Name: Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons caster sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons (7g) instant dried yeast; 3 tablespoons full-fat milk; ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons (210 ml) warm water; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-size chunks; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic salt; 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour or 00 flour substitute; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon celery salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon chili flakes; 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons gochujang paste; 2 tablespoons honey; 4 tablespoons brown sugar; 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Jump to Recipe

If you have been searching for a show-stopping dish that brings bold flavors and pillowy softness together, Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are the answer. This incredible combination of crispy, juicy Korean fried chicken tucked inside steamed, fluffy bao buns delivers an unforgettable bite that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Whether you’re serving a special dinner or looking to impress friends with a unique fusion treat, these bao buns transform simple ingredients into a culinary celebration that everyone will love.

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns? You’ll find the ingredients are straightforward but mighty important, each contributing to the overall flavor, texture, and color. From the soft dough that creates the perfect bun, to the crunchy coating on the chicken and the bold, sticky glaze, everything works together like magic.

All-purpose flour (450g): The base for the bao dough giving it softness and structure.
Caster sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
Instant dried yeast (2 teaspoons): Responsible for the perfect rise in those fluffy bao buns.
Full-fat milk (3 tablespoons): Enriches the dough for tenderness.
Warm water (210 ml): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Softens and enriches the dough for pliability.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to brush the buns for a delicate shine and softness.
Chicken breasts (4): Cut into bite-sized chunks, the star protein of the dish.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Marinating liquid that tenderizes the chicken and adds tang.
Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, thyme, paprika, chili flakes): Creates the irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps build an airy, crispy crust on the chicken.
Vegetable oil (4 cups): For deep frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds nutty aroma and depth to the glaze.
Gochujang paste (2 tablespoons): Fermented Korean chili paste bringing heat and umami.
Honey and brown sugar (2 tablespoons and 4 tablespoons): Give sweetness and a sticky sheen to the glaze.
Soy sauce (4 tablespoons): Provides salty, savory complexity.
Garlic and ginger (2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons ginger): Fresh aromatics for the glaze.
Green onion (½ cup): Fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
Lettuce or cabbage (½ cup): Adds crisp texture and freshness inside the buns.
Korean spicy mayo (¼ cup): Creamy, spicy finish for that extra zing.
Black and white sesame seeds (2 teaspoons): Garnish that gives a toasty pop and visual appeal.
Pickled radishes (optional, ¼ cup): Tangy bite for contrast and tradition.

How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Prepare The Dough and the Chicken Marinade

First things first, mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast sets the foundation for those fluffy bao buns. Adding the warm milk, water, and butter not only activates the yeast but starts building the dough’s soft texture. Kneading by hand or with a mixer for about 10 minutes is key to creating springy dough that will rise beautifully. While the dough doubles in size, marinate your chicken in buttermilk and seasoning to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Bao Buns

Once your dough has risen, give it a quick knead before portioning it into 20 equal balls. Rolling each piece into an oval and brushing with olive oil before folding helps keep the inside perfectly soft and prevents sticking. Using a chopstick in the fold creates space for the delicious korean fried chicken filling. After arranging buns for their second rise, patience rewards you with puffy, airy bao ready for steaming.

Step 3: Cook the Korean Fried Chicken and Prepare the Glaze

Heat your vegetable oil carefully to get that crackling, crispy coating on the chicken. The secret lies in the seasoning mix and ensuring every bite is coated and cooked to a golden crunch. Keep the chicken warm in the oven while you prepare the sticky glaze by simmering gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger together. Tossing the fried chicken in this glaze is where the classic Korean flavor truly shines.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

Steaming the buns in batches ensures they stay soft and delicate while perfectly cooked through. Using parchment paper prevents them from sticking and steaming for about 10 minutes is just enough time to achieve that iconic fluffy bao texture that pairs so well with the fried chicken inside.

Step 5: Serve the Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Now comes the fun part: building your bao buns! Open them gently and fill with the luscious Korean fried chicken, crisp lettuce or cabbage, fresh green onions, a drizzle of Korean spicy mayo, sesame seeds, and if you’re feeling adventurous, tangy pickled radishes. The layers of texture and flavor will make every bite an absolute delight.

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Garnishes

The finishing touches elevate your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns from delicious to unforgettable. Sprinkle black and white sesame seeds for that nutty crunch and add thinly sliced green onions for a pop of brightness. Pickled radishes not only add color but balance richness with a little tangy sharpness.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve these bao buns alongside light, refreshing sides such as an Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. A crisp cabbage slaw with a sesame dressing complements the richness of the chicken while keeping things fresh and vibrant on the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns into a party star by offering a bao bar where guests can customize their own. Lay out various toppings like shredded carrots, extra spicy mayo, or sriracha for an interactive, fun eating experience. Alternatively, stack a few buns on a wooden platter garnished with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation anyone would want to dive into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — though it’s hard to resist eating them all at once — store your cooked bao buns and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This approach prevents the buns from getting soggy and keeps each element tasting fresh the next day.

Freezing

Both the bao buns and cooked Korean fried chicken freeze well. Place buns in a freezer bag with parchment between each bun to prevent sticking, and freeze the chicken pieces in a separate container or bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the bao buns by steaming them for a few minutes to restore that soft texture, and crisp the chicken again briefly in a hot oven or air fryer to revive its irresistible crunch. The glaze keeps the chicken flavorful, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra spicy mayo to freshen up the experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand and pat it dry before marinating. This helps the coating stick better and cooks more evenly.

What’s the best flour to use for bao buns?

All-purpose flour works beautifully for these bao buns and creates a tender crumb, but if you can find 00 flour, it’s a wonderful substitute that yields an even softer texture.

Can I make the dough without yeast?

Yeast is essential for the signature puffiness and lightness of bao buns, so skipping it will greatly change the texture. If you’re short on time, try using quick-rise yeast for faster proofing.

How spicy are Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns?

These buns offer a balanced heat level thanks to gochujang and chili flakes, but it’s easy to adjust the spice according to your preference—add more chili flakes or a hotter sauce if you love heat, or tone it down for milder taste buds.

Can I make the sauce sweeter or less salty?

Definitely! The glaze is quite adaptable—feel free to add more honey or brown sugar to increase sweetness or reduce the soy sauce slightly to lower saltiness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

Making Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns at home is a delightful project that rewards you with bursts of flavor and incredible textures in every bite. These buns are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together around something truly special. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen.