How to Make Spicy Chicken Buns at Home

If you’re craving something soft, flavorful, and with a little kick, you’ve come to the right place. Spicy Chicken Buns are a delicious treat that combines tender, juicy chicken with just the right amount of heat, all wrapped in pillowy, soft buns that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, learning how to make Spicy Chicken Buns at home is a fantastic way to elevate your culinary game and satisfy those spicy cravings with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Heat: This recipe delivers a gentle yet satisfying spicy flavor without overwhelming your palate.
• Soft and Fluffy Bun: The steamed buns are light and airy, creating the ideal companion to the rich chicken filling.
• Simple Ingredients: With everyday pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime without complicated shopping trips.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chili and seasonings to your preferred heat, making it great for all spice lovers.
• Great for Any Meal: Serve as a snack, lunch, or dinner – Spicy Chicken Buns fit every occasion beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward and essential ingredients that bring out bold flavors and the perfect texture. Each component plays a unique role, from the tender chicken to the soft bun dough and the flavorful spice blend.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the buns, providing structure while keeping them soft and fluffy.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures your buns rise beautifully, giving them that pillowy texture.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose your favorite cut; thighs offer juicier and more flavorful meat.
• Chili Paste or Sauce: Adds heat and depth, which you can adjust according to your liking.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami kick that balances the spices.
• Garlic and Ginger: Classic aromatics that infuse the chicken with warmth and punch.
• Scallions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor to the filling and garnish.
• Sugar and Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the taste.
• Milk or Water: Hydrates the dough, keeping it tender.
• Baking Powder: Helps the buns puff up nicely, especially in combination with yeast.

Variations for Spicy Chicken Buns

One of the best parts about making Spicy Chicken Buns at home is how easy it is to customize the recipe. Whether you want to tone down the spice, add new flavors, or cater to special diets, these variations have you covered.

• Extra Veggie Boost: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for more texture and nutrition.
• Heat Level Adjustment: Use milder chili sauces like sriracha mayo or increase heat with fresh chopped chilies.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with gluten-free flour blends and adjust moisture content for a delicious gluten-free bun.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh seasoned with the same spices for a plant-based twist.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey or brown sugar in the filling to create a beautiful balance between sweet and heat.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk or water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Once bubbly and foamy, combine with all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and a bit of oil. Knead the mixture until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Cook the Spicy Chicken Filling

While the dough rises, dice or shred your chicken and sauté it with finely chopped garlic and ginger in a hot pan. Add chili paste, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and scallions, cooking until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small equal portions. Roll each portion flat into a circle, then spoon the spicy chicken filling into the center. Seal the edges by pinching the dough together, forming a smooth, sealed bun.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

Place the buns on parchment paper squares in your steamer basket, ensuring they have space to expand. Steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes until the buns are fluffy, and the dough is cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. These Spicy Chicken Buns are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chicken Buns

• Dough Consistency: Avoid adding too much flour; a slightly sticky dough yields softer buns.
• Yeast Activation: Ensure your water or milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
• Resting Time: Let the filled buns rest for 10 minutes before steaming to help them puff up nicely.
• Flavor Layers: Marinate your chicken filling for 30 minutes beforehand for deeper seasoning.
• Steaming Setup: Keep the steamer lid wrapped in a cloth to prevent water droplets from falling on the buns during steaming.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Buns

Garnishes

Enhance your Spicy Chicken Buns with a light sprinkle of chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness and texture.

Side Dishes

These buns pair wonderfully with a tangy cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a simple bowl of steamed greens like bok choy or spinach. A dipping sauce of soy sauce mixed with chili oil complements the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spicy Chicken Buns in a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch, or arrange them on a wooden board lined with banana leaves for a rustic, inviting look that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Spicy Chicken Buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Freeze buns individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag, so they don’t stick together, allowing you to enjoy them anytime with minimal prep.

Reheating

Reheat steamed buns by placing them in a steamer for 5-7 minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and soft.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made dough for Spicy Chicken Buns?

Yes, pre-made dough can work well and saves time, just make sure it’s suitable for steaming and follow the same shaping and filling steps.

How spicy are these Spicy Chicken Buns?

The spice level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount and type of chili paste or fresh chilies used in the filling.

Can I bake the buns instead of steaming?

While steaming gives the buns their soft texture, you can bake them for a different texture, but expect a firmer and less fluffy result.

What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat.

Are Spicy Chicken Buns suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store and freeze well, making them convenient for quick meals or snacks throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft bun brimming with spicy, savory chicken. Spicy Chicken Buns are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, offering endless opportunities to customize and enjoy. Whether you’re new to steaming buns or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to bring that cozy, vibrant taste to your table, again and again. Dive in, have fun with it, and savor every flavorful bite!

Related Posts

• 5 Easy Hot Italian Sub Sliders to Try Tonight
• How to Make the Classic Croque Monsieur Perfectly
• Quick and Tasty Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe

Print