Chicken Rice Changu – Savory Steamed Chicken & Rice Flour Bites

Chicken Rice Changu is a unique and delightful snack that blends minced chicken with soft rice flour dough, crafted into adorable shapes and steamed to tender perfection. Tender chicken seasoned with spices fills each fragrant rice flour cup, creating a satisfying bite that’s equally great as a snack or light meal. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with traditional technique to make a wholesome treat that’s both nutritious and comforting — perfect for family gatherings, lunchboxes, or tea-time delight.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Rice Dough

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup boiling water

For the Chicken Filling

• Salt, to taste

• 1 cup minced chicken

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 green chilli, finely chopped

• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon chilli powder

• 1 teaspoon meat masala
  (or a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, coriander powder)

• 5–10 curry leaves

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 small piece ginger, minced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

👩‍🍳 Preparation Method

1. Make the Rice Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour and salt.
2. Gradually pour boiling water over the flour while mixing continuously.
3. Knead quickly into a soft, springy dough. Set aside to rest.

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2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium flame.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and light golden.
3. Add green chilli, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and curry leaves. Stir for a minute.
4. Sprinkle in chilli powder and meat masala; sauté until fragrant.
5. Add minced chicken, stir well, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the mixture is dry.
6. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to prevent sticking.
7. Once fully cooked, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

3. Shape the Changu

Seal the top by pinching the edges together and shape into balls or cute heart shapes — whatever you

Divide the rice dough into even portions and shape each into a small cup using your hands.

Lightly oil your fingers if the dough sticks.

Fill each rice cup with the cooked chicken mixture.

4. Steam the Changu

1. Arrange the filled rice balls on a steamer plate or idli tray.
2. Steam in a steamer or idli maker for 20–30 minutes, until the rice flour is fully cooked and tender.
3. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

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🍽️ How to Serve

Serve Chicken Rice Changu warm as a:

• Savory snack
• Light meal
• Party appetizer
• Lunchbox treat

For extra flavour, enjoy them with your favourite chutney or a dollop of ketchup on the side.

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📝 Tips for Best Results

✔ Keep your hands lightly oiled while shaping to prevent sticking.
✔ If the chicken mixture feels dry, add a splash of water while sautéing.
✔ Steam gently — overcooking can make the rice dough firm.
✔ Make heart shapes or bite-sized morsels for a fun presentation.

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🍗 Healthy & Wholesome

This recipe combines the lightness of steamed rice flour dough with the richness of seasoned minced chicken, making it both satisfying and nutritious — a perfect balance of protein and carbs with minimal oil.