Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines irresistibly crunchy chicken with soft, pillowy bao buns, this Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in savory tamari and garlic, coated with a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, and fried until golden and crispy. Nestled inside light, steamed bao buns, topped with fresh crunchy veggies and a zingy sriracha mayo, every bite delivers layers of flavor and texture. It’s comfort food with a delightful Asian twist, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends with something a little different.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create complexity in taste and texture. Every component plays a vital role — from the tender chicken to the fresh crunch of cucumber and carrot, and the creamy, spicy mayonnaise that perfectly balances it all.

• Tamari or all-purpose soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty umami that marinates the chicken beautifully.
• Freshly minced garlic: Provides an aromatic punch that brightens the marinade.
• Eggs, whisked: Help the flour adhere to the chicken, creating that irresistible crust.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star protein—juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
• Plain (all-purpose) flour: Forms the crispy coating that crisps up perfectly when fried.
• Sea salt flakes: Enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
• Oil, for frying: Essential for that golden, crunchy exterior.
• Steamed bao buns: Soft, fluffy vessels that soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Carrots, julienned or shredded: Add fresh crunch and sweetness.
• Cucumbers, cut into batons: Bring a cool, crisp element that balances the warm chicken.
• Coriander (cilantro) leaves: Infuse each bite with a bright, herbaceous note.
• Sriracha mayonnaise: Creamy with a spicy kick—perfect for drizzling.
• Red bird’s eye chillies or long red chilli: Optional, but if you love heat, this is your go-to.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken thigh pieces in a mix of tamari (or soy sauce), freshly minced garlic, and whisked eggs. This marinade infuses the chicken with savory flavors and ensures it stays juicy on the inside once cooked. The eggs also play a crucial role in helping the flour coating stick perfectly to each piece.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Flour

In a separate bowl, combine plain flour with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a well-seasoned flour mix. Drain any excess marinade from the chicken and then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour. Make sure every piece is fully coated on all sides—this will develop that signature crispy golden crust when fried.

Step 3: Fry Until Crispy and Golden

Heat a good amount of oil in a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding — cook each batch for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through. When done, the chicken should have a crispy, golden exterior and remain juicy inside. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Step 4: Steam the Bao Buns

While the chicken cooks, steam the bao buns according to the packet instructions. Soft, warm bao buns are essential as they provide the perfect contrast to the crispy chicken’s texture. Timing this step so your buns are fresh and fluffy just as your chicken finishes cooking makes serving seamless and satisfying.

Step 5: Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Bao Buns

To assemble, open each bao bun and layer in the crispy chicken, fresh julienned carrots, cool cucumber batons, and coriander leaves. Generously drizzle sriracha mayo on top for that creamy, spicy lift. If you enjoy heat, scatter on slices of red bird’s eye or long red chillies. Finish with a light drizzle of tamari or soy sauce for an extra umami pop. Now you are ready to enjoy your masterpiece!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes bring your Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe to life with color, texture, and zing. Fresh coriander leaves lift the dish with herbal brightness, while thin slices of spicy red chilli add a fiery kick that accentuates the chicken. A touch of extra sriracha mayo or a light drizzle of soy sauce right before serving amps up every bite.

Side Dishes

These bao buns are quite the crowd-pleaser, but pairing them with simple Asian-inspired side dishes can turn a meal into a feast. Think crunchy pickled vegetables, a crisp Asian slaw, or even steamed edamame with a sprinkle of sesame salt. These sides balance out the richness of the crispy chicken and add variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, present your Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe deconstructed on a platter. Arrange the buns, chicken, veggies, and sauces separately to let everyone customize their own bites. Alternatively, stacking the filled buns on a tiered stand creates an eye-catching centerpiece that invites guests to dig in happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the chicken and steamed bao buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart helps the buns stay soft and the chicken crispier for longer. Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

The cooked, crispy chicken freezes well if wrapped properly in an airtight container or freezer bag. When freezing, lay the pieces flat so they don’t stick together. The bao buns can be frozen too, but it’s best to freeze them fresh, before steaming, to preserve their texture. Defrost the buns fully before steaming again.

Reheating

To bring your stored chicken back to life, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it often makes fried chicken soggy. For the bao buns, re-steam until warm and fluffy, which re-creates that fresh texture perfectly before assembling your Crispy Chicken Bao Buns again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but keep in mind it tends to be leaner and can dry out faster. To compensate, marinate a little longer and avoid over-frying so the chicken stays tender inside.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for frying, and ensure your tamari or soy sauce is gluten-free. Many Asian stores carry gluten-free bao buns as well, so it’s a great recipe to adapt for gluten sensitivities.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can bake the coated chicken pieces for a lighter version, but you won’t get quite the same level of crunch that frying provides. To crisp up in the oven, bake on a wire rack with some oil sprayed on top.

What can I use instead of sriracha mayonnaise?

If spicy mayo isn’t your thing, regular mayo or a mixture of mayo with a touch of honey and lime juice makes a delicious alternative. You can also try a tangy hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

How do I steam bao buns correctly?

Steaming bao buns is simple—just follow the packet instructions, usually steaming over boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes until they puff up and become soft. Using a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer over a wok or pot works great.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe that makes it a recipe to keep on hand for any occasion. The satisfying crunch, juicy chicken, and luscious toppings wrapped in soft, fluffy buns make every mouthful a joy. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe and enjoy the delicious adventure it delivers. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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