If you are ready to dive into something irresistibly delicious, then this Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breast coated in a flavorful crispy layer, tucked inside pillowy soft bao buns, with a symphony of hoisin sauce, crunchy coleslaw, and fresh cucumber and spring onion. This dish delights every bite with contrasting textures and a burst of Asian-inspired flavors that are simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but comes together with ease, making it perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small, unevenly shaped pieces of golden brown fried food are cooking in a black pan. Each piece has a crispy, textured surface with some darker spots showing where the frying is more intense. The pieces are scattered close to each other, and there are shiny bubbles of oil around them, giving a greasy look. The pan surface is slightly reflective and black, showing clear signs of cooking use. The background is not visible, focusing fully on the food and pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and the secret behind how well your Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe turns out. Each component plays a crucial role—from the marinade that packs bold flavor into the chicken to the fresh crispness of the veggies that bring balance to every bite.

500g chicken breast: The heart of the dish, sliced thin for a tender, quick-cooking base.
2 Tbsp soy sauce: Adds that essential umami kick and depth of flavor to the marinade.
1 tsp garlic powder: Brings aromatic warmth without overpowering the other spices.
1 tsp ginger powder: A subtle zing that brightens the chicken with a hint of spice.
1 tsp 5 spice powder: Infuses the chicken with a fragrant, complex Asian-inspired essence.
1 egg: Helps bind the cornflour to the chicken for the perfect crispiness.
¼ cup cornflour: The secret to that irresistible crunchy coating on the chicken pieces.
¼ cup oil: For shallow frying, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and crisps beautifully.
8 bao buns: Soft, steamed pillows ready to cradle all the delicious fillings.
4 Tbsp hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds a rich layer of flavor.
1 bag ready-made coleslaw: Offers a fresh and crunchy contrast, plus convenience.
½ cucumber, thinly sliced: Provides a clean, crisp bite to balance the richness.
1 spring onion, sliced: Adds mild sharpness and color.
2 Tbsp Japanese mayo: Creamy, with a hint of sweetness, tying the flavors together.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by slicing your chicken breast into bite-sized 1 cm pieces. This ensures quick, even cooking and makes your bao buns easy to assemble and eat. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and 5 spice powder. The marinade combines salty umami, aromatic spices, and just the right hint of warmth to elevate the chicken’s flavor.

Step 2: Bind and Marinate

Next, crack in the egg and sprinkle the cornflour over the marinated chicken. Mix everything thoroughly so each piece is coated for that perfect crispiness once cooked. Let the chicken rest in the fridge for 20 minutes—this step is key for the flavors to meld and the coating to adhere well.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Carefully shallow fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy on each side, and fully cooked through. This step brings out the desired crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bao buns later.

Step 4: Steam the Bao Buns and Prepare Fillings

While the chicken crisps up, steam your bao buns in a bamboo steamer until fluffy and warm—this just takes a few minutes. Meanwhile, get your coleslaw ready and slice the cucumber and spring onion. The fresh ingredients will add the perfect crunch and coolness to balance the richness of the crispy chicken.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spread a generous layer of hoisin sauce inside each steamed bun, then pile in the crispy chicken followed by coleslaw, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of spring onion. Finish with a drizzle of Japanese mayo to bring all the elements together into one harmonious bite of joy.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

Three soft, white steamed buns are placed on a long white plate on a white marbled surface. Each bun is folded in half, forming a pocket filled with colorful layers: at the bottom, shredded purple and white cabbage mixed with thin orange carrot strips, topped with a piece of brown grilled meat. Above the meat are fresh, bright green leafy vegetables and drizzle of creamy white sauce on top. The buns look fluffy and smooth, slightly shiny on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take this Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe up a notch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh coriander on top. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of texture and a pop of color, making your presentation as delightful as the taste.

Side Dishes

Pair the bao buns with light, refreshing sides to complement their richness. Think miso soup, pickled vegetables, or even a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad. These options add balance and keep the meal vibrant and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your bao buns on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra hoisin sauce and mayo for guests to customize. You could also set up a bao bun “bar” with a variety of toppings like kimchi, sliced radishes, or chili flakes for a fun, interactive meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover crispy chicken and steamed bao buns separately into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. Keeping them separate helps maintain the bao buns’ softness and the chicken’s crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cooked chicken and bao buns but be sure they’re well wrapped. Freeze the chicken in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a container, and freeze unopened bao buns in their original packaging or wrapped tightly. This way, you can enjoy the Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispy texture, while steaming the bao buns again briefly until soft and warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the naan buns chewy and the chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but they may take a little longer to cook and can result in a slightly different texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through and crispy.

What can I substitute for cornflour?

If you don’t have cornflour, you can use potato starch or all-purpose flour as alternatives. Cornflour gives the crispiest finish, but these substitutes will still work well for coating the chicken.

Can I make the bao buns from scratch?

Yes, homemade bao buns are wonderful if you have time to make them, but store-bought bao buns save a lot of prep and steaming time while still delivering delicious results for this Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?

While shallow frying gives you that classic crispy texture, baking the chicken coated in oil at high heat can be a healthier alternative. It might not be quite as crispy, but it still tastes fantastic.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Leftover chicken and bao buns can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are kept in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together with its delightful textures, vibrant flavors, and the ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, these bao buns offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy a meal bursting with Asian flair. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own new favorite!

Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe