Name: Chicken Bao Buns
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 12 bao buns (store-bought or homemade, steamed); 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, shredded, or roasted); 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup chopped scallions; Fresh cilantro leaves (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sriracha mayo (for drizzling); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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These Chicken Bao Buns are a flavorful fusion of crispy chicken, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy pickled onions, all tucked inside soft and fluffy steamed bao buns. Whether served as appetizers or the centerpiece of a fun meal, these handheld delights offer a balance of textures and bold, savory flavors that make them impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken bao buns combine the best of comfort and creativity. The bao buns are pillowy and light, the chicken is crunchy and golden, and the fresh toppings provide brightness and balance. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or entertaining, these buns are visually impressive and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking oil spray or oil, for frying or baking

For the Bao Buns:

10–12 steamed bao buns (store-bought or homemade)

Toppings:

Sliced cucumber
Pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional)
Sriracha mayo or hoisin sauce (optional for drizzling)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Cook the chicken:
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Air fryer method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
- Pan-fry method: Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Steam the bao buns: Steam according to package instructions until soft and warm.
Assemble the buns: Open each bao bun and layer with cucumber slices, crispy chicken, and pickled onions. Add sauce or herbs if desired.
Serve immediately, while the buns and chicken are warm and fresh.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 bao buns
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per bun (varies with toppings and sauce)

Variations

Spicy Chicken Bao: Toss cooked chicken in spicy buffalo or Korean gochujang sauce.
Asian BBQ: Glaze chicken with hoisin or teriyaki sauce before serving.
Slaw Topping: Add a crunchy slaw for texture and a tangy kick.
Tofu Bao Buns: Substitute crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pickle Options: Use daikon, carrots, or jalapeños for different pickled toppings.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, and steam bao buns fresh before assembling. Assembled bao buns do not store well, so build them just before eating.

FAQs

Can I make bao buns from scratch?

Yes, but store-bought frozen buns are a convenient and tasty shortcut.

How do I steam bao buns without a steamer?

Place buns in a heatproof plate over a pot of simmering water, cover, and steam.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh strips work well for frying or baking.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

What sauces go well with these?

Sriracha mayo, hoisin, garlic aioli, or a soy-ginger glaze are all great options.

Can I freeze cooked chicken strips?

Yes, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

Are bao buns gluten-free?

Most are not—check the label or make gluten-free bao from scratch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Prep the chicken and toppings ahead, then reheat and assemble just before serving.

What veggies can I add?

Try shredded carrots, slaw mix, or baby spinach for color and crunch.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely—just use mild seasoning and let them build their own for fun.

Conclusion

Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful blend of flavor, texture, and presentation. With crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft bao, they’re perfect for casual meals or impressive party platters. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, these buns bring excitement and comfort to any table.

Chicken Bao Buns

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Chicken Bao Buns are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with tender, flavorful chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy sauces—a perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite, ideal for snacks, appetizers, or a fun meal.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 buns 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Steam the bao buns according to package instructions or until soft and fluffy.
In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the cooked chicken, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and coated evenly.
Prepare fillings: slice cucumbers, shred carrots, and chop scallions and cilantro.
Carefully open each steamed bao bun and fill with warm chicken mixture.
Add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, scallions, and cilantro.
Drizzle with mayo or sriracha mayo.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.