to form classic round or half-moon momos.

Step 5: Steam

Lightly grease the steamer tray and arrange the momos without touching each other. Steam for 12–15 minutes, or until the wrappers turn slightly translucent and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Make the Achar

Roast the tomatoes and chilies until lightly charred. Blend them with garlic, toasted sesame seeds, roasted cumin, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.

Step 7: Serve

Arrange the hot momos on a platter with the spicy tomato-sesame achar and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Perfect Momos

  • Don’t overfill the wrappers.
  • Roll the edges thinner than the center.
  • Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying.
  • Grease the steamer well to prevent sticking.
  • Serve the momos hot for the best taste and texture.

Delicious Variations

Buff Momo

Use minced buffalo meat for the traditional Nepali version.

Fried Momo

Pan-fry or deep-fry steamed momos until crispy.

Jhol Momo

Serve the momos in a spicy sesame and tomato soup.

Cheese Chicken Momo

Mix shredded mozzarella into the filling.

Chili Momo

Toss steamed momos in a spicy garlic chili sauce.

What to Serve With Momos

  • Nepali tomato-sesame achar
  • Jhol (spiced soup)
  • Pickled radish
  • Fresh cucumber salad
  • Masala tea
  • Lemon wedges

Storage Tips

Uncooked momos can be frozen on a tray until firm, then transferred to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Steam directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Cooked momos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated by steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze homemade momos?

Yes! Freeze them before steaming for the best results.

Can I use store-bought wrappers?

Absolutely. Fresh dumpling wrappers work well if you’re short on time.

How do I know when they’re cooked?

The wrappers become slightly translucent, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make vegetarian momos?

Yes. Replace the chicken with finely chopped vegetables, mushrooms, paneer, or tofu.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

A traditional Nepali tomato-sesame achar is the classic choice.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g

Nutrition values are estimates.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Nepali Chicken Momos are the perfect combination of soft, delicate wrappers, juicy chicken filling, and bold, spicy tomato achar. Whether you’re introducing someone to Nepali cuisine or recreating a favorite street food at home, this recipe delivers authentic flavors in every bite.

Once you try making them from scratch, you’ll see why they’re one of Nepal’s most loved dishes.

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