Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns Recipe for Crispy Flavorful Bites

Name: Fried Chicken Buns
Prep time: 2 h 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: – 350 grams all-purpose or bleached flour; – 30 grams cornstarch; – 40 grams superfine sugar; – 5 grams (1 packet) yeast; – 170 ml warm water; – 15 ml (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil; – 500 grams chicken breasts or thighs for marinade; – 5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt for marinade; – 2 grams (½ teaspoon) black pepper for marinade; – 15 ml (1 tablespoon) soy sauce for marinade; – 5 ml (1 teaspoon) sesame oil for marinade; – 1 egg white for marinade; – 80 grams all-purpose flour for coating; – 500 ml vegetable oil for shallow frying; – 60 grams (4 tablespoons) gochujang for spicy sauce; – 30 ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce for spicy sauce; – 35 grams (3 tablespoons) light brown sugar for spicy sauce; – 15 ml (1 tablespoon) rice vinegar for spicy sauce; – 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped for spicy sauce; – ½ cucumber, thinly sliced to serve; – 2 spring onions or chives, finely chopped to serve; – 10 grams (1 tablespoon) sesame seeds to serve

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

December 27, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Buns

This fried chicken buns recipe brings together the best of crispy Korean fried chicken and soft, fluffy bao buns for a meal that’s full of excitement and flavor. It’s simple enough for busy nights yet offers a fun twist that makes dinner feel special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, these buns deliver a satisfying bite every time.

One reason you’ll enjoy this dish is its ease of preparation, perfect for busy weeknights like yours as a home cook or parent. The straightforward steps mean you can whip up a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it both convenient and budget-friendly.

Health benefits come from using lean chicken and fresh veggies, giving you a balanced option compared to heavy fried foods. For instance, chicken provides protein that helps keep you full and energized, as discussed in the health benefits of chicken. This recipe supports your lifestyle whether you’re watching your diet or just wanting something nutritious.

The versatility of fried chicken buns lets you adapt them to fit various needs, such as gluten-free or vegan choices. You can tweak the fillings to match what you have in the fridge, making it ideal for students, working professionals, or anyone experimenting in the kitchen. It’s a dish that grows with your tastes and keeps things fresh.

Finally, the distinctive flavor comes from the mix of crispy chicken and pillowy buns, creating a standout meal. The spicy sauce adds a kick that elevates simple ingredients into something memorable. If you’re a food enthusiast or traveler looking for new ideas, this recipe will inspire you to try more global flavors at home.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Buns
2. Essential Ingredients for Fried Chicken Buns
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Fried Chicken Buns: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Fried Chicken Buns
5. Mastering Fried Chicken Buns: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Fried Chicken Buns: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Chicken Buns
8. Fried Chicken Buns

Essential Ingredients for Fried Chicken Buns

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious fried chicken buns. Below, you’ll find a complete list based on the recipe, organized for easy use. This ensures you have everything needed to create soft bao buns and crispy chicken with a spicy twist.

For the steamed bao buns:

350 grams all-purpose or bleached flour
30 grams cornstarch
40 grams superfine sugar
5 grams (1 packet) yeast
170 ml warm water
15 ml (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil

For the chicken marinade:

500 grams chicken breasts or thighs
5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
2 grams (½ teaspoon) black pepper
15 ml (1 tablespoon) soy sauce
5 ml (1 teaspoon) sesame oil
1 egg white

For the coating:

80 grams all-purpose flour
500 ml vegetable oil (enough for shallow frying to cover chicken pieces halfway)

For the spicy sauce:

60 grams (4 tablespoons) gochujang
30 ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
35 grams (3 tablespoons) light brown sugar
15 ml (1 tablespoon) rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

To serve:

½ cucumber, thinly sliced
2 spring onions or chives, finely chopped
10 grams (1 tablespoon) sesame seeds

These ingredients make about 8 buns and take around 3 hours and 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking. For special diets, consider options like plant-based swaps to keep things flexible.

How to Prepare the Perfect Fried Chicken Buns: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with fried chicken buns is fun and straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. Begin by pulling together all your ingredients and following these clear steps. This guide blends the preparation of bao buns and Korean fried chicken for a tasty result.

Preparing the Steamed Bao Buns

First, combine the dry ingredients for the bao buns: 350 grams all-purpose or bleached flour, 30 grams cornstarch, 40 grams superfine sugar, and 5 grams yeast in a bowl. Add 170 ml warm water and 15 ml vegetable oil, then knead into a sticky, smooth dough. Let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size, then punch it down, roll it out, and cut into 10 cm rounds. Fold into the classic bao shape and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes before steaming for 10 to 12 minutes until puffy.

This step ensures your buns are soft and ready to hold the fillings. If you want to try something similar, check out our baked broccoli cheese balls for another easy side idea.

Marinating and Frying the Chicken

Next, for the Korean fried chicken, cut 500 grams chicken into pieces and mix with the marinade: 5 grams salt, 2 grams black pepper, 15 ml soy sauce, 5 ml sesame oil, and 1 egg white. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up flavors.

Combine the marinade with 80 grams all-purpose flour to make a light batter. Heat 500 ml vegetable oil in a pan to 163°C (325°F) and fry the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

Making the Spicy Sauce and Assembling

Whisk together the spicy sauce ingredients: 60 grams gochujang, 30 ml soy sauce, 35 grams light brown sugar, 15 ml rice vinegar, and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens, then toss the fried chicken in most of the sauce, saving some for dipping.

To assemble, spread sauce inside each bun, add the chicken, and top with thinly sliced cucumber, finely chopped spring onions or chives, and sesame seeds. Serve right away for the best taste and texture. This whole process yields at least 8 buns and is great for family meals.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Fried Chicken Buns

Making fried chicken buns your own is easy with a few swaps. Whether you’re aiming for vegan options or lighter choices, these changes keep the dish delicious. Start by thinking about protein and add-ins that fit your needs.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives:

Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.
Use turkey or fish fillets as a lean protein alternative.
Substitute chicken with seitan for plant-based but protein-rich bowls.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications:

Swap traditional lettuce with kale or spinach for added nutrients.
Use sriracha mayo or vegan aioli to vary sauce flavors.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like pickled carrots or cucumber for freshness.
Adjust seasoning blends to reduce sodium or spice levels based on preference.

These tweaks make the recipe work for busy parents, diet-conscious folks, or baking enthusiasts. For more ideas on healthy twists, explore recipes like our adobo fried rice.

Mastering Fried Chicken Buns: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try these tips to level up your fried chicken buns. Small changes can make a big difference in taste and texture. Think of it as adding your personal touch to a favorite recipe.

Use brining before marinating to keep chicken juicy, and check oil temperature with a thermometer for perfect frying.
Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or curry powder to create new flavor profiles.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or scallions, and add pickles for a vibrant look.
Prepare components ahead and assemble later to fit busy schedules, keeping everything fresh.

These ideas help food enthusiasts and newlyweds add variety. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to play around.

How to Store Fried Chicken Buns: Best Practices

Storage Method	Details	Tips
Refrigeration	Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.	Keeps the buns fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezing	Wrap buns and chicken separately in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.	Maintains texture for later use, as mentioned in the recipe notes.
Reheating	Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes; warm buns in microwave briefly.	Retains crispiness and avoids drying out the food.
Meal Prep	Cook in large batches and store parts separately for fresh assembly.	Ideal for working professionals needing quick options.

Proper storage helps seniors or students enjoy meals without waste. Leftover buns can be frozen for up to two months and reheated by steaming, as per the instructions.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Chicken Buns

What type of flour is best for making soft fried chicken bao buns?

Plain (all-purpose) flour is typically used to make bao buns because it provides a tender texture. Adding a bit of cornstarch can help create a lighter, fluffier bun. For an even softer, whiter finish similar to those found in Asian restaurants, bleached flour from an Asian grocery store is ideal. This flour creates a delicate crumb that pairs well with the crispy fried chicken filling.

How can I tell when the oil temperature is right for frying chicken for bao buns?

The oil should be heated to about 165°C (325°F) for frying chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature. Alternatively, insert the end of a wooden chopstick or a wooden spoon into the oil—if small bubbles rapidly form around it, the oil is hot enough. Proper oil temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy coating without absorbing excess oil.

What marinade and coating make the fried chicken crispy for bao buns?

A common marinade includes soy sauce, garlic, and spices to infuse flavor. After marinating, the chicken is coated with flour that interacts with the marinade, forming a light batter. Pressing flour firmly onto the chicken creates a craggy texture that crisps well during frying. For extra crunch, some recipes add cornstarch to the flour coating.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in fried chicken bao buns?

Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute for thighs. While thighs are juicier and more flavorful due to higher fat content, chicken breast is leaner and works well if cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces to maintain tenderness. Adjust frying time to avoid drying out the breast meat, and consider marinating longer for added moisture.

What is the best way to assemble fried chicken bao buns for serving?

To assemble, split steamed bao buns gently to avoid tearing. Spread a thin layer of spicy sauce inside the bun for flavor and moisture. Add the fried chicken pieces while still hot, then top with fresh cucumber slices for crunch and cooling contrast. Garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and texture before serving immediately.

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns Recipe for Crispy Flavorful Bites

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Buns

Essential Ingredients for Fried Chicken Buns