Spicy Chicken Buns
If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and utterly satisfying for dinner, these Spicy Chicken Buns are exactly what you need tonight. Combining tender, juicy chicken infused with a perfect blend of spices and heat inside soft, pillowy buns, this recipe delivers that comforting bite that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you’re new to making buns or a seasoned home cook, these Spicy Chicken Buns balance ease and excitement in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The perfect mix of spicy heat and savory chicken makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Soft and Pillowy: Homemade buns that are tender and fluffy add an irresistible texture contrast.
- Quick to Prepare: You don’t need to be a pro baker or spend hours; this recipe is friendly for busy nights.
- Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether mild or fiery hot.
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a batch, share with family or friends, and watch these spicy chicken buns disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making irresistibly delicious Spicy Chicken Buns. Each component plays a crucial role, from building flavor foundations to achieving the perfect texture and inviting aroma that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: The base for soft, airy buns with the perfect chewiness.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the buns rise to soft perfection while keeping them light.
- Warm milk: Activates yeast and adds a slight richness to the dough.
- Sugar: Balances spice and aids yeast fermentation for fluffy buns.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the spicy chicken.
- Ground chicken: Provides lean protein that absorbs spices well and stays juicy.
- Garlic and ginger: Staples that build a fragrant, savory base layer in the chicken filling.
- Chili paste or fresh chilies: The source of that signature spicy kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the filling mix.
- Sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- Cornstarch: Helps to bind and thicken the filling, keeping it juicy without being watery.
- Green onions: Freshness and crunch balance the heat right inside the buns.
Variations for Spicy Chicken Buns
These buns are incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor cravings. Whether you want to make them vegetarian, milder, or extra crispy, the possibilities are endless and fun to explore!
- Use ground turkey or pork: Swap chicken to add a different texture and flavor profile.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free version.
- Different spice levels: Adjust the quantity of chili paste or add a dash of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
- Add cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey surprise inside the buns.
- Steamed vs. baked: For a softer bite, steam the buns instead of baking, classic in many Asian versions.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Buns
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it bloom until foamy. Mix in flour and salt to form a soft dough, kneading well for about 10 minutes. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the spicy chicken filling
In a pan, heat sesame oil, then sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add ground chicken and cook through, breaking it apart. Stir in chili paste, soy sauce, and cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken the mixture. Cook until the filling is juicy but not watery. Finish with chopped green onions.
Step 3: Assemble the buns
Divide the dough into equal balls, flatten each to a small disc, and spoon a generous amount of spicy chicken filling in the center. Gather the edges to seal them tightly and shape into smooth buns.
Step 4: Cook the buns
Choose your method: steam the buns over boiling water for 12-15 minutes until fluffy or bake them after brushing with egg wash at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chicken Buns
- Use warm ingredients: Make sure the milk and water are lukewarm to activate yeast effectively.
- Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading builds gluten, ensuring the buns are light and chewy.
- Seal buns tightly: Prevent filling leakage by pinching the dough edges firmly before cooking.
- Don’t overfill: Use the right amount of filling to avoid bursting or soggy buns.
- Rest dough after shaping: Let buns rest 10 minutes before cooking to relax the gluten for better texture.
- Steam for softness: Steaming produces the classic fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with spicy chicken.
- Store in airtight containers: Keep leftovers moist and fresh without drying out.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Buns
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top of buns after cooking for a fresh burst of flavor and color contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these Spicy Chicken Buns with a light cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a crisp Asian slaw for a refreshing balance to the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the buns on a bamboo steamer basket or a rustic wooden board lined with parchment, adding small dipping bowls of soy sauce or chili oil for an interactive and inviting meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooked Spicy Chicken Buns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making sure to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked buns arranged on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to one month and can be cooked directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
Reheat steamed buns by steaming them for 5-7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and softness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought buns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-made buns, but making your own dough adds freshness and allows control over texture and flavor for truly delicious Spicy Chicken Buns.
How spicy are these buns?
The heat level is flexible—you can reduce or increase chili paste depending on your preference. Mild versions carry a gentle warmth; for bold heat, add extra fresh chilies.
Are these buns suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They freeze well before cooking and can easily be reheated, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it to slow down the fermentation, then bring it back to room temperature before shaping and filling.
What dipping sauces go best with Spicy Chicken Buns?
Simple soy sauce, chili oil, or a tangy hoisin sauce complement these buns beautifully, enhancing both flavor and texture with each bite.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have everything you need to make these mouthwatering Spicy Chicken Buns, don’t wait to get started. This recipe brings exciting flavors and comforting textures together in a way that feels special yet totally achievable. Whether for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these buns are sure to become a new favorite to crave again and again.
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Spicy Chicken Buns
These Spicy Chicken Buns combine tender, juicy ground chicken infused with a perfect blend of spices and heat, wrapped inside soft, pillowy homemade buns. This recipe is easy to prepare, customizable in spice level, and perfect for sharing. Whether steamed for classic fluffiness or baked for a golden crust, these buns deliver comforting, bold flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 buns 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Steaming or Baking
- Cuisine: Asian fusion
- Diet: Contains gluten
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (lukewarm)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1–2 tbsp chili paste or finely chopped fresh chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tbsp water
- 2 green onions, chopped
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Smoked paprika for smoky warmth (optional)
- Ground turkey or pork as a meat swap (optional)
- Chopped mushrooms or tofu for vegetarian option (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the spicy chicken filling: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until fully cooked through. Stir in chili paste or fresh chilies, soy sauce, and the dissolved cornstarch mixture. Cook until the filling thickens but remains juicy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in chopped green onions. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
- Assemble the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized balls (about 10-12, depending on size preference). Flatten each ball into a small disc and spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken filling into the center. If using cheese or additional fillings, add now. Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch tightly to seal, shaping into a smooth bun. Let the shaped buns rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Cook the buns: Choose your preferred cooking method: For steaming, place buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment and steam over boiling water for 12-15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), brush buns with an egg wash for a shiny golden crust, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use lukewarm (not hot) milk to activate yeast effectively.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for a light and chewy texture.
- Seal the buns tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Do not overfill the buns to avoid bursting or sogginess.
- Allow buns to rest after shaping for better texture.
- Steaming produces soft, classic buns; baking creates a crispy exterior.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain moisture for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked buns for up to one month; cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheat steamed buns by steaming 5-7 minutes or microwaving covered with a damp cloth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Spicy chicken buns, homemade buns, steamed buns, baked buns, spicy chicken recipe, Asian inspired appetizers, easy dinner recipe
