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Spicy Chicken Buns

Spicy Chicken Buns
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Spicy Chicken Buns offer a delightful burst of bold flavors wrapped inside soft, pillowy bread. These buns feature a tender chicken filling seasoned with chili, garlic, and aromatic spices balanced by a light, fluffy dough. Perfect for snacks, lunch, or dinner, they bring savory, spicy goodness with a comforting texture that’s customizable to your preferred heat level.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 4 cups (about 480g)
  • Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet)
  • Warm milk: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Sugar: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp

Filling Ingredients

  • Chicken breast or thighs: 1 lb (450g), finely chopped or ground
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced
  • Chili paste or fresh chilies: 2 tbsp chili paste or 2 fresh chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Sesame oil: 1 tsp
  • Green onions: 3 stalks, chopped
  • Vegetable oil (for cooking): 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, kneading the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and place it in a warm area to rest and rise for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  2. Make the Spicy Chicken Filling: While the dough is rising, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the chopped or ground chicken and cook until no longer pink. Stir in chili paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, cooking for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Finish by folding in chopped green onions. Set filling aside to cool slightly.
  3. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (about 12). Flatten each piece into a circle and spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken filling into the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal the buns completely.
  4. Steam or Bake the Buns: To steam, place buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam for about 15 minutes until soft and fluffy. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place buns on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Choose the method you prefer for desired texture.
  5. Serve Warm: Let the buns cool for a few minutes after cooking to allow the filling to settle and not be too hot. Serve with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use warm, not hot, liquids: Yeast activates best at moderate temperatures to ensure proper rising.
  • Don’t overfill the buns to prevent leaking or bursting during cooking.
  • Seal the dough edges firmly by pinching tightly to keep the filling contained.
  • Allow the dough to rest adequately for enhanced flavor and soft texture.
  • Prepare the filling ahead of time to save time and deepen flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken buns, steamed buns, savory buns, Asian buns, homemade buns, chicken filling, handheld snack

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