Korean Chicken Bao Buns – Spicy, Sticky & Seriously Soft!

Name: Korean Chicken Bao Buns – Spicy, Sticky & Seriously Soft!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 250g all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 150ml warm water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Pinch of salt; Sliced cucumbers; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the delicious fusion of Korean flavors with these mouthwatering Chicken Bao Buns. Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then wrapped in pillowy soft buns for a perfect bite. These bao buns are great for parties or a cozy night in, promising to deliver an explosion of taste that will have everyone coming back for more.

Created by

Amber Walsh

Last updated on 2025-12-01T19:03:34.417Z

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are not just food; they are an experience. The combination of flavors and textures will have your taste buds dancing with joy!

A Flavorful Journey

Indulging in these Korean Chicken Bao Buns takes you on a delightful culinary journey. The fusion of tender, marinated chicken and soft, fluffy buns creates a mouthwatering experience. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors tantalizes your taste buds, making it hard to resist just one. Each bite promises a burst of the savory notes distinct to Korean cuisine, making it not just a meal but an adventure on your plate.

These bao buns are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them, inserting your favorite ingredients or even adjusting the spice level according to your preference. The simplicity of making the bao allows you to focus on the flavors of the chicken and the harmony of the toppings, providing a unique, personalized dining experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, planning a casual family dinner, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Korean Chicken Bao Buns are the ideal dish. Their shareable nature makes them perfect for parties, allowing guests to enjoy the interactive experience of building their own buns. This not only sparks conversation but also enhances the festive atmosphere of any occasion.

Moreover, these buns are great for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and even prepare the dough in advance. Storing them in the refrigerator or freezer ensures that you can whip up a delightful meal at a moment's notice. This flexibility makes Korean Chicken Bao Buns a reliable recipe to have in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started.

For the Chicken Marinade

500g chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Bao Buns

250g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
150ml warm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Pinch of salt

For Serving

Sliced cucumbers
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Make sure you have everything on this list.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your bao buns.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add the diced chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Slowly add warm water and oil, mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Ferment the Dough

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Shape and Steam the Bao Buns

Divide the dough into small pieces, roll them out into circles, place a spoonful of the cooked chicken in the center, fold and seal. Steam the buns for about 10 minutes.

Serve

Serve warm with sliced cucumbers, green onions, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Enjoy your delicious Korean Chicken Bao Buns!

Tips for Perfect Bao Buns

Achieving the perfect bao bun requires a few handy tips. When kneading the dough, ensure you develop a good amount of gluten for that lovely soft texture. It’s essential to get the dough smooth and elastic, which will help the buns hold their shape during steaming. Moreover, make sure your steamer is preheated before placing the buns inside; this helps them cook evenly and puff up beautifully.

Another important tip is not to overcrowd your steamer. Leave enough space between the buns so they can expand while cooking. If you’re making a large batch, consider steaming them in multiple rounds. This attention to detail will ensure that you enjoy fluffy, airy buns every time.

Serving Suggestions

Korean Chicken Bao Buns can be served with an array of delightful accompaniments. Consider adding a drizzle of spicy mayo or a tangy pickled vegetable for an extra flavor kick. Incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro can add a refreshing touch. You can also provide various dipping sauces, such as hoisin or sriracha, allowing guests to customize their buns to their liking.

For a balanced meal, serve the bao with a side of vibrant salad or steamed vegetables. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a nutritional boost. Pairing these amazing buns with the right sides elevates the dining experience, transforming your meal into a feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought bao buns?

Yes, you can use store-bought bao buns to save time!

→ What can I substitute for gochujang?

You can use sriracha or any other chili paste, but the flavor will be different.