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Spicy Chicken Buns

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Keywords: Spicy chicken buns, homemade buns, steamed buns, baked buns, spicy chicken recipe, Asian inspired appetizers, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/spicy-chicken-buns/